thestream--2020-08-28--Some Lives Matter More

Some Lives Matter More

We can all agree with the words , if not with the Marxist cult that adopted them as its trademark .
The lives of black people , who are equally images of God for whom Jesus died , are sacred .
And sacred things matter .
Every person of every race , regardless of wealth , privilege , ability , age , sinfulness , or any other factor , has a unique value in God ’ s eyes .
While his life , like yours and mine , is fleeting thanks to the effects of original sin , his soul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really matters .
As C.S .
Lewis said , if we could see the eternal fate of every person around us — endless glory with God or eternal punishment — we couldn ’ t get through the day .
We ’ d be either awestruck with glory or paralyzed by horror .
No Creator ?
Then No Endowment , and No Rights All of that is bedrock Christian dogma .
It also happens , not by coincidence , to be the core fact on which American politics were founded .
We only have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creator ” “ endowed ” us with them .
They didn ’ t grow out of the ground , or fall from space .
The very idea that each person carries a sacred nimbus of rights by virtue of his humanity is not something of earth .
It ’ s not so much extraterrestrial as transcendent .
The Aztecs didn ’ t believe that , and neither did the Chinese .
Nor did the Romans , Greeks , or any other pagans .
Rebels against the Bible , from Revolutionary France to Nazi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each of these post-Christian , anti-Christian regimes carved out huge exceptions , drew up long lists of people whose lives by their very nature ( their race , or class , or religion ) weren ’ t sacred , but cheap .
As Robert Reilly proves in his brilliant scholarly study America on Trial , the sanctity of life is the “ proposition ” on which America ’ s built .
Every liberty we cling to , each institution we value , flows from that assertion .
That ’ s why slavery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forefathers ’ throats .
It ’ s why abortion will make our descendants ashamed of us .
There is no other stable basis for human dignity .
If you agree with Darwin , we ’ re all here by accident , thanks to the vicious winnowing of ruthless natural selection .
Then you logically ought to conclude that no lives matter .
Though you ’ re fond of your own , and of those who share a bit more of your genetic material .
So you ought to join some racist movement — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t entitled to have such movements .
In that case , it might improve your reproductive odds to glom on to some anti-racist movement .
If that gets you more money , power , and access to sex , it ’ s the winning move .
Maybe slap some fake Christian rhetoric about “ equality ” onto it , if that makes you feel better about becoming the remora attached to a shark , eating its parasites .
Hey , whatever works !
Dignity has no meaning .
Keeping the biblical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear away some fake conclusions well-meaning , timid , or merely conformist people draw from them .
Every life is unique and precious .
True .
But that doesn ’ t mean that extending every life as long as possible is important , no matter the cost .
If that were true , then we ’ d never fight any wars .
We ’ d always decide that the price in human lives was just too high .
So we ’ d let the bullies , thugs , and tyrants ( who think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If Churchill had been a pacifist , there would have been death camps in Britain .
God didn ’ t tell the Jews to act like this in the Old Testament , and Jesus never mentioned it in the New .
He never told soldiers to quit the Roman army as the price of following Him .
He did tell us to accept personal slights ( like a slap on the cheek ) rather than escalate to dueling , but that ’ s as close to pacifism as Jesus ever got .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contradict His Father , who ’ d told the Jews to fight in self-defense — and sometimes even conquest , of truly evil regimes built on child sacrifice .
If you want the long form of the argument , proving that “ non-violence ” isn ’ t a basic , or even a particularly important , tenet of Christianity , read this piece .
It ’ s exhaustive , and leaves not one pacifist Christian stone piled upon another .
If extending every single life as long as possible were the goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be set at 25 mph , and we ’ d all drive rubber cars , while wearing helmets .
Mountain-climbing , drag-racing , and other dangerous sports would be simply illegal .
Of course we ’ d have no death penalty , not even for murder .
But we ’ d also have a hard time even enforcing the law in the first place .
No cops would carry guns .
If a felon they tried to arrest used deadly force , the cops would just back away .
His life would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are you seeing the potential for total insanity here ?
Put baldly , nobody really believes that life-extension is of infinite value .
That we should starve the arts , education , entertainment , and every other endeavor of funds , just to spend it on health and nutrition .
Or that we should give up our freedom , and let the government force us to exercise for 2 hours daily , just to extend our lives .
Or dictate that we eat only healthy foods , in pre-measured portions .
We do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop aggressors , thieves , and terrorists .
Our actions speak louder than words .
What ’ s more , we don ’ t believe that “ human life ” is incomparably more important than property .
That ’ s why the guards at the Vatican have guns , and would use them if someone insisted on spraying the Sistine Chapel ceiling with red paint .
Would that be an un-Christian decision , to have Swiss Guard snipers take out a vandal attacking that timeless art ?
Absolutely not .
You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might feel a little conflicted , because nonsense fake Christianity has been sloshing around in the culture , addling all our minds .
So let me unpack for you the reasons why you already believe that Swiss Guards defending timeless art , or a shop-owner defending his business , using violence , is good and right and Christian , what Jesus wants us to do .
What are the paintings on the Sistine Ceiling but the concrete result of an artist ’ s life ?
The countless hours he poured into that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If some looter destroys it , what is he doing but stealing all those years from Michelangelo ?
He ’ s in effect going back in time and murdering the man .
Likewise , on a more everyday level .
Think of some guy in Kenosha , Wisconsin , who spent 40 years working in his family ’ s convenience store , building up a livelihood .
If a bunch of angry thugs barge in and burn the place , they ’ ve turned all those hours into slave labor .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slaves have the right to rebel , to fight back , to resist using whatever force is necessary against those who would put them in chains .
The Lives the Innocent Build Matter More When looters and thugs attack a shopping center , they aren ’ t “ precious human lives ” who outweigh mere “ bricks and mortar.
” They are criminals using force trying to enslave other human beings .
So we ought to resist them using proportionate force .
Ideally , police would do that , being trained in de-escalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives of the innocent matter more than the lives of the guilty .
The lives people have built , the businesses they ’ ve constructed by the sweat of their brows over thousands of hours matter more than the self-indulgent whims of angry looters .
When thugs initiate violence , they forfeit their right to peace .
Extending their lives matters less than keeping the peace and protecting the innocent .
When a government turns the streets over to packs of political thugs , and stands down the police , abandoning the citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abolishing democracy , and making street gangs sovereign .
It ’ s making Antifa or Black Lives Matter into the State .
At that point , citizens have the right , even the duty to step up and fight .
As the brave , rash Kyle Rittenhouse did , God bless him .
When I grow up , I hope I turn out a lot like Kyle .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream , and author or co-author of ten books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is co-author with Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
”

We can all agree with the words, if not with the Marxist cult that adopted them as its trademark. The lives of black people, who are equally images of God for whom Jesus died, are sacred. And sacred things matter.
Every person of every race, regardless of wealth, privilege, ability, age, sinfulness, or any other factor, has a unique value in God’s eyes. While his life, like yours and mine, is fleeting thanks to the effects of original sin, his soul is immortal. That’s what really matters. As C.S. Lewis said, if we could see the eternal fate of every person around us — endless glory with God or eternal punishment — we couldn’t get through the day. We’d be either awestruck with glory or paralyzed by horror.
No Creator? Then No Endowment, and No Rights
All of that is bedrock Christian dogma. It also happens, not by coincidence, to be the core fact on which American politics were founded. We only have “inalienable” rights because “our Creator” “endowed” us with them. They didn’t grow out of the ground, or fall from space. The very idea that each person carries a sacred nimbus of rights by virtue of his humanity is not something of earth. It’s not so much extraterrestrial as transcendent.
The Aztecs didn’t believe that, and neither did the Chinese. Nor did the Romans, Greeks, or any other pagans. Rebels against the Bible, from Revolutionary France to Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia strenuously denied it. Each of these post-Christian, anti-Christian regimes carved out huge exceptions, drew up long lists of people whose lives by their very nature (their race, or class, or religion) weren’t sacred, but cheap.
Nature Is Fascist
As Robert Reilly proves in his brilliant scholarly study America on Trial, the sanctity of life is the “proposition” on which America’s built. Every liberty we cling to, each institution we value, flows from that assertion. That’s why slavery stuck like a bone lodged in our forefathers’ throats. It’s why abortion will make our descendants ashamed of us.
No lives matter, this I know, because Charles Darwin taught me so.
There is no other stable basis for human dignity. If you agree with Darwin, we’re all here by accident, thanks to the vicious winnowing of ruthless natural selection. Then you logically ought to conclude that no lives matter. Though you’re fond of your own, and of those who share a bit more of your genetic material. So you ought to join some racist movement — except if politics dictates that some groups aren’t entitled to have such movements.
In that case, it might improve your reproductive odds to glom on to some anti-racist movement. If that gets you more money, power, and access to sex, it’s the winning move. Maybe slap some fake Christian rhetoric about “equality” onto it, if that makes you feel better about becoming the remora attached to a shark, eating its parasites. Hey, whatever works! Dignity has no meaning.
No lives matter,
this I know
because Charles Darwin
taught me so.
The Sanctity of Life-Extension?
Keeping the biblical truths in mind, let’s clear away some fake conclusions well-meaning, timid, or merely conformist people draw from them.
Every life is unique and precious. True. But that doesn’t mean that extending every life as long as possible is important, no matter the cost. If that were true, then we’d never fight any wars. We’d always decide that the price in human lives was just too high. So we’d let the bullies, thugs, and tyrants (who think life is cheap) run the world. If Churchill had been a pacifist, there would have been death camps in Britain.
God’s Not a Pacifist
God didn’t tell the Jews to act like this in the Old Testament, and Jesus never mentioned it in the New. He never told soldiers to quit the Roman army as the price of following Him.
He did tell us to accept personal slights (like a slap on the cheek) rather than escalate to dueling, but that’s as close to pacifism as Jesus ever got. He didn’t come to earth to contradict His Father, who’d told the Jews to fight in self-defense — and sometimes even conquest, of truly evil regimes built on child sacrifice.
If you want the long form of the argument, proving that “non-violence” isn’t a basic, or even a particularly important, tenet of Christianity, read this piece. It’s exhaustive, and leaves not one pacifist Christian stone piled upon another.
Speed Limit: 25 MPH
If extending every single life as long as possible were the goal, our speed limits would have to be set at 25 mph, and we’d all drive rubber cars, while wearing helmets. Mountain-climbing, drag-racing, and other dangerous sports would be simply illegal. Of course we’d have no death penalty, not even for murder. But we’d also have a hard time even enforcing the law in the first place. No cops would carry guns. If a felon they tried to arrest used deadly force, the cops would just back away. His life would be too important to put at risk.
Are you seeing the potential for total insanity here? Put baldly, nobody really believes that life-extension is of infinite value. That we should starve the arts, education, entertainment, and every other endeavor of funds, just to spend it on health and nutrition. Or that we should give up our freedom, and let the government force us to exercise for 2 hours daily, just to extend our lives. Or dictate that we eat only healthy foods, in pre-measured portions.
We do want cops to use force when necessary to stop aggressors, thieves, and terrorists. Our actions speak louder than words.
Property Is Accumulated Life
What’s more, we don’t believe that “human life” is incomparably more important than property. That’s why the guards at the Vatican have guns, and would use them if someone insisted on spraying the Sistine Chapel ceiling with red paint. Would that be an un-Christian decision, to have Swiss Guard snipers take out a vandal attacking that timeless art?
Absolutely not. You know that on a gut level, though you might feel a little conflicted, because nonsense fake Christianity has been sloshing around in the culture, addling all our minds. So let me unpack for you the reasons why you already believe that Swiss Guards defending timeless art, or a shop-owner defending his business, using violence, is good and right and Christian, what Jesus wants us to do.
What are the paintings on the Sistine Ceiling but the concrete result of an artist’s life? The countless hours he poured into that work … they were his life. If some looter destroys it, what is he doing but stealing all those years from Michelangelo? He’s in effect going back in time and murdering the man.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Likewise, on a more everyday level. Think of some guy in Kenosha, Wisconsin, who spent 40 years working in his family’s convenience store, building up a livelihood. If a bunch of angry thugs barge in and burn the place, they’ve turned all those hours into slave labor. They’ve made him a slave. And slaves have the right to rebel, to fight back, to resist using whatever force is necessary against those who would put them in chains.
The Lives the Innocent Build Matter More
When looters and thugs attack a shopping center, they aren’t “precious human lives” who outweigh mere “bricks and mortar.” They are criminals using force trying to enslave other human beings. So we ought to resist them using proportionate force. Ideally, police would do that, being trained in de-escalation and legal, moral norms.
The lives of the innocent matter more than the lives of the guilty. The lives people have built, the businesses they’ve constructed by the sweat of their brows over thousands of hours matter more than the self-indulgent whims of angry looters. When thugs initiate violence, they forfeit their right to peace. Extending their lives matters less than keeping the peace and protecting the innocent.
When a government turns the streets over to packs of political thugs, and stands down the police, abandoning the citizens and the law? It’s abolishing democracy, and making street gangs sovereign. It’s making Antifa or Black Lives Matter into the State.
At that point, citizens have the right, even the duty to step up and fight. As the brave, rash Kyle Rittenhouse did, God bless him.
When I grow up, I hope I turn out a lot like Kyle.
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--2020-08-28--America’s Un-Civil War: Secularists vs. Believers

Japan bombed Pearl Harbor .
Americans united .
Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon .
Americans united .
Democrats and Republicans in Congress sang patriotic songs from the capitol steps .
George Floyd dies beneath Derek Chauvin ’ s knee .
Again , Americans unite in universal disgust .
But then Saint Hypocrisy arrived .
The media , political class and educators had correctly championed the belief that we can not hold all Muslims responsible for the 9/11 attacks .
Now , these same elites want us to justify hurling epithets , spit and bricks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police racism.
” Life in America did not use to be like this .
What happened ?
The increased divisiveness is more than just tensions between Democrats and Republicans ; between progressives and conservatives ; capitalists and socialists .
It is more profound — it ’ s Secularists versus Christians .
From Where Do We Derive Our Significance ?
Democratic President Harry Truman said in 1946 , “ In this great country of ours has been demonstrated the fundamental unity of democracy and Christianity.
” Harvard , Yale and Princeton originated as seminaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , St. John ’ s and Saint Luke dotted the landscape .
But these days Secularists have successfully drowned out faith ’ s role in the founding of our freedom .
The Christian notion that God loves us , created us in His image and sent His Son to die for us affects the kinds of governments people build .
That belief also gives us a sense of worth , of significance , even if we carry bedpans in a nursing home .
Secularists , however , derive their significance from the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much power , prestige , status , or influence they attain .
Power is the biggest .
They don ’ t see as fundamentally equal the residents of elite neighborhoods and rural farmers , Big Tech executives and hotel maids , Ivy League professors and disadvantaged dropouts .
Not to Be Served , But to Serve Secular totalitarian dictators claimed some 169 million victims in the last century .
Still , every day in lesser ways , ordinary people choose short-sighted , this-worldly satisfaction over the love of their fellow man .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships , civil discord and violations of justice .
The Secularist quest for power fuels our increased divisiveness .
We each choose every day whether to be encouragers or denigrators .
To make the right choice , we need to carve in our hearts the fact that God considers us important , loves us , helps us overcome the fear of death and offsets our weaknesses with His grace .
This truth was first revealed to the human race via Abraham and then continued with the Christians — as summed up by Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , “ Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and with all thy soul , and with all thy mind .
This is the first and great commandment .
And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself .
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets ” ( Matthew 22:36-40 ) .
That ’ s the man whom true Christians make their role model .
He came “ not to be served , but to serve.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who believed that to be true .
Can it keep working if we cease to have those beliefs ?
Our Founders didn ’ t think so .
Our Government Won ’ t Work for an Immoral , Irreligious People Thomas Jefferson said , “ Of all the systems of morality , ancient or modern , which have come under my observation , none appear to me so pure as that of Jesus.
” John Adams went further , “ Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other.
” A pastor friend surmised that of the 22 candidates who sought the Democratic nomination , none possessed such a Biblical worldview .
The Christians in “ holy huddles ” and “ hymn-singing country clubs ” are waking up and finally responding to the Secularists ’ war against them .
The beheading of three statues of Mary and one of Jesus and the burning of Bibles in Portland is getting their attention .
Let ’ s each of us choose “ servanthood ” over “ power.
” Forbes in 2018 recognized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most outstanding money managers of this generation .
He now promotes a Philippians 4:8 world as “ Head Wrangler ” of Foster ’ s Outriders , created to help government stay on the right path , just as outriders kept cattle herds on the right trail .
Originally published at Real Clear Politics .
Re-published with permission by the author .

Note: Foster Friess, businessman, philanthropist, friend to The Stream, passed away peacefully Thursday, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old. Friess announced in March he was battling myelodysplastic syndrome, a cancer that affects the bone marrow.
“We are grateful for the wonderful life Foster lived and thankful to the many people who have shared their prayers during his illness,” his family said in a statement.
Friess famously started his investment career with $800 in U.S. Army leave pay. And became, in Neil Cavuto’s words, one of the “century’s great investors.” He would donate more than $500 million of his fortune to philanthropy around the globe.
Friess had a tremendous love and concern for this country and her people. Last August we were proud to publish this op-ed.
In his honor, we repost it again today.
Foster Friess is survived by his wife Lynnette, their four children and 15 grandchildren.
Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Americans united. Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Americans united. Democrats and Republicans in Congress sang patriotic songs from the capitol steps. George Floyd dies beneath Derek Chauvin’s knee. Again, Americans unite in universal disgust.
But then Saint Hypocrisy arrived. The media, political class and educators had correctly championed the belief that we cannot hold all Muslims responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Now, these same elites want us to justify hurling epithets, spit and bricks at completely innocent police because of “systemic police racism.”
Life in America did not use to be like this. What happened?
The increased divisiveness is more than just tensions between Democrats and Republicans; between progressives and conservatives; capitalists and socialists. It is more profound — it’s Secularists versus Christians.
From Where Do We Derive Our Significance?
Democratic President Harry Truman said in 1946, “In this great country of ours has been demonstrated the fundamental unity of democracy and Christianity.” Harvard, Yale and Princeton originated as seminaries. Hospitals with names like St. Francis, St. John’s and Saint Luke dotted the landscape. But these days Secularists have successfully drowned out faith’s role in the founding of our freedom.
Can it [our Constitution] keep working if we cease to have those beliefs? Our Founders didn’t think so.
The Christian notion that God loves us, created us in His image and sent His Son to die for us affects the kinds of governments people build. That belief also gives us a sense of worth, of significance, even if we carry bedpans in a nursing home.
Secularists, however, derive their significance from the work of their own hands. From how much power, prestige, status, or influence they attain. Power is the biggest. They don’t see as fundamentally equal the residents of elite neighborhoods and rural farmers, Big Tech executives and hotel maids, Ivy League professors and disadvantaged dropouts.
Not to Be Served, But to Serve
Secular totalitarian dictators claimed some 169 million victims in the last century. Still, every day in lesser ways, ordinary people choose short-sighted, this-worldly satisfaction over the love of their fellow man. The results are always the same: broken relationships, civil discord and violations of justice. The Secularist quest for power fuels our increased divisiveness.
We each choose every day whether to be encouragers or denigrators. To make the right choice, we need to carve in our hearts the fact that God considers us important, loves us, helps us overcome the fear of death and offsets our weaknesses with His grace.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
This truth was first revealed to the human race via Abraham and then continued with the Christians — as summed up by Jesus when he quoted the Hebrew Bible, saying, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:36-40).
That’s the man whom true Christians make their role model. He came “not to be served, but to serve.” Our Constitution was built to work with people who believed that to be true. Can it keep working if we cease to have those beliefs? Our Founders didn’t think so.
Our Government Won’t Work for an Immoral, Irreligious People
Thomas Jefferson said, “Of all the systems of morality, ancient or modern, which have come under my observation, none appear to me so pure as that of Jesus.”
John Adams went further, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
A pastor friend surmised that of the 22 candidates who sought the Democratic nomination, none possessed such a Biblical worldview. The Christians in “holy huddles” and “hymn-singing country clubs” are waking up and finally responding to the Secularists’ war against them. The beheading of three statues of Mary and one of Jesus and the burning of Bibles in Portland is getting their attention.
Let’s each of us choose “servanthood” over “power.”
Forbes in 2018 recognized Foster Friess as one of the 10 most outstanding money managers of this generation. He now promotes a Philippians 4:8 world as “Head Wrangler” of Foster’s Outriders, created to help government stay on the right path, just as outriders kept cattle herds on the right trail.
Originally published at Real Clear Politics. Re-published with permission by the author.


thestream--2020-08-28--How the Left Abused George Floyd

How the Left Abused George Floyd

It has now been months since the death of George Floyd , and I ’ m left wondering what Floyd would think of the “ activism ” that has been done in his name .
I personally did not know Floyd , but people close to him have shared about the kind of person he was .
Once an extremely destructive young man , it seems that he eventually discovered the grace of Jesus Christ , changed the course of his life , and helped others do the same .
Floyd ’ s conversion to Christianity provides an important insight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the kind of justice he would want others to strive for if he did indeed adopt a biblical worldview .
I ’ ll describe that vision shortly , but I ’ ll pause here briefly and say I ’ m aware of the details surrounding his death — that he died with drugs in his system and counterfeit money in his possession .
It ’ s clear that he was not acting in accordance with Christian principles in the moments leading up to his death .
This is deeply unfortunate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd how I ’ d hope to be treated if my various sinful inclinations and actions came to light after my death .
I hope others would still remember that Jesus saved me and changed me for the better despite the many times I ’ ve failed Him — which is why I will extend that grace to Floyd as well .
Because Floyd was a Christian , that means his identity was primarily found in Christ ’ s forgiveness rather than some worldly identifier like class or skin color .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hateful , race-obsessed political movement .
Sadly , in people ’ s haste to avenge him , they have idolized him , exploited him , and grossly warped the gospel message that ultimately saved him from sin .
I think there are appropriate ways to remember and respect someone after their death ; however , the line between paying one ’ s respects and flagrant idolization has clearly been crossed .
Note the way Floyd ’ s body was paraded around crowded streets in a golden casket in various “ tours ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months various tyrants have limited the public ’ s ability to assemble , worship at their churches , or see their dying loved ones .
Those restrictions were eased only in circumstances relating to Black Lives Matter no matter how destructive .
These aren ’ t the only instances of idolization .
Perhaps one of the most bizarre and eerie displays is a recently unveiled traveling hologram which features a gold , glittering , larger-than-life George Floyd projected into the sky .
It appears that even in our increasingly secular culture , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similarly , America Magazine went on at length about the many “ similarities ” between Floyd and Jesus Christ and ultimately concluded that “ the crucifixion of a black man on a street-corner Golgotha ” answers questions about how “ racial oppression infests our history , our culture and our institutions.
” Such a strange , hyperbolic statement is an impossible burden for Floyd — a grievous sinner just like the rest of us — to bear .
Sadly , it ’ s obvious that many people have twisted history , reality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the image of what they believe Floyd represents rather than humble themselves before a real and perfect God who has nothing to say about so-called “ social justice ” and everything to say about real justice .
Such extreme levels of misguided adoration do not reflect reality , nor do they honor Floyd ’ s Christian faith .
Another abhorrent response to Floyd ’ s death is widespread exploitation and manipulation on the part of Black Lives Matter leaders , anarchists and criminals , and Democrat politicians .
As we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and groups have used protests as an excuse to antagonize and harass people , destroy property , loot and murder .
ANTIFA members have used protests as a springboard for their communist brand of violent “ activism , ” while many BLM supporters have justified the death and destruction taking place in major cities as a valid form of protest .
Corporate media outlets have covered for both groups ’ terroristic actions to a comical degree by insisting that “ peaceful protests ” somehow entail flames and dead bodies .
Perhaps more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the official nonprofit ) has used the death of George Floyd to further their admittedly Marxist agenda and raise millions of funds for progressive politicians ( their hope being that by electing more Democrats they ’ ll finally be able to enact a more radical anti-American agenda . )
Rather than address their mounting policy failures in black communities across the nation , Democrats instead donned colorful Kente scarves and knelt in apparent reverence for a man whose name they can ’ t even remember .
That wildly awkward photo-op was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political gain — something Democrats have mastered thanks to their devotees in the media .
As a whole , the results of social justice-related activism have been as devastating , particularly for the black community .
Major cities are experiencing soaring violent crime rates .
Businesses have been destroyed in difficult economic times .
People ( including numerous children ) have been murdered in the violent fray .
Fueling it all are people who keep insisting that justice will only be achieved by forcing equal outcomes through governmental coercion and chipping away at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hopes of achieving an unattainable version of “ equality.
” It ’ s clear from these things that the social justice gospel is not the true gospel .
Its fruits are self-pity , envy , partiality , and hatred for one ’ s neighbor under the guise of intersectionality — the theory that people can ( without consequence ) be hateful and controlling towards others depending on which victim class they belong to .
One of the most praiseworthy responses to his death has come from black Christians who have taken a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and boldly pushed back against the false progressive distortions of Christianity .
Monique Duson , Voddie Baucham , Darrell B. Harrison and many others have used their platforms to draw people closer to God ’ s divine justice rather than distract them with constructed grievances .
Writer Samuel Sey communicated the message simply but powerfully in a recent tweet : If Floyd was truly a Christian , he wouldn ’ t be destroying cities or stealing from others .
Instead , he ’ d be pointing others to the true and perfect Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who claim to care about Floyd stop using him to advance their own destructive agendas and instead open their hearts to the Gospel that saved him .
Carmen Schober is the editor-in-chief of Staseos .
She is a wife , mother , fiction writer , cultural commentator , and MMA fan .
She earned her Master ’ s in Creative Writing and English Literature in 2015 , and she enjoys writing about theology , culture , and storytelling .

It has now been months since the death of George Floyd, and I’m left wondering what Floyd would think of the “activism” that has been done in his name.
I personally did not know Floyd, but people close to him have shared about the kind of person he was. Once an extremely destructive young man, it seems that he eventually discovered the grace of Jesus Christ, changed the course of his life, and helped others do the same. Floyd’s conversion to Christianity provides an important insight into the consequences of sin, as well as the kind of justice he would want others to strive for if he did indeed adopt a biblical worldview.
I’ll describe that vision shortly, but I’ll pause here briefly and say I’m aware of the details surrounding his death — that he died with drugs in his system and counterfeit money in his possession. It’s clear that he was not acting in accordance with Christian principles in the moments leading up to his death. This is deeply unfortunate, but I would still like to treat George Floyd how I’d hope to be treated if my various sinful inclinations and actions came to light after my death. I hope others would still remember that Jesus saved me and changed me for the better despite the many times I’ve failed Him — which is why I will extend that grace to Floyd as well.
Because Floyd was a Christian, that means his identity was primarily found in Christ’s forgiveness rather than some worldly identifier like class or skin color. And yet he has become the face of a hateful, race-obsessed political movement. Sadly, in people’s haste to avenge him, they have idolized him, exploited him, and grossly warped the gospel message that ultimately saved him from sin.
Idolatry
I think there are appropriate ways to remember and respect someone after their death; however, the line between paying one’s respects and flagrant idolization has clearly been crossed. Note the way Floyd’s body was paraded around crowded streets in a golden casket in various “tours” throughout the country. And yet for months various tyrants have limited the public’s ability to assemble, worship at their churches, or see their dying loved ones. Those restrictions were eased only in circumstances relating to Black Lives Matter no matter how destructive.
These aren’t the only instances of idolization. Perhaps one of the most bizarre and eerie displays is a recently unveiled traveling hologram which features a gold, glittering, larger-than-life George Floyd projected into the sky. It appears that even in our increasingly secular culture, people are still clamoring to worship something. Similarly, America Magazine went on at length about the many “similarities” between Floyd and Jesus Christ and ultimately concluded that “the crucifixion of a black man on a street-corner Golgotha” answers questions about how “racial oppression infests our history, our culture and our institutions.” Such a strange, hyperbolic statement is an impossible burden for Floyd — a grievous sinner just like the rest of us — to bear.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Sadly, it’s obvious that many people have twisted history, reality and reason in their efforts to fashion Jesus into the image of what they believe Floyd represents rather than humble themselves before a real and perfect God who has nothing to say about so-called “social justice” and everything to say about real justice. Such extreme levels of misguided adoration do not reflect reality, nor do they honor Floyd’s Christian faith.
Exploitation
Another abhorrent response to Floyd’s death is widespread exploitation and manipulation on the part of Black Lives Matter leaders, anarchists and criminals, and Democrat politicians. As we’ve seen for months now, various individuals and groups have used protests as an excuse to antagonize and harass people, destroy property, loot and murder. ANTIFA members have used protests as a springboard for their communist brand of violent “activism,” while many BLM supporters have justified the death and destruction taking place in major cities as a valid form of protest. Corporate media outlets have covered for both groups’ terroristic actions to a comical degree by insisting that “peaceful protests” somehow entail flames and dead bodies.
Perhaps more than any other group, Black Lives Matter (the official nonprofit) has used the death of George Floyd to further their admittedly Marxist agenda and raise millions of funds for progressive politicians (their hope being that by electing more Democrats they’ll finally be able to enact a more radical anti-American agenda.) Rather than address their mounting policy failures in black communities across the nation, Democrats instead donned colorful Kente scarves and knelt in apparent reverence for a man whose name they can’t even remember. That wildly awkward photo-op was a perfect picture of exploiting a tragedy for political gain — something Democrats have mastered thanks to their devotees in the media.
A Counterfeit Gospel
As a whole, the results of social justice-related activism have been as devastating, particularly for the black community. Major cities are experiencing soaring violent crime rates. Businesses have been destroyed in difficult economic times. People (including numerous children) have been murdered in the violent fray. Fueling it all are people who keep insisting that justice will only be achieved by forcing equal outcomes through governmental coercion and chipping away at everyone’s freedom and autonomy in the hopes of achieving an unattainable version of “equality.”
It’s clear from these things that the social justice gospel is not the true gospel. Its fruits are self-pity, envy, partiality, and hatred for one’s neighbor under the guise of intersectionality — the theory that people can (without consequence) be hateful and controlling towards others depending on which victim class they belong to.
Christians Speak Up
One of the most praiseworthy responses to his death has come from black Christians who have taken a stand against the Black Lives Matter movement and boldly pushed back against the false progressive distortions of Christianity. Monique Duson, Voddie Baucham, Darrell B. Harrison and many others have used their platforms to draw people closer to God’s divine justice rather than distract them with constructed grievances. Writer Samuel Sey communicated the message simply but powerfully in a recent tweet:
The most liberating event in history for black people isn’t the end of the slave trade, the end of segregation, or the end of colonialism. The most liberating event in history for black people (and all sinners) is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in that. — Samuel Sey (@SlowToWrite) July 20, 2020
If Floyd was truly a Christian, he wouldn’t be destroying cities or stealing from others. Instead, he’d be pointing others to the true and perfect Judge. Let’s pray that those who claim to care about Floyd stop using him to advance their own destructive agendas and instead open their hearts to the Gospel that saved him.
Carmen Schober is the editor-in-chief of Staseos. She is a wife, mother, fiction writer, cultural commentator, and MMA fan. She earned her Master’s in Creative Writing and English Literature in 2015, and she enjoys writing about theology, culture, and storytelling.


thestream--2020-08-28--President Trump Takes Concrete Action for Law and Order

Law enforcement has become a major issue in this year ’ s elections .
Thank God for law enforcers , for the protection they bring to us , and for the peace of mind they bring to our families .
Attorney General William Barr said the following not long ago about the challenges facing today ’ s police : The job of a cop is tougher now than ever before… Yet the challenges facing the men and women of law enforcement do not come only from criminals … law enforcement officers now are expected to deal with social ills that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remedy… .
And they must manage these demands in an environment in which their moral and legal legitimacy is under constant attack from a variety of voices .
It is not surprising and indeed tragic that many current law enforcement officers suffer from decreased morale and emotional distress .
I am sad to state that a record number of U.S. police officers died by suicide last year .
The attorney general ’ s comments were not a response to the latest antics of radical anarchists or political opportunists in the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rioting .
Trump Takes the Rule of Law Seriously They are , rather , from an announcement of the formation of the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice , from January 21 , 2020 .
It ’ s the first commission on law enforcement in half a century .
The Commission is tasked with studying issues related to law enforcement and the administration of justice and to make recommendations for the president ’ s consideration on ways to decrease crime , increase respect for the law and assist victims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ endless litany of impressive accomplishments by President Trump and his administration .
In the aftermath of the arrest and death of George Floyd , the formation of this commission seems now a prophetic anticipation of the even greater challenges faced by our police officers .
Democratic city and national leaders are “ defunding the police , ” slashing budgets for police and law enforcement .
Police are being targeted for personal and professional attacks by left-wing radicals and political opportunists who slander their noble profession .
And with the elections upon us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the president has been saying about the implications of the choice before us .
The track record is clear .
The Democrat Party has become the party of mob rule .
The Republican Party is the party of law and order .
The president ’ s historic action in creating this Commission is evidence of that .
And when he speaks of “ law and order , ” he knows that is part of a bigger law and order … the law of God and the order He , as our Creator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed in human nature and in the world .
Our Founding Fathers acknowledged this and our first president said the benefits of religion and morality were essential to the success of this experiment in self-governance .
Is it any surprise , then , that the party of law and order is the party that acknowledges and defends the right to life and religious liberty , while the party that allows chaos in the streets and at the border is also the party that funds the abortion clinics and places oppressive mandates on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn very clearly in this election .
Frank Pavone is the National Director of Priests for Life , the largest pro-life ministry in the Catholic Church .

Law enforcement has become a major issue in this year’s elections.
Thank God for law enforcers, for the protection they bring to us, and for the peace of mind they bring to our families.
Attorney General William Barr said the following not long ago about the challenges facing today’s police:
The job of a cop is tougher now than ever before… Yet the challenges facing the men and women of law enforcement do not come only from criminals … law enforcement officers now are expected to deal with social ills that they often lack the authority or expertise to remedy… . And they must manage these demands in an environment in which their moral and legal legitimacy is under constant attack from a variety of voices. It is not surprising and indeed tragic that many current law enforcement officers suffer from decreased morale and emotional distress. I am sad to state that a record number of U.S. police officers died by suicide last year.
The attorney general’s comments were not a response to the latest antics of radical anarchists or political opportunists in the Democratic Party targeting the police during destructive and violent rioting.
Trump Takes the Rule of Law Seriously
They are, rather, from an announcement of the formation of the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, from January 21, 2020. It’s the first commission on law enforcement in half a century.
The Commission is tasked with studying issues related to law enforcement and the administration of justice and to make recommendations for the president’s consideration on ways to decrease crime, increase respect for the law and assist victims.
This commission is one of a seemingly endless litany of impressive accomplishments by President Trump and his administration.
In the aftermath of the arrest and death of George Floyd, the formation of this commission seems now a prophetic anticipation of the even greater challenges faced by our police officers.
Democrats Stand for Anarcho-Tyranny
Democratic city and national leaders are “defunding the police,” slashing budgets for police and law enforcement. Police are being targeted for personal and professional attacks by left-wing radicals and political opportunists who slander their noble profession.
And with the elections upon us, it is appropriate that we all echo what the president has been saying about the implications of the choice before us. The track record is clear. The Democrat Party has become the party of mob rule. The Republican Party is the party of law and order.
The president’s historic action in creating this Commission is evidence of that.
Man’s Laws and God’s Law
And when he speaks of “law and order,” he knows that is part of a bigger law and order … the law of God and the order He, as our Creator and giver of our rights, has placed in human nature and in the world. Our Founding Fathers acknowledged this and our first president said the benefits of religion and morality were essential to the success of this experiment in self-governance.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Is it any surprise, then, that the party of law and order is the party that acknowledges and defends the right to life and religious liberty, while the party that allows chaos in the streets and at the border is also the party that funds the abortion clinics and places oppressive mandates on the Church?
Indeed, the lines are drawn very clearly in this election.
Frank Pavone is the National Director of Priests for Life, the largest pro-life ministry in the Catholic Church.


thestream--2020-08-28--When COVID-19 Closed Nursing Homes, This Husband Moved in to be With His Wife: The Power and Appeal

When COVID-19 Closed Nursing Homes, This Husband Moved in to be With His Wife: The Power and Appeal of Unconditional Love

Jack Eccles is a longtime Baptist pastor with two doctoral degrees .
Even at the age of ninety-three , he is currently learning German and recently posted a sermon to YouTube .
His wife of seventy years , Gerry , is the mother of their nine children .
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s in 2015 and lives in a nursing home in North Carolina .
On March 12 , when Dr. Eccles arrived as usual to spend much of the day with her , he was turned away because of the coronavirus pandemic .
So he returned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , books , medications , and his computer .
The facility had agreed to rent him a single room so he could care for Gerry .
He has been there ever since .
Wearing a mask and goggles , he feeds her three times a day , checks to be sure she gets her required forty ounces of liquid a day , and wipes drips so they don ’ t stain her clothes .
He positions Gerry ’ s head and neck carefully to be sure she doesn ’ t choke .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inspiring story of love , family , and ministry .
In it , Dr. Eccles explains his care for his wife simply : “ We ’ re married .
I want to be with her .
She took care of me for seventy years , and now it ’ s my turn.
” Being the ‘ Bride ’ of Christ Jack and Gerry Eccles are examples of a true biblical marriage : a lifelong , unconditional covenant between a man and a woman ( cf .
Matthew 19:4–6 ) .
If through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage for only a couple of hours once a week and a few minutes each day , their relationship could not be the love story it is .
Now let ’ s note that Christians are the “ bride ” of Christ ( cf .
Revelation 19:7 ) .
If we focus on our “ Spouse ” for only a couple of hours once a week at church and for a few minutes of prayer and Bible study each day , how strong can our relationship be ?
Yesterday , we focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just for our salvation but also for our sanctification , yielding every dimension of our lives to his lordship .
As Oswald Chambers noted , our Lord “ never asks us to decide for him , but to yield to him , a very different thing.
” Today , let ’ s consider the countercultural nature of such a lifestyle , then we ’ ll focus on two simple but transforming ways to “ yield ” our lives fully to our Lord .
What Americans do to ‘ Retain Their Social Standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mohler ’ s latest book is titled The Gathering Storm .
The title comes from Winston Churchill ’ s prescient metaphor warning of Hitler ’ s rise .
Mohler ’ s book similarly describes the rising threat of secularism and the urgency of biblical response .
I thought this cultural analysis was especially noteworthy : Following the work of sociologist Peter Berger , Mohler notes that secularism in America is taking a different path than in Europe .
Rather than rejecting biblical truth and values outright , Americans transform Christianity into something “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirituality but reinterpret it to align with secular orthodoxy .
Our society ’ s flip-flop on same-sex marriage is an example .
Mohler writes : “ When the cultural tide turned against our society ’ s empty religious commitments , people were happy to jettison their moral judgment on homosexuality in order to retain their social standing.
” As a result , “ Many religious believers in modern societies now operate as theological and ideological consumers , constantly shopping for new intellectual clothing , even as they believe themselves to be traditional believers.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ evangelical emphasis on personal salvation , while obviously urgent and biblical , can be part of the problem if we stop there .
Jesus is not just our Savior — he is also our Lord .
As Abraham Kuyper notes , “ There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ , who is sovereign over all , does not cry : ‘ Mine !
’ ” Today , let ’ s consider two practical consequences of the fact that Jesus is “ sovereign over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Area of Sin We Shelter From His Lordship We sin when we do what God forbids ( cf .
Deuteronomy 28:15 ) and when we refuse to do what he commands ( James 4:17 ) .
His word warns us to “ repent and turn from all your transgressions , lest iniquity be your ruin ” ( Ezekiel 18:30 ) .
Unrepented sin blocks our prayers ( Psalm 66:18 ) and obstructs the empowering work of God ’ s Spirit in our lives ( cf .
1 Thessalonians 5:19 ; Ephesians 4:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sin in your life today ?
Two : There Can be No Call to Obedience We Refuse to Answer We show that we love our Father by keeping his commandments ( 2 John 6 ) .
If my sons said they loved me but refused to do what I wanted them to do and chose to do what I did not , I would question the sincerity of their love for me .
Is God calling you to a step of obedience you ’ ve not yet taken ?
Why Unconditional Love is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eccles have been holistically devoted to each other for seventy years , a story that is so powerful it was featured in the Wall Street Journal .
This is the uniqueness and appeal of unconditional love in a conditional , transactional culture .
If you were to be even more holistically and unconditionally yielded to your loving Father , what would need to change in your life today ?
Dr. Jim Denison is the founder of the Denison Forum .
His Daily Article reaches 1.5 million people monthly with subscribers in 226 countries @

Jack Eccles is a longtime Baptist pastor with two doctoral degrees. Even at the age of ninety-three, he is currently learning German and recently posted a sermon to YouTube.
His wife of seventy years, Gerry, is the mother of their nine children. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 and lives in a nursing home in North Carolina. On March 12, when Dr. Eccles arrived as usual to spend much of the day with her, he was turned away because of the coronavirus pandemic.
So he returned the next day with a suitcase of clothes, books, medications, and his computer. The facility had agreed to rent him a single room so he could care for Gerry.
He has been there ever since. Wearing a mask and goggles, he feeds her three times a day, checks to be sure she gets her required forty ounces of liquid a day, and wipes drips so they don’t stain her clothes. He positions Gerry’s head and neck carefully to be sure she doesn’t choke.
Their profile in the Wall Street Journal is an inspiring story of love, family, and ministry. In it, Dr. Eccles explains his care for his wife simply: “We’re married. I want to be with her. She took care of me for seventy years, and now it’s my turn.”
Being the ‘Bride’ of Christ
Jack and Gerry Eccles are examples of a true biblical marriage: a lifelong, unconditional covenant between a man and a woman (cf. Matthew 19:4–6). If through the years they had focused on their marriage for only a couple of hours once a week and a few minutes each day, their relationship could not be the love story it is.
Now let’s note that Christians are the “bride” of Christ (cf. Revelation 19:7). If we focus on our “Spouse” for only a couple of hours once a week at church and for a few minutes of prayer and Bible study each day, how strong can our relationship be?
Yesterday, we focused on God’s call to trust him not just for our salvation but also for our sanctification, yielding every dimension of our lives to his lordship. As Oswald Chambers noted, our Lord “never asks us to decide for him, but to yield to him, a very different thing.”
Today, let’s consider the countercultural nature of such a lifestyle, then we’ll focus on two simple but transforming ways to “yield” our lives fully to our Lord.
What Americans do to ‘Retain Their Social Standing’
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler’s latest book is titled The Gathering Storm. The title comes from Winston Churchill’s prescient metaphor warning of Hitler’s rise. Mohler’s book similarly describes the rising threat of secularism and the urgency of biblical response.
I thought this cultural analysis was especially noteworthy: Following the work of sociologist Peter Berger, Mohler notes that secularism in America is taking a different path than in Europe. Rather than rejecting biblical truth and values outright, Americans transform Christianity into something “more cognitive and optional.” We affirm spirituality but reinterpret it to align with secular orthodoxy.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Our society’s flip-flop on same-sex marriage is an example. Mohler writes: “When the cultural tide turned against our society’s empty religious commitments, people were happy to jettison their moral judgment on homosexuality in order to retain their social standing.”
As a result, “Many religious believers in modern societies now operate as theological and ideological consumers, constantly shopping for new intellectual clothing, even as they believe themselves to be traditional believers.”
Two Practical Steps
As we noted yesterday, our evangelical emphasis on personal salvation, while obviously urgent and biblical, can be part of the problem if we stop there. Jesus is not just our Savior — he is also our Lord. As Abraham Kuyper notes, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”
Today, let’s consider two practical consequences of the fact that Jesus is “sovereign over all.”
One: There Can be No Area of Sin We Shelter From His Lordship
We sin when we do what God forbids (cf. Deuteronomy 28:15) and when we refuse to do what he commands (James 4:17). His word warns us to “repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). Unrepented sin blocks our prayers (Psalm 66:18) and obstructs the empowering work of God’s Spirit in our lives (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30).
Are there areas of unrepented sin in your life today?
Two: There Can be No Call to Obedience We Refuse to Answer
We show that we love our Father by keeping his commandments (2 John 6). If my sons said they loved me but refused to do what I wanted them to do and chose to do what I did not, I would question the sincerity of their love for me.
Is God calling you to a step of obedience you’ve not yet taken?
Why Unconditional Love is so Appealing Today
Dr. Jack and Gerry Eccles have been holistically devoted to each other for seventy years, a story that is so powerful it was featured in the Wall Street Journal. This is the uniqueness and appeal of unconditional love in a conditional, transactional culture.
If you were to be even more holistically and unconditionally yielded to your loving Father, what would need to change in your life today?
Dr. Jim Denison is the founder of the Denison Forum. His Daily Article reaches 1.5 million people monthly with subscribers in 226 countries.
Originally published at denisonforum.org. Republished with permission.


thestream--2020-08-28--‘We Must First Come Together’: Ben Carson Addresses Racism, Identity Politics in RNC Speech

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson addressed race issues and said that President Donald Trump is not a racist in his Republican National Convention speech Thursday night .
The former neurosurgeon began his speech by addressing the Kenosha , Wisconsin riots saying that a “ serene response ” was required rather than a violent response .
He urged Americans to “ come together in love ” of fellow citizens .
Carson then said that people “ on the other side ” intend to incite division when they call Trump a racist .
“ President Trump does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carson said .
“ He wants everyone to succeed and believes in the adage , ‘ a rising tide lifts all boats.
’ ” He also spoke about how his mother told him to never succumb to victimhood .
“ My mother always told me ‘ Ben , you can do anything , but I will never allow you to become a victim , ’ ” Carson recounted .
“ It was then that I stopped listening to the people who were trying to convince me that I was a victim and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carson cited an award Trump received from civil rights leader Jesse Jackson , a “ crusade ” Trump led to get private clubs in Florida to admit black people and the financial support he has given to historically black colleges .
He also stated that Trump ’ s record on prison reform and black unemployment was favorable .
“ President Trump accomplished prison reform , ” said Carson .
“ He created incentives to encourage investors to become involved with economically-deprived areas of America.
” Trump signed the FIRST STEP Act into law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brennan Center for Justice .
The criminal reform legislation includes sentencing reform provisions and aims to reduce unnecessarily long federal sentences .
Trump commuted the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson , a nonviolent drug offender , in June 2018 .
Johnson endorsed Trump at the convention Thursday and called the FIRST STEP Act “ real justice reform.
” Carson also referred to abortion as racist and applauded Trump ’ s record on pro-life causes .
“ What is racist is the fact that African Americans have the highest abortion rate , ” Carson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most pro-life President in our country ’ s history .
He will continue to fight for those who can not yet speak.
” 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 .

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson addressed race issues and said that President Donald Trump is not a racist in his Republican National Convention speech Thursday night.
The former neurosurgeon began his speech by addressing the Kenosha, Wisconsin riots saying that a “serene response” was required rather than a violent response. He urged Americans to “come together in love” of fellow citizens.
Carson then said that people “on the other side” intend to incite division when they call Trump a racist.
“President Trump does not dabble in identity politics,” Carson said. “He wants everyone to succeed and believes in the adage, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’”
He also spoke about how his mother told him to never succumb to victimhood.
“My mother always told me ‘Ben, you can do anything, but I will never allow you to become a victim,’” Carson recounted. “It was then that I stopped listening to the people who were trying to convince me that I was a victim and that others were responsible for my victimhood.
WATCH:
Carson cited an award Trump received from civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, a “crusade” Trump led to get private clubs in Florida to admit black people and the financial support he has given to historically black colleges. He also stated that Trump’s record on prison reform and black unemployment was favorable.
“President Trump accomplished prison reform,” said Carson. “He created incentives to encourage investors to become involved with economically-deprived areas of America.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Trump signed the FIRST STEP Act into law in December 2018, according to The Brennan Center for Justice. The criminal reform legislation includes sentencing reform provisions and aims to reduce unnecessarily long federal sentences.
Trump commuted the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a nonviolent drug offender, in June 2018. Johnson endorsed Trump at the convention Thursday and called the FIRST STEP Act “real justice reform.”
Carson also referred to abortion as racist and applauded Trump’s record on pro-life causes.
“What is racist is the fact that African Americans have the highest abortion rate,” Carson said. “President Trump is the most pro-life President in our country’s history. He will continue to fight for those who cannot yet speak.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-08-28--Disaster Relief: In the Wake of Hurricane Laura, Help is on the Way

In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura , which pounded Southwest Louisiana and is expected to cause damage further inland , responders are packing up relief supplies to help those in the devastated areas .
Some of the responding organizations include : • LIFE Outreach International , The Stream ’ s parent organization • Trucks loaded with ice , water and food , along with other supplies , headed to Louisiana Thursday .
You can help with these relief efforts by donating to LIFE Today ’ s Crisis Relief outreach .
• Samaritan ’ s Purse • Samaritan ’ s Purse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies and equipment to Lake Charles , Louisiana .
They will begin helping as soon as they have clearance from local authorities , according to their website .
• The military • According to the Military Times , 5,400 Louisiana National Guard troops were activated .
They took 222 high water vehicles and 65 boats for rescue efforts .
In addition , 27 Army aircraft are ready to respond as necessary .
The LA National Guard tweeted Thursday , “ As the sun comes over Lake Charles , Guardsmen deploy to clear roadways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # ProtectWhatMatters.
” • Texas Baptist Men ( Disaster Relief ) • Prior to the hurricane , Texas Baptist Men had 5,300 volunteers on standby .
“ All of their units — including food , chainsaw and cleanup teams — are ready to go at a moment ’ s notice , ” CBS 11 reported .
“ On Monday , some volunteers will be working to make sure their mobile kitchen is ready to be deployed .
It ’ s capable of providing 1,500 meals a day.
” • Cajun Navy Relief and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is preparing to respond to disaster areas .
Some of their supplies include : first aid kits , extra fuel , chainsaw , life jackets for adults and children , a bag of tools , water and ice , according to USA Today .
The Cajun Navy tweeted Wednesday that they were ready for the storm .
“ We are staged up in Jennings , La .
waiting on Hurricane Laura to join the party !
Ya ’ ll stay safe !
@ CW39Houston @ Itgrusselhonore @ cajun_navy.
” The Cajun Navy also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our volunteers in your thoughts and prayers .
Our boaters as they begin to embark on this trying path .
Leaving their families to come and help others all while risking their own lives.
” They added : “ Our dispatchers and volunteers whom answer those panicked calls for help .
As well as everyone that is in the path of this hurricane .
‘ Look for the helpers , you will always find people who are helping.
’ Mr. Rogers .
# CajunNavy # CajunNavyRelief # CNR # USAR # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement on their website , the Red Cross stated that they had mobilized more than 800 trained disaster workers to support relief efforts .
By the time Laura made landfall , the Red Cross had already helped more than 10,000 people find a safe place to stay the night , including emergency lodgings , shelters and hotels .
The Red Cross is providing blankets , cots and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to shelters .
They will also help with replacing medications , eyeglasses and emotional support .
Please continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the hurricane .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, which pounded Southwest Louisiana and is expected to cause damage further inland, responders are packing up relief supplies to help those in the devastated areas.
Some of the responding organizations include:
LIFE Outreach International, The Stream’s parent organization Trucks loaded with ice, water and food, along with other supplies, headed to Louisiana Thursday. You can help with these relief efforts by donating to LIFE Today’s Crisis Relief outreach.
Samaritan’s Purse Samaritan’s Purse is deploying a tractor-trailer filled with relief supplies and equipment to Lake Charles, Louisiana. They will begin helping as soon as they have clearance from local authorities, according to their website.
The military According to the Military Times, 5,400 Louisiana National Guard troops were activated. They took 222 high water vehicles and 65 boats for rescue efforts. In addition, 27 Army aircraft are ready to respond as necessary.
The LA National Guard tweeted Thursday, “As the sun comes over Lake Charles, Guardsmen deploy to clear roadways to assess damages from #Laura. #ProtectWhatMatters.”
As the sun comes over Lake Charles, Guardsmen deploy to clear roadways to assess damages from #Laura. #ProtectWhatMatters pic.twitter.com/xf1ZWVvf8p — LA National Guard (@LANationalGuard) August 27, 2020
Texas Baptist Men (Disaster Relief) Prior to the hurricane, Texas Baptist Men had 5,300 volunteers on standby. “All of their units — including food, chainsaw and cleanup teams — are ready to go at a moment’s notice,” CBS 11 reported. “On Monday, some volunteers will be working to make sure their mobile kitchen is ready to be deployed. It’s capable of providing 1,500 meals a day.”
Cajun Navy Relief and Rescue This nonprofit, citizen-led organization is preparing to respond to disaster areas. Some of their supplies include: first aid kits, extra fuel, chainsaw, life jackets for adults and children, a bag of tools, water and ice, according to USA Today. The Cajun Navy tweeted Wednesday that they were ready for the storm. “We are staged up in Jennings, La. waiting on Hurricane Laura to join the party! Ya’ll stay safe! @CW39Houston @Itgrusselhonore @cajun_navy.”
We are staged up in Jennings, La. waiting on Hurricane Laura to join the party! Y’all stay safe! @CW39Houston @ltgrusselhonore @cajun_navy pic.twitter.com/vDd12ZDAOI — Official Louisiana Cajun Navy (@LouisianaCNavy) August 26, 2020
The Cajun Navy also asked for prayers. “Please keep all of our volunteers in your thoughts and prayers. Our boaters as they begin to embark on this trying path. Leaving their families to come and help others all while risking their own lives.” They added: “Our dispatchers and volunteers whom answer those panicked calls for help. As well as everyone that is in the path of this hurricane. ‘Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping.’ Mr. Rogers. #CajunNavy #CajunNavyRelief #CNR #USAR #HurricaneLaura.”
2/2 Our dispatchers and volunteers whom answer those panicked calls for help. As well as everyone that is in the path of this hurricane. "Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping " Mr. Rogers#CajunNavy #CajunNavyRelief #CNR #USAR #HurricaneLaura pic.twitter.com/XfMuFC8JCE — CajunNavyRelief (@CajunNavyRelief) August 27, 2020
The Red Cross In a statement on their website, the Red Cross stated that they had mobilized more than 800 trained disaster workers to support relief efforts. By the time Laura made landfall, the Red Cross had already helped more than 10,000 people find a safe place to stay the night, including emergency lodgings, shelters and hotels. The Red Cross is providing blankets, cots and personal protective equipment (PPE) to shelters. They will also help with replacing medications, eyeglasses and emotional support.
Please continue to be in prayer for those affected by the hurricane.
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-08-28--Trump Admin Asks Supreme Court to Require In-Person Doctors Appointment for Women Seeking Abortion P

Trump Admin Asks Supreme Court to Require In-Person Doctors Appointment for Women Seeking Abortion Pills

President Donald Trump ’ s administration asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to reinstate a requirement that a woman must visit her health care provider to obtain abortion drugs .
“ Given that surgical methods of abortion remain widely available , the enforcement of longstanding safety requirements for a medication abortion during the first ten weeks of pregnancy does not constitute a substantial obstacle to abortion access , even if the COVID-19 pandemic has made obtaining any method of abortion in person somewhat riskier , ” acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall said , according to CNN .
Lower courts previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for abortion access due to the coronavirus pandemic , the publication reports .
A federal judge suspended restrictions placed on abortion drugs by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) in July , writing that in-person requirements present a “ substantial obstacle ” for women seeking abortion drugs during the coronavirus , according to CNBC .
The FDA approved the use of the abortion drug mifepristone , also called Mifeprex , in 2000 for up to 10 weeks ’ gestation , but explicitly warned that buyers should not purchase Mifeprex over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important safeguards designed to protect their health.
” “ Mifeprex is supplied directly to healthcare providers who meet certain qualifications , ” the FDA website says .
“ It is only available to be dispensed in certain healthcare settings , specifically , clinics , medical offices , and hospitals , by or under the supervision of a certified prescriber .
It is not available in retail pharmacies , and it is not legally available over the Internet .
These requirements also apply to the approved generic version of Mifeprex.
” The FDA did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment from 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 licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to reinstate a requirement that a woman must visit her health care provider to obtain abortion drugs.
“Given that surgical methods of abortion remain widely available, the enforcement of longstanding safety requirements for a medication abortion during the first ten weeks of pregnancy does not constitute a substantial obstacle to abortion access, even if the COVID-19 pandemic has made obtaining any method of abortion in person somewhat riskier,” acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall said, according to CNN.
Lower courts previously blocked this requirement, citing an increased need for abortion access due to the coronavirus pandemic, the publication reports.
BREAKING: We're suing the FDA over a restriction that forces patients to make an unnecessary trip to the clinic or hospital for medication used for early abortion and miscarriage care. That restriction was never necessary, but, now, it is putting people at risk for COVID-19. — ACLU (@ACLU) May 27, 2020
A federal judge suspended restrictions placed on abortion drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July, writing that in-person requirements present a “substantial obstacle” for women seeking abortion drugs during the coronavirus, according to CNBC.
The FDA approved the use of the abortion drug mifepristone, also called Mifeprex, in 2000 for up to 10 weeks’ gestation, but explicitly warned that buyers should not purchase Mifeprex over the Internet “because they will bypass important safeguards designed to protect their health.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“Mifeprex is supplied directly to healthcare providers who meet certain qualifications,” the FDA website says. “It is only available to be dispensed in certain healthcare settings, specifically, clinics, medical offices, and hospitals, by or under the supervision of a certified prescriber. It is not available in retail pharmacies, and it is not legally available over the Internet. These requirements also apply to the approved generic version of Mifeprex.”
The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-08-29--Raising a Child in a World Obsessed With Transgender Contagion

In a column this week in The Washington Post headlined “ Advice to parents on how to raise a happy and healthy LGBTQ child , ” author Steven Petrow writes that only a small percentage of teenagers “ identify ” as lesbian , gay , or transgender .
At the same time , Petrow acknowledges examples of tweens and teenagers struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity .
Petrow , who is gay , portrays the phenomenon as urgent , yet at the same time points out that , statistically speaking , it ’ s actually rather small .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s vital that conservatives understand why — and what to do about it .
The consequences of the LGBTQ movement will be detrimental to our young people if we don ’ t intervene and remain steadfast in truth and reality .
The progressive left is enamored with pushing the LGBTQ movement into the mainstream — particularly transgender issues — even though the number of young people struggling with their sexual orientation remains small .
Large organizations with generous donors and substantial financial backing , social media presence , and loud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken hold of LGBTQ ideology and helped infiltrate social media , the entertainment industry , and education .
Those are three places where these ideas dominate , despite the fact that they reflect only a tiny sliver of society .
The ideology has spread quickly and had a perverse , damaging effect on our young people because its omnipresence — the feeling that everyone is gay or transgender — makes it seem popular , even inevitable .
So , the percentage of young people , especially girls , reporting a struggle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in an obvious shift from the previously low number of young people identifying as transgender .
Transgender ideology is most disconcerting because it requires a young person to undertake a damaging metamorphosis — socially , hormonally , even surgically .
Most often , those changes and their effects are irreversible .
In her new book Irreversible Damage : The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters , journalist Abigail Shrier explains the contagion and how it is adversely affecting young women .
( We interviewed her here . )
Shrier recently engaged in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public forum with Heather Heying , an evolutionary biologist .
A bit of their exchange is relevant here , although it ’ s worth reading in its entirety .
All across the West , adolescent girls are suddenly identifying as ‘ trans ’ with friends , clamoring for hormones and surgeries .
Teen girls who are struggling with anxiety and depression , but who had no childhood history of gender dysphoria at all .
Under the guidance of numberless trans social-media influencers , with the encouragement of peers , clusters of girls are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toast of the virtual town .
I will leave you with this : newly published research finds that ‘ transgender and gender-diverse ’ individuals have high rates of autism , and other psychiatric diagnoses .
Given this , shouldn ’ t we consider the rapid rise of ‘ gender dysphoria ’ in young women as a symptom , rather than as its own syndrome ?
Why do we chastise teenage girls when they cut themselves , but celebrate them when they find a doctor to do it for them ?
When a teenage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we try to help the human being .
We do not sanctify the behavior .
Why are we now celebrating a symptom ?
Together , Shrier and Heying ’ s conversation raises an important point : Since when does something that begins in the mind and manifests physically become accepted as universal truth without question ?
What ’ s more , what are we doing to our daughters ( and our sons ) when we aid them in assisting with the “ cure ” to gender dysphoria via means that are irreversible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and policymakers on the left are taking this trend — which looks more like a disturbing contagion — seriously .
Twenty states now have laws in place that make it illegal to question a person ’ s gender identity or steer them away from significant , life-altering hormones and surgeries .
Conservatives and anyone else who cares about science , truth , and reality must rally against states adopting similar laws .
We must be vigilant about how transgender-related issues are being taught in school systems , what our young men and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what entertainment they are consuming .
The aim of parents should not be how to raise an LGBTQ child , as Petrow suggests , or how to help their children halt puberty and get life-changing surgery .
It should be how to love their children unconditionally while giving them truth , facts , science , and reality .
Nicole Russell is a contributor to The Daily Signal .
Her work has appeared in The Atlantic , The New York Times , National Review , Politico , The Washington Times , The American Spectator @ @ @ @ @

In a column this week in The Washington Post headlined “Advice to parents on how to raise a happy and healthy LGBTQ child,” author Steven Petrow writes that only a small percentage of teenagers “identify” as lesbian, gay, or transgender.
At the same time, Petrow acknowledges examples of tweens and teenagers struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity.
Petrow, who is gay, portrays the phenomenon as urgent, yet at the same time points out that, statistically speaking, it’s actually rather small.
He’s right on both counts, and it’s vital that conservatives understand why — and what to do about it. The consequences of the LGBTQ movement will be detrimental to our young people if we don’t intervene and remain steadfast in truth and reality.
The progressive left is enamored with pushing the LGBTQ movement into the mainstream — particularly transgender issues — even though the number of young people struggling with their sexual orientation remains small.
Large organizations with generous donors and substantial financial backing, social media presence, and loud — often famous or influential — advocates have taken hold of LGBTQ ideology and helped infiltrate social media, the entertainment industry, and education.
Those are three places where these ideas dominate, despite the fact that they reflect only a tiny sliver of society.
The ideology has spread quickly and had a perverse, damaging effect on our young people because its omnipresence — the feeling that everyone is gay or transgender — makes it seem popular, even inevitable.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
So, the percentage of young people, especially girls, reporting a struggle with gender dysphoria has increased suddenly and dramatically, in an obvious shift from the previously low number of young people identifying as transgender.
Transgender ideology is most disconcerting because it requires a young person to undertake a damaging metamorphosis — socially, hormonally, even surgically. Most often, those changes and their effects are irreversible.
In her new book Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, journalist Abigail Shrier explains the contagion and how it is adversely affecting young women. (We interviewed her here.)
Shrier recently engaged in an online dialogue on the subject in a public forum with Heather Heying, an evolutionary biologist. A bit of their exchange is relevant here, although it’s worth reading in its entirety.
Shrier writes:
All across the West, adolescent girls are suddenly identifying as ‘trans’ with friends, clamoring for hormones and surgeries. Teen girls who are struggling with anxiety and depression, but who had no childhood history of gender dysphoria at all. Under the guidance of numberless trans social-media influencers, with the encouragement of peers, clusters of girls are transforming themselves from desperately unpopular to the toast of the virtual town.
Heying responded, in part:
I will leave you with this: newly published research finds that ‘transgender and gender-diverse’ individuals have high rates of autism, and other psychiatric diagnoses. Given this, shouldn’t we consider the rapid rise of ‘gender dysphoria’ in young women as a symptom, rather than as its own syndrome? Why do we chastise teenage girls when they cut themselves, but celebrate them when they find a doctor to do it for them? When a teenage girl cuts herself, or starves herself, we try to help the human being. We do not sanctify the behavior. Why are we now celebrating a symptom?
Together, Shrier and Heying’s conversation raises an important point: Since when does something that begins in the mind and manifests physically become accepted as universal truth without question?
What’s more, what are we doing to our daughters (and our sons) when we aid them in assisting with the “cure” to gender dysphoria via means that are irreversible and have long-lasting adverse effects?
Politicians and policymakers on the left are taking this trend — which looks more like a disturbing contagion — seriously. Twenty states now have laws in place that make it illegal to question a person’s gender identity or steer them away from significant, life-altering hormones and surgeries.
Conservatives and anyone else who cares about science, truth, and reality must rally against states adopting similar laws. We must be vigilant about how transgender-related issues are being taught in school systems, what our young men and women are observing on social media, and what entertainment they are consuming.
The aim of parents should not be how to raise an LGBTQ child, as Petrow suggests, or how to help their children halt puberty and get life-changing surgery. It should be how to love their children unconditionally while giving them truth, facts, science, and reality.
Nicole Russell is a contributor to The Daily Signal. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, National Review, Politico, The Washington Times, The American Spectator, and Parents Magazine.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-08-29--50 Questions #26: ‘Is It Better To Be Safe Than Sorry?’

Part of an extended series of answers to Guy P. Harrison ’ s book 50 Simple Questions for Every Christian .
Read the series intro here .
Guy P. Harrison says it ’ s a bad idea to believe in Christ just because “ it ’ s better to be safe than sorry.
” Finally , we agree on something !
He ’ s exactly right .
Or at least close enough .
He writes in this chapter about a Christian who asked him , Harrison adds , “ I can ’ t remember if he added , ‘ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry , ’ but that ’ s what he meant.
” He rejects the idea .
So do I .
We agree for a change !
We even agree completely on two of the reasons he gives for rejecting it .
( I ’ ll word them my way . )
First , no one just decides to believe .
You could try to “ believe ” without actually thinking it ’ s true , but that ’ s just playing mind games .
Harrison is convinced there is no God or gods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort will make him believe the Christian faith is true while he still thinks it isn ’ t .
Second , if that ’ s the way you ’ re going to play it , you ’ d better choose to believe in Islam , too , since there ’ s always the chance that it ’ s the real path to heaven .
Hinduism , Judaism , Buddhism , Zoroastrianism , Manichaeism , and the Norse and Greek gods , too , just to stay on the safe side .
Whew !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ started .
Obviously that ’ s wrong .
Two More Reasons He Gets Almost Right I almost agree with him on two other reasons to reject this “ safe side ” argument .
His friend tells him life with Christ is better than life without .
Harrison says that ’ s probably not true .
I say it is true , but it ’ s still the wrong reason to follow Christ .
Harrison says there ’ s great cost in following Christ : All those hours wasted in worship , prayer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t count one second of that wasted .
It enriches my life constantly .
( Notice I don ’ t include overly-long sermons on that list . )
Still we need to bear Jesus ’ own words in mind , for He said it would be a mixed bag here on earth : “ In this world you will have trouble , but take heart ; I have overcome the world ” ( John 16:33 ) .
Also , Don ’ t miss the “ persecution ” clause in there .
Overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astonishingly good deal .
Moment to moment , though ?
Not always .
All in all it ’ s unwise to bet on Christianity just to be safe .
I don ’ t think much of the whole “ safety ” motif anyway .
It can seriously stunt your growth as a person .
I was surprised , though , that Harrison didn ’ t mention Blaise Pascal in this chapter .
Pascal may have been the first to put it something like Harrison ’ s friend did : If you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , you ’ re better off betting on it being true .
If you ’ re right , you gain much ; if you ’ re wrong , you lose little .
It ’ s known as “ Pascal ’ s Wager.
” Blaise Pascal ( 1623-1662 ) was a brilliant philosopher , mathematician , scientist , theologian , and ( yes ! )
computer theorist .
He was not stupid , in other words .
His wager doesn ’ t start from zero , as Harrison ’ s friend ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant it instead for the person who ’ s stumped and struggling ; one who has seriously considered all the reasons he can get his hands on , and still can ’ t decide whether Christianity is true .
It ’ s a kind of deciding vote for one who ’ s stuck on the knife-edge between belief and unbelief .
The Real Question : Is It True ?
Philosophers and theologians still debate the value of Pascal ’ s Wager , even with that in mind .
One thing ’ s for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leap forward from the kind of proposal Harrison was talking about .
Pascal ’ s version starts with the right question : Do you think Christianity is true ?
No one should put faith in Jesus just to be safe rather than sorry .
They should do it because they think it ’ s true .
They should do it because they think it ’ s true .
How does one get to that point ?
It ’ s different for every believer .
It requires the work of the Holy Spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and He uses all kinds of means to bring us to full conviction .
The main thing is , by the time a new believer comes to faith , they ’ re not playing betting games any longer ; they ’ re convinced it ’ s true .
And isn ’ t that what “ believe ” means , anyway ?
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Part of an extended series of answers to Guy P. Harrison’s book 50 Simple Questions for Every Christian. Read the series intro here.
Guy P. Harrison says it’s a bad idea to believe in Christ just because “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Finally, we agree on something! He’s exactly right. Or at least close enough.
He writes in this chapter about a Christian who asked him,
Look, even if I’m wrong, so what? My life is better because of my belief in Jesus. I’ve been a better person thank to my Christian faith. What did I lose if I’m wrong? But if I’m right, what have I gained? I get eternity in heaven. Atheists, on the other hand, lose everything in the worst way possible.
Harrison adds, “I can’t remember if he added, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry,’ but that’s what he meant.” He rejects the idea. So do I. We agree for a change!
Two Good Reasons to Agree It’s a Bad Idea
We even agree completely on two of the reasons he gives for rejecting it. (I’ll word them my way.) First, no one just decides to believe. You could try to “believe” without actually thinking it’s true, but that’s just playing mind games. Harrison is convinced there is no God or gods, and no amount of fire insurance-style effort will make him believe the Christian faith is true while he still thinks it isn’t.
(I do think it’s possible to decide not to believe — to turn away from Christian faith because you don’t like the repentance and commitment it requires, even if you think it’s true. But that’s a different question.)
No one should put faith in Jesus just to be safe rather than sorry. They should do it because they think it’s true.
Second, if that’s the way you’re going to play it, you’d better choose to believe in Islam, too, since there’s always the chance that it’s the real path to heaven. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and the Norse and Greek gods, too, just to stay on the safe side. Whew! And we’re just barely getting started. Obviously that’s wrong.
Two More Reasons He Gets Almost Right
I almost agree with him on two other reasons to reject this “safe side” argument. His friend tells him life with Christ is better than life without. Harrison says that’s probably not true. I say it is true, but it’s still the wrong reason to follow Christ.
Harrison says there’s great cost in following Christ: All those hours wasted in worship, prayer, and so on. But I don’t count one second of that wasted. It enriches my life constantly. (Notice I don’t include overly-long sermons on that list.)
Still we need to bear Jesus’ own words in mind, for He said it would be a mixed bag here on earth: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Also,
Assuredly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for my sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive 100 fold now in this time — houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions — and in the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:29-31)
Don’t miss the “persecution” clause in there. Overall, yes, it’s an astonishingly good deal. Moment to moment, though? Not always.
All in all it’s unwise to bet on Christianity just to be safe. I don’t think much of the whole “safety” motif anyway. It can seriously stunt your growth as a person.
Pascal’s Wager
I was surprised, though, that Harrison didn’t mention Blaise Pascal in this chapter. Pascal may have been the first to put it something like Harrison’s friend did: If you don’t know whether Christianity is true or not, you’re better off betting on it being true. If you’re right, you gain much; if you’re wrong, you lose little. It’s known as “Pascal’s Wager.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a brilliant philosopher, mathematician, scientist, theologian, and (yes!) computer theorist. He was not stupid, in other words. His wager doesn’t start from zero, as Harrison’s friend’s proposal seems to have done.
Pascal meant it instead for the person who’s stumped and struggling; one who has seriously considered all the reasons he can get his hands on, and still can’t decide whether Christianity is true. It’s a kind of deciding vote for one who’s stuck on the knife-edge between belief and unbelief.
The Real Question: Is It True?
Philosophers and theologians still debate the value of Pascal’s Wager, even with that in mind. One thing’s for sure, though: It’s a leap forward from the kind of proposal Harrison was talking about. Pascal’s version starts with the right question: Do you think Christianity is true? No one should put faith in Jesus just to be safe rather than sorry. They should do it because they think it’s true. They should do it because they think it’s true.
How does one get to that point? It’s different for every believer. It requires the work of the Holy Spirit in us, first of all, and He uses all kinds of means to bring us to full conviction. The main thing is, by the time a new believer comes to faith, they’re not playing betting games any longer; they’re convinced it’s true. And isn’t that what “believe” means, anyway?
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.