thestream--2020-07-16--Racism Cannot Drive Out Racism

Racism Cannot Drive Out Racism

It is one thing to oppose racism and injustice .
It is another thing to replace one form of racism with another form of racism .
That ’ s why I tweeted on July 7 , “ Racism can not drive out racism .
Replacing one form of hate with another solves nothing .
Only racial reconciliation and biblical justice will work .
As .
Dr. King said , ‘ Darkness can not drive out darkness ; only light can do that .
Hate can not drive out hate ; only love can do that.
’ ” Zuby , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it well , saying , “ To whom it may concern , It is possible to uplift a group of people without denigrating another.
” Unfortunately , that ’ s not what we are seeing today .
We are seeing the replacing of the demonizing of blacks with the demonizing of whites .
( And , of course , whenever hatred arises , there will be the demonizing of Jews . )
Centuries ago , when racial demonization began , blacks were likened to brute beasts , the result of living in hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curse .
They were inferior by nature .
Now it is whites who are inferior by nature because of lack of melanin or because of an inherently savage nature .
Nick Cannon Links Melanin in Skin to “ Compassion , ” Lack of Melanin to “ Evil ” To be sure , the demonizing of whites is nothing new , as detailed in a 1993 article in the Yearbook of Physical Anthropology titled , “ Melanin , Afrocentricity , and Pseudoscience.
” The article , by Bernard R. Ortiz de Montellano , notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afrocentric movement has incorporated a theory that black people , including ancient Egyptians , have superior mental , physical , and paranormal powers because they have more melanin both in their skin and in their brains .
By extension it is also claimed that black people have more melatonin and P-MSH in their systems and that these compounds also contribute to the superiority of people of color over whites.
” In similar fashion , the Daily Mail reports that Nick Cannon claimed in a recent podcast that “ white people of the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ because they lacked the ‘ compassion ’ that comes with melanin or skin pigmentation.
” ‘ And I ’ m going to say this carefully… , ’ he said before claiming that people who do not have melanin are a ‘ little less ’ .
‘ They ’ re acting out of fear , they ’ re acting out of low self-esteem , they ’ re acting out of a deficiency , ’ he said .
‘ So , therefore , the only way that they can act is evil .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , kill in order to survive.
’ ‘ They ’ re the ones that are actually closer to animals , they ’ re the ones that are actually the true savages , ’ Cannon said , adding that he was referring to ‘ Jewish people , white people , Europeans , ’ among others .
How the tables do turn .
Someone might say , “ But as a white person , you don ’ t understand .
Blacks have been oppressed for centuries .
Blacks have been bought and sold by whites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have been degraded , demoralized , and almost destroyed .
It ’ s understandable they respond to hatred with hatred.
” It may be understandable but it ’ s not justifiable .
Neither is it helpful .
To the contrary , it can only be harmful , stirring up more hatred on all sides .
To rephrase the sentiments of Zuby , you can regain your own self-esteem without trashing others .
You can elevate your own status without damning everyone else .
As Paul exhorted the believers in Rome , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but overcome evil with good.
” The Influence of the Racist , Anti-Semitic , Black , Islamic Minister , Louis Farrakhan What must be a revelation to many Americans , especially white Americans , is just how influential Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam have been .
We ’ re very familiar with the widespread nature of the historic white racism of the south , as epitomized by the Ku Klux Klan .
But we are much less familiar with how influential Farrakhan and his movement have been .
As reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black celebrities attended anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan ’ s July 4 public address , the Anti-Defamation League revealed Wednesday , citing the Nation of Islam ’ s own newspaper .
“ Among those in attendance included actor Nick Cannon and former NBA basketball player Stephen Jackson , both of whom had been criticized in the past week for making anti-Semitic statements , as well as music artists TI , 2Chainz , Rick Ross , Jay Electronica , Stephanie Mills and Syleena Johnson.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
So , there is a context and history to Cannon ’ s hatred .
And , even while claiming love for all people , including the Jews , Jackson said , “ I ’ m a fan of minister Farrakhan because nobody loves black people more than him and that ’ s just facts .
I ’ m my own man .
I believe what I want to believe and I love everybody else .
But I love the minister .
… He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s teaching me more about my people and how to do what ’ s right.
” Not surprisingly , when the legendary NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar issued a warning in the Hollywood Reporter about unchecked antisemitic rhetoric , the rapper and actor Ice Cube ( himself accused of antisemitism ) was not happy .
He tweeted , “ Shame on the Hollywood Reporter who obviously gave my brother Kareem 30 pieces of silver to cut us down without even a phone call .
But Abdul-Jabbar was spot on his comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark squishy entrails of popular culture , meh-rage in the face of sustained prejudice is an indisputable sign of the coming Apatholypse : apathy to all forms of social justice .
After all , if it ’ s OK to discriminate against one group of people by hauling out cultural stereotypes without much pushback , it must be OK to do the same to others .
Illogic begets illogic.
” And he closed with this : “ The lesson never changes , so why is it so hard for some people to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is free .
As Martin Luther King Jr. explained : ‘ Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere .
We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.
’ So , let ’ s act like it .
If we ’ re going to be outraged by injustice , let ’ s be outraged by injustice against anyone.
” It is the only way to move forward .
And if positive change is going to come wherever it is needed , it will only come by replacing racism with respect , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Racism anywhere , against anyone , is a malignant and infectious disease .
It must never be cultivated or condoned .
It can only be uprooted , anywhere and everywhere .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

It is one thing to oppose racism and injustice. It is another thing to replace one form of racism with another form of racism. That’s why I tweeted on July 7, “Racism cannot drive out racism. Replacing one form of hate with another solves nothing. Only racial reconciliation and biblical justice will work. As. Dr. King said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’”
Zuby, the British rapper and podcast host, expressed it well, saying, “To whom it may concern, It is possible to uplift a group of people without denigrating another.”
Unfortunately, that’s not what we are seeing today.
We are seeing the replacing of the demonizing of blacks with the demonizing of whites. (And, of course, whenever hatred arises, there will be the demonizing of Jews.)
Centuries ago, when racial demonization began, blacks were likened to brute beasts, the result of living in hot climates or the result of a millennia-old curse. They were inferior by nature.
Now it is whites who are inferior by nature because of lack of melanin or because of an inherently savage nature.
Nick Cannon Links Melanin in Skin to “Compassion,” Lack of Melanin to “Evil”
To be sure, the demonizing of whites is nothing new, as detailed in a 1993 article in the Yearbook of Physical Anthropology titled, “Melanin, Afrocentricity, and Pseudoscience.”
The article, by Bernard R. Ortiz de Montellano, notes that, “A component of the Afrocentric movement has incorporated a theory that black people, including ancient Egyptians, have superior mental, physical, and paranormal powers because they have more melanin both in their skin and in their brains. By extension it is also claimed that black people have more melatonin and P-MSH in their systems and that these compounds also contribute to the superiority of people of color over whites.”
In similar fashion, the Daily Mail reports that Nick Cannon claimed in a recent podcast that “white people of the past were ‘savages’ and ‘barbaric’ because they lacked the ‘compassion’ that comes with melanin or skin pigmentation.”
‘And I’m going to say this carefully…,’ he said before claiming that people who do not have melanin are a ‘little less’. ‘They’re acting out of fear, they’re acting out of low self-esteem, they’re acting out of a deficiency,’ he said. ‘So, therefore, the only way that they can act is evil. They have to rob, steal, rape, kill in order to survive.’ ‘They’re the ones that are actually closer to animals, they’re the ones that are actually the true savages,’ Cannon said, adding that he was referring to ‘Jewish people, white people, Europeans,’ among others.
How the tables do turn.
Overcome Evil With Good
Someone might say, “But as a white person, you don’t understand. Blacks have been oppressed for centuries. Blacks have been bought and sold by whites. They have been mistreated and abused. They have been degraded, demoralized, and almost destroyed. It’s understandable they respond to hatred with hatred.”
It may be understandable but it’s not justifiable. Neither is it helpful. To the contrary, it can only be harmful, stirring up more hatred on all sides.
To rephrase the sentiments of Zuby, you can regain your own self-esteem without trashing others. You can elevate your own status without damning everyone else.
As Paul exhorted the believers in Rome, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The Influence of the Racist, Anti-Semitic Islamic Minister, Louis Farrakhan
What must be a revelation to many Americans, especially white Americans, is just how influential Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam have been.
We’re very familiar with the widespread nature of the historic white racism of the south, as epitomized by the Ku Klux Klan. But we are much less familiar with how influential Farrakhan and his movement have been.
As reported by the Forward, “Several prominent Black celebrities attended anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s July 4 public address, the Anti-Defamation League revealed Wednesday, citing the Nation of Islam’s own newspaper.
“Among those in attendance included actor Nick Cannon and former NBA basketball player Stephen Jackson, both of whom had been criticized in the past week for making anti-Semitic statements, as well as music artists TI, 2Chainz, Rick Ross, Jay Electronica, Stephanie Mills and Syleena Johnson.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
So, there is a context and history to Cannon’s hatred. And, even while claiming love for all people, including the Jews, Jackson said, “I’m a fan of minister Farrakhan because nobody loves black people more than him and that’s just facts. I’m my own man. I believe what I want to believe and I love everybody else. But I love the minister. … He’s teaching me how to be a leader. He’s teaching me more about my people and how to do what’s right.”
Not surprisingly, when the legendary NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar issued a warning in the Hollywood Reporter about unchecked antisemitic rhetoric, the rapper and actor Ice Cube (himself accused of antisemitism) was not happy. He tweeted, “Shame on the Hollywood Reporter who obviously gave my brother Kareem 30 pieces of silver to cut us down without even a phone call.
Always Uproot Racism
But Abdul-Jabbar was spot on his comments, writing, “When reading the dark squishy entrails of popular culture, meh-rage in the face of sustained prejudice is an indisputable sign of the coming Apatholypse: apathy to all forms of social justice. After all, if it’s OK to discriminate against one group of people by hauling out cultural stereotypes without much pushback, it must be OK to do the same to others. Illogic begets illogic.”
Exactly so.
And he closed with this: “The lesson never changes, so why is it so hard for some people to learn: No one is free until everyone is free. As Martin Luther King Jr. explained: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.’ So, let’s act like it. If we’re going to be outraged by injustice, let’s be outraged by injustice against anyone.”
It is the only way to move forward. And if positive change is going to come wherever it is needed, it will only come by replacing racism with respect, not replacing one form of racism with another.
Racism anywhere, against anyone, is a malignant and infectious disease. It must never be cultivated or condoned. It can only be uprooted, anywhere and everywhere.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-07-16--Smithsonian Museum Says Objective Thinking is a Sign of ‘Whiteness’

A taxpayer-funded museum in Washington D.C. says on its website that objective thinking , self-reliance and planning for the future are among the signs of whiteness that have permeated throughout American culture .
Whiteness and the normalization of white racial identity in America has “ created a culture where nonwhite persons are seen as inferior or abnormal , ” according to an article published by the National Museum of African American History & Culture ( NMAAHC ) .
Aspects of whiteness and white culture include an “ emphasis on the scientific method , ” which involves “ objective , rational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect relationships , ” and “ quantitative emphasis , ” according to a graphic created by the museum .
The NMAAHC is a member of the Smithsonian Institute , which bills itself as the largest museum , education and research complex in the world .
The Smithsonian Institute received $ 1 billion in federal funding for its 2020 fiscal year , a figure that comprises 62 % of its budget , according to its website .
Other aspects of whiteness include planning for the future , delayed gratification , valuation of time as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politeness , according to the NMAAHC graphic .
As white culture has been “ normalized ” in the United States , “ all Americans have adopted various aspects of white culture , including people of color , ” the museum states .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The museum warned that the dominance of white culture in America “ leads to an internalized racial superiority for those who adhere to it , ” and said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white people to acknowledge their “ white racial identity and its privileges.
” The NMAAHC added that being white “ does not mean you haven ’ t experienced hardships or oppression , ” but it does mean white people “ have not faced hardships or oppression based on the color of your skin.
” “ We need to be honest about the ways white people have benefited from racism so we can work toward an equitable , fair and just society , ” the museum wrote .
The article on whiteness was published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Talking About Race ” project , which was launched in late May following the police-custody death of George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes , according to video of the incident .
The NMAAHC project flew under the radar until Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams highlighted its article on whiteness in a tweet Monday evening .
The project pulled research from nearly a dozen experts on race , equality and inclusion , the most notable being Robin DiAngelo , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the top of bestselling lists following Floyd ’ s death .
The NMAAHC did not immediately return a request for comment .

A taxpayer-funded museum in Washington D.C. says on its website that objective thinking, self-reliance and planning for the future are among the signs of whiteness that have permeated throughout American culture.
Whiteness and the normalization of white racial identity in America has “created a culture where nonwhite persons are seen as inferior or abnormal,” according to an article published by the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC).
Aspects of whiteness and white culture include an “emphasis on the scientific method,” which involves “objective, rational linear thinking,” “cause and effect relationships,” and “quantitative emphasis,” according to a graphic created by the museum.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture wants to make you aware of certain signs of whiteness: Individualism, hard work, objectivity, the nuclear family, progress, respect for authority, delayed gratification, more. (via @RpwWilliams)https://t.co/k9X3u4Suas pic.twitter.com/gWYOeEh4vu — Byron York (@ByronYork) July 15, 2020
The NMAAHC is a member of the Smithsonian Institute, which bills itself as the largest museum, education and research complex in the world. The Smithsonian Institute received $1 billion in federal funding for its 2020 fiscal year, a figure that comprises 62% of its budget, according to its website.
Other aspects of whiteness include planning for the future, delayed gratification, valuation of time as a commodity, decision-making, self-reliance and politeness, according to the NMAAHC graphic.
As white culture has been “normalized” in the United States, “all Americans have adopted various aspects of white culture, including people of color,” the museum states.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The museum warned that the dominance of white culture in America “leads to an internalized racial superiority for those who adhere to it,” and said a key step to ending racism is for white people to acknowledge their “white racial identity and its privileges.”
The NMAAHC added that being white “does not mean you haven’t experienced hardships or oppression,” but it does mean white people “have not faced hardships or oppression based on the color of your skin.”
“We need to be honest about the ways white people have benefited from racism so we can work toward an equitable, fair and just society,” the museum wrote.
The article on whiteness was published as part of the museum’s “Talking About Race” project, which was launched in late May following the police-custody death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes, according to video of the incident.
The NMAAHC project flew under the radar until Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams highlighted its article on whiteness in a tweet Monday evening.
The project pulled research from nearly a dozen experts on race, equality and inclusion, the most notable being Robin DiAngelo, the author of White Fragility, which shot to the top of bestselling lists following Floyd’s death.
The NMAAHC did not immediately return a request for comment.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-16--Churches Burned Across the Country: Why Was This Not National News?

A number of churches from Florida to California were burned and vandalized over the weekend .
A man in Florida plowed his vehicle into the Queen of Peace Catholic Church as its congregation was preparing for Mass on Saturday .
He poured gasoline in the foyer , then set the building on fire before driving off .
He was arrested and charged with attempted murder , arson , burglary , and evading arrest .
The man told investigators that what he did was “ awesome ” and that he was on a “ mission.
” He also told detectives that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but is not taking his medication .
Though the church foyer was heavily damaged , Mass was celebrated on Saturday and Sunday .
Around the time of the Florida incident , a 249-year-old Catholic Church in Los Angeles caught fire .
The cause of the blaze is under examination , but an official said the recent destruction of monuments to Junipero Serra , the founder of the California mission system , will be a factor in the investigation .
Saturday night , a statue of the Virgin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boston church .
The flowers in her hands were lit , damaging her arms up to her face .
The pastor told reporters that the statue had been erected decades ago in memory of World War II veterans .
Last Friday , another statue of the Virgin Mary was vandalized in New York City .
Early Sunday morning , a church in San Diego caught fire ; an official said the blaze seems “ suspicious.
” Why have these stories not generated more headlines ?
If a Black Lives Matter office or demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a horrific event would have led the news , as it should have .
If a pro-life activist set a Planned Parenthood clinic on fire with people inside , the world would know immediately about such a reprehensible act .
What does the lack of news coverage over these attacks on Christian churches and statues say about our media ?
Clearly , media executives determined that these stories would not generate the kind of interest and response that their organization ’ s bottom line requires .
Click-throughs and social media shares are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are paid to know what pays the bills .
And they apparently believe that stories about the burning of churches and Christian statues won ’ t create enough response to be worth their investment .
Now , let ’ s ask a prior question : Why would they think this ?
Why would our culture be less responsive to this issue ?
From the Garden of Eden to today , the essence of fallen human nature is our desire to be our own God ( Genesis 3:5 ) .
Modern existentialism heightens this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prism of my personal existence ( in contrast to the communal worldview of some other cultures ) .
Postmodern relativism teaches me that “ my truth ” is just as valid as “ your truth.
” As a result , I care about what affects me .
If I ’ m not a Christian , I may care less about Christian churches .
Let me ask you : If this article was about the burning of mosques or Buddhist temples , would you have reacted with the same depth of passion ?
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Similarly , if I ’ m not a Catholic , I may care less about Catholic churches .
Let me ask you a second question : If you ’ re not a Catholic , but this was a story about churches in your denomination , would you have reacted more viscerally ?
In addition , I care about what I agree with .
If I consider Christians to be homophobic or the Catholic pro-life stance to be part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would not endorse burning their churches and statues , but I might have less empathy for them .
My purpose today is to persuade you to be different , but in a way you might not expect .
It ’ s human nature to care about what affects us and what we agree with .
But followers of Jesus should care and agree on a different level than our secular culture .
God cares as much about Catholic churches as he does Protestant churches .
In fact , he cares as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The burning of any building or threat against any person grieves our Father ’ s heart .
And his Son died for us , whether we agree with his word on moral issues or not ( Romans 5:8 ) .
Now he wants us to “ be kind to one another … as God in Christ forgave you ” ( Ephesians 4:32 ) .
Such compassion is crucial to leading secular people to Jesus .
The relativism that makes all truth subjective renders God ’ s word a diary of religious opinions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer persuasive for many .
If they do not genuinely see and feel God ’ s love in ours , why would they believe in the compassion of our God ( Matthew 14:14 ) ?
Such compassion is also crucial to the health of our souls .
Jesus ’ best friend ( John 20:2 ) asked this troubling question : “ If anyone has the world ’ s goods and sees his brother in need , yet closes his heart against him , how does God ’ s love abide in him ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul admitted , “ If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels , but have not love , I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal ” ( 1 Corinthians 13:1 ) .
Heal my heart and make it clean Open up my eyes to the things unseen Show me how to love like you have loved me Break my heart for what breaks yours .
Would you make their song your prayer right now ?
Jim Denison , PhD , is the founder of Denison Forum with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health .

A number of churches from Florida to California were burned and vandalized over the weekend.
A man in Florida plowed his vehicle into the Queen of Peace Catholic Church as its congregation was preparing for Mass on Saturday. He poured gasoline in the foyer, then set the building on fire before driving off. He was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson, burglary, and evading arrest.
The man told investigators that what he did was “awesome” and that he was on a “mission.” He also told detectives that he has problems with the Catholic Church and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but is not taking his medication.
Though the church foyer was heavily damaged, Mass was celebrated on Saturday and Sunday.
Around the time of the Florida incident, a 249-year-old Catholic Church in Los Angeles caught fire. The cause of the blaze is under examination, but an official said the recent destruction of monuments to Junipero Serra, the founder of the California mission system, will be a factor in the investigation.
Saturday night, a statue of the Virgin Mary was set on fire outside a Boston church. The flowers in her hands were lit, damaging her arms up to her face. The pastor told reporters that the statue had been erected decades ago in memory of World War II veterans.
Last Friday, another statue of the Virgin Mary was vandalized in New York City. Early Sunday morning, a church in San Diego caught fire; an official said the blaze seems “suspicious.”
What the Media Thinks
Why have these stories not generated more headlines?
If a Black Lives Matter office or demonstration had been attacked in these ways, such a horrific event would have led the news, as it should have. If a pro-life activist set a Planned Parenthood clinic on fire with people inside, the world would know immediately about such a reprehensible act.
What does the lack of news coverage over these attacks on Christian churches and statues say about our media?
Clearly, media executives determined that these stories would not generate the kind of interest and response that their organization’s bottom line requires. Click-throughs and social media shares are the lifeblood of their businesses. They are paid to know what pays the bills. And they apparently believe that stories about the burning of churches and Christian statues won’t create enough response to be worth their investment.
What Our Culture Thinks
Now, let’s ask a prior question: Why would they think this? Why would our culture be less responsive to this issue?
From the Garden of Eden to today, the essence of fallen human nature is our desire to be our own God (Genesis 3:5). Modern existentialism heightens this insistence on viewing the world through the prism of my personal existence (in contrast to the communal worldview of some other cultures). Postmodern relativism teaches me that “my truth” is just as valid as “your truth.”
As a result, I care about what affects me. If I’m not a Christian, I may care less about Christian churches. Let me ask you: If this article was about the burning of mosques or Buddhist temples, would you have reacted with the same depth of passion?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Similarly, if I’m not a Catholic, I may care less about Catholic churches. Let me ask you a second question: If you’re not a Catholic, but this was a story about churches in your denomination, would you have reacted more viscerally?
In addition, I care about what I agree with. If I consider Christians to be homophobic or the Catholic pro-life stance to be part of a “war on women,” I would not endorse burning their churches and statues, but I might have less empathy for them.
What God Thinks
My purpose today is to persuade you to be different, but in a way you might not expect. It’s human nature to care about what affects us and what we agree with. But followers of Jesus should care and agree on a different level than our secular culture.
God cares as much about Catholic churches as he does Protestant churches. In fact, he cares as much about Buddhists as he does Baptists. The burning of any building or threat against any person grieves our Father’s heart. And his Son died for us, whether we agree with his word on moral issues or not (Romans 5:8).
Now he wants us to “be kind to one another … as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Such compassion is crucial to leading secular people to Jesus. The relativism that makes all truth subjective renders God’s word a diary of religious opinions. “The Bible says” is no longer persuasive for many. If they do not genuinely see and feel God’s love in ours, why would they believe in the compassion of our God (Matthew 14:14)?
Such compassion is also crucial to the health of our souls. Jesus’ best friend (John 20:2) asked this troubling question: “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). Paul admitted, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Hillsong United made popular this prayer:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours.
Would you make their song your prayer right now?
Jim Denison, PhD, is the founder of Denison Forum with a reach of 1.7 million. He also serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health.
© 2020 Denison Forum. All rights reserved.


thestream--2020-07-16--‘Morale is in the Toilet’: Police Union Officials Wouldn’t Want Their Own Sons in Law Enforcement

Two major police union officials said law enforcement morale is declining so sharply that they wouldn ’ t want their own sons to join the force , particularly as violence targeting police officers increases .
Their comments follow massive , ongoing demonstrations and riots — many of which condemn law enforcement — alongside calls to defund police departments and prosecute officers accused of misconduct at elevated levels .
The anti-police landscape stemmed from the death of George Floyd , a black man who died in May after a white police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job after my father did , and I will not let my sons take this job , Sergeants Benevolent Association ( SBA ) Vice President Vincent Vallelong , who said he has a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old , told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
International Union of Police Associations ( IUPA ) Vice President Emeritus Dennis Slocumb similarly told the DCNF : “ I don ’ t know one parent who was a cop who wants his kid to be a cop and if that was true 20 years ago , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the DCNF that his son had wanted to be a police officer since he was a toddler .
The police union executive said he was relieved when his son decided not to join the force , and he ’ s especially thankful for that decision today .
Roughly 700 officers nationwide were injured during the peak of the riots , which saw a Minneapolis Police Department precinct torched and a Seattle police precinct abandoned , the Department of Justice estimated in June .
Officers have been shot , hit with bricks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Molotov cocktails , according to a list compiled by Fox News .
Proponents of police reform argue that there is a serious need for restricting funding to police departments in order to bolster black communities .
“ It ’ s not just about taking away money from the police , it ’ s about reinvesting those dollars into black communities .
Communities that have been deeply divested from , communities that , some have never felt the impact of having true resources , ” Patrisse Cullors , a co-founder of the Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
“ And so we have to reconsider what we ’ re resourcing .
I ’ ve been saying we have an economy of punishment over an economy of care , ” she continued .
Protesters have also sought to reform police departments through a number of measures , including by holding officers to a higher degree of accountability .
Many proposing these reforms are not encouraging physical aggression against officers , but it ’ s occurring en mass nevertheless .
A recent uptick in violence toward police has severe consequences for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Morale is in the toilet , ” Slocumb said .
Vallelong said , “ [ Police are ] beaten , they have been fighting with these individuals for the past month and a half with no end in sight .
You have to sit there and listen to people taunt you day in and day out .
There ’ s no one there that supports [ police ] .
” “ Let ’ s throw the police under the bus because right now , that ’ s the flavor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone hates the police.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The pair said things have gotten so volatile for police that they ’ d outright discourage anyone from becoming a police officer until the situation becomes safer .
“ I would tell them to stay clear , ” Vallelong said .
“ This is not a place for anyone to have any type of security when it comes to a career.
” Vallelong said it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but elected officials haven ’ t seemed willing to defend police .
“ It ’ s just a thankless , god-awful job right now , ” Slocumb said .
“ I would tell them to just go into the fire department or become a truck driver or something.
” A total of 179 New York City Police Department ( NYPD ) officers retired — a 411 % increase compared to 2019 — in just one week from late June to early July , The Independent reported .
Retirement in the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city officials are capping the number of officers allowed to vacate the force .
Vallelong , who ’ s based in NYC , said that some officers came to work and , instead of clocking in , walked themselves to the pension office and put in their resignation .
Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has spearheaded several changes to the NYPD following the nationwide race-based demonstrations .
The mayor pushed proposals to strip the department of over $ 1 billion in funding on July 1 , and disbanded an anti-crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City has subsequently seen an increase in violent crime .
Nearly 40 people were shot in the city over the Fourth of July weekend , and June 2020 was the bloodiest June the city has seen in 24 years , according to the New York Post .
Vallelong said local politicians don ’ t share the same interests as police officers and are preventing them from doing their job .
Police “ can ’ t do their job , ” he told the DCNF .
“ They have — for lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone ’ s afraid to take action against the mayor.
” Slocumb , a 32-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department , agrees that police officers are struggling to do their jobs , but speculated about another trend .
“ Frankly I think a lot of police officers are scared to death to do any self-initiated crime prevention , ” Slocumb said .
“ I mean if you see guys hanging out on the street corner at 3 o ’ clock in the morning , the policeman in you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going on , but when you think of what could happen — someone could run , someone could pull a gun , you might find dope , and the guy resists arrest and you have to use force — it ’ s better to just keep on driving.
” A number of law enforcement officers have faced charges for excessive force .
Two Atlanta officers were charged — one of whom faces the death penalty — following the June death of Rayshard Brooks , who who was shot multiple times after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s taser , according to NBC News .
Slocumb said avoiding crime prevention for fear of repercussions hurts the morale of police officers who “ take pride ” in keeping their districts safe .
“ [ Police are ] working the same area for a period of time , and they take pride in trying to keep it safe , ” the former LA deputy said .
“ I hear guys saying over and over ‘ not in my area that ain ’ t going to happen ’ .
And now , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even prevent it and that just hurts.
” Slocumb said police can ’ t just shrug off a sharp decline in morale and that it has unforeseen consequences to public safety .
“ I mean the fact that morale is down , you can just say ‘ well , cowboy up , ’ but the off shoot of that is that you ’ re having a lot more retirements , a lot more sick calls , communities less protected , not more protected , ” Slocumb said .
The consequences of the anti-police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America , Vallelong told the DCNF .
“ There ’ s no respect on the street anymore , which is going to take a lot of time to get back , ” he said .
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 .

Two major police union officials said law enforcement morale is declining so sharply that they wouldn’t want their own sons to join the force, particularly as violence targeting police officers increases.
Their comments follow massive, ongoing demonstrations and riots — many of which condemn law enforcement — alongside calls to defund police departments and prosecute officers accused of misconduct at elevated levels. The anti-police landscape stemmed from the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in May after a white police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes, video showed.
“I took this job after my father did, and I will not let my sons take this job, Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) Vice President Vincent Vallelong, who said he has a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old, told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) Vice President Emeritus Dennis Slocumb similarly told the DCNF: “I don’t know one parent who was a cop who wants his kid to be a cop and if that was true 20 years ago, it’s darn true today.”
Slocumb told the DCNF that his son had wanted to be a police officer since he was a toddler. The police union executive said he was relieved when his son decided not to join the force, and he’s especially thankful for that decision today.
Roughly 700 officers nationwide were injured during the peak of the riots, which saw a Minneapolis Police Department precinct torched and a Seattle police precinct abandoned, the Department of Justice estimated in June. Officers have been shot, hit with bricks, run over by ATVs and injured by Molotov cocktails, according to a list compiled by Fox News.
Proponents of police reform argue that there is a serious need for restricting funding to police departments in order to bolster black communities.
“It’s not just about taking away money from the police, it’s about reinvesting those dollars into black communities. Communities that have been deeply divested from, communities that, some have never felt the impact of having true resources,” Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, told WBUR in early June.
“And so we have to reconsider what we’re resourcing. I’ve been saying we have an economy of punishment over an economy of care,” she continued.
Protesters have also sought to reform police departments through a number of measures, including by holding officers to a higher degree of accountability.
Many proposing these reforms are not encouraging physical aggression against officers, but it’s occurring en mass nevertheless. A recent uptick in violence toward police has severe consequences for morale, the pair told the DCNF.
“Morale is in the toilet,” Slocumb said.
Vallelong said, “[Police are] beaten, they have been fighting with these individuals for the past month and a half with no end in sight. You have to sit there and listen to people taunt you day in and day out. There’s no one there that supports [police].”
“Let’s throw the police under the bus because right now, that’s the flavor of the week,” he continued. “Everyone hates the police.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The pair said things have gotten so volatile for police that they’d outright discourage anyone from becoming a police officer until the situation becomes safer.
“I would tell them to stay clear,” Vallelong said. “This is not a place for anyone to have any type of security when it comes to a career.”
Vallelong said it’s certainly an “honorable job,” but elected officials haven’t seemed willing to defend police.
“It’s just a thankless, god-awful job right now,” Slocumb said. “I would tell them to just go into the fire department or become a truck driver or something.”
A total of 179 New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers retired — a 411% increase compared to 2019 — in just one week from late June to early July, The Independent reported. Retirement in the New York City Police Department has become rampant that city officials are capping the number of officers allowed to vacate the force.
Vallelong, who’s based in NYC, said that some officers came to work and, instead of clocking in, walked themselves to the pension office and put in their resignation.
Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has spearheaded several changes to the NYPD following the nationwide race-based demonstrations. The mayor pushed proposals to strip the department of over $1 billion in funding on July 1, and disbanded an anti-crime plainclothes police unit in June.
New York City has subsequently seen an increase in violent crime. Nearly 40 people were shot in the city over the Fourth of July weekend, and June 2020 was the bloodiest June the city has seen in 24 years, according to the New York Post.
Vallelong said local politicians don’t share the same interests as police officers and are preventing them from doing their job.
Police “can’t do their job,” he told the DCNF. “They have — for lack of a better word — ball-less leadership. Everyone’s afraid to take action against the mayor.”
Slocumb, a 32-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, agrees that police officers are struggling to do their jobs, but speculated about another trend.
“Frankly I think a lot of police officers are scared to death to do any self-initiated crime prevention,” Slocumb said. “I mean if you see guys hanging out on the street corner at 3 o’clock in the morning, the policeman in you wants to stop and see what’s going on, but when you think of what could happen — someone could run, someone could pull a gun, you might find dope, and the guy resists arrest and you have to use force — it’s better to just keep on driving.”
A number of law enforcement officers have faced charges for excessive force. Two Atlanta officers were charged — one of whom faces the death penalty — following the June death of Rayshard Brooks, who who was shot multiple times after he resisted arrest and stole an officer’s taser, according to NBC News.
Slocumb said avoiding crime prevention for fear of repercussions hurts the morale of police officers who “take pride” in keeping their districts safe.
“[Police are] working the same area for a period of time, and they take pride in trying to keep it safe,” the former LA deputy said. “I hear guys saying over and over ‘not in my area that ain’t going to happen’. And now, they’re fearful of taking action to even prevent it and that just hurts.”
Slocumb said police can’t just shrug off a sharp decline in morale and that it has unforeseen consequences to public safety.
“I mean the fact that morale is down, you can just say ‘well, cowboy up,’ but the off shoot of that is that you’re having a lot more retirements, a lot more sick calls, communities less protected, not more protected,” Slocumb said.
The consequences of the anti-police movement has left deep wounds on policing in America, Vallelong told the DCNF.
“There’s no respect on the street anymore, which is going to take a lot of time to get back,” he said.
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--2020-07-16--Little Hero: Boy Saves Sister From Dog Attack, Gets 90 Stitches on Face

“ If someone had to die , I thought it should be me.
” A six-year-old boy is a hero after saving his sister from a dog attack .
On July 9 , Bridger saw a neighbor ’ s dog charging at his little sister .
He stood between them and the dog attacked him instead .
After being bitten several times on the head and face , Bridger grabbed his sister ’ s hand and ran to safety , his Aunt Nikki Walker wrote on Instagram .
He received 90 stitches to repair the damage on his head and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Instagram , “ We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks .
@ tomholland2013 @ chrishemsworth @ robertdowneyjr @ markruffalo @ prattprattpratt @ twhiddleston @ chadwickboseman @ vindiesel @ chrisevans.
” She continued to say that Bridger ’ s injuries are healing and he ’ s in great spirits .
At least one superhero responded .
Actor Mark Ruffalo , who plays the Hulk in the Avengers , reached out to Bridger .
“ People who put the well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know .
I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart .
Real courage isn ’ t dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy .
Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow .
You are more of a man than many , many I have seen or known .
With Admiration…Mark Ruffalo ( Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor ) .
” Nancy Flory is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

“If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” A six-year-old boy is a hero after saving his sister from a dog attack.
On July 9, Bridger saw a neighbor’s dog charging at his little sister. He stood between them and the dog attacked him instead. After being bitten several times on the head and face, Bridger grabbed his sister’s hand and ran to safety, his Aunt Nikki Walker wrote on Instagram. He received 90 stitches to repair the damage on his head and face.
Bridger’s aunt wrote on Instagram, “We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks. @tomholland2013 @chrishemsworth @robertdowneyjr @markruffalo @prattprattpratt @twhiddleston @chadwickboseman @vindiesel @chrisevans.” She continued to say that Bridger’s injuries are healing and he’s in great spirits.
Some of the superheroes from the Avengers responded.
Actor Chris Evans, who plays Captain America, praised Bridger for his heroic and selfless actions in a video message. “I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of this over the last couple of days, but let me be the next one to tell you, pal, you’re a hero. What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. You’re parents must be so proud of you. I’m going to track down your address and I’m going to send you an authentic Captain America shield because pal, you deserve it. Keep being the man you are. We need people like you.” He added that recovery might be tough, but based on what he saw, nothing would slow Bridger down.
Actor Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk in the Avengers, also reached out to Bridger. “People who put the well beings (sic) of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know. I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart. Real courage isn’t dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow. You are more of a man than many, many I have seen or known. With Admiration…Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor).”
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-16--Trump Must Act to Stop Turkish Expansionism, Attacks on Christians

In light of the growing aggression on the part of our NATO “ ally ” Turkey , The Stream decided to interview Johannes de Jong .
A longtime Stream contributor , he is an expert on the region , and an advocate for religious freedom .
John Zmirak : Americans aren ’ t focusing much on anything happening outside our borders .
We have too much violence in our cities .
But you think President Trump needs to take strong action regarding Turkey .
Its President Erdogan has been acting aggressively all across the region .
Can you talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mosque ?
Hasn ’ t he linked it to “ liberation ” of the Dome of the Rock , threatening Israel ?
Johannes de Jong : President Trump promised to stand up against extremist Islamism .
That was a key part of his agenda .
And rightly so .
Erdogan is now the most important supporter of Islamist extremists .
His obvious agenda is to restore the Turkish caliphate [ that is , world leadership of Muslims ] .
Turning the Hagia Sophia from a museum into mosque only exposes what keen observers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he made the announcement in Turkish and Arabic .
Andalusia is in Spain and Bukhara in Usbekizstan .
The real agenda of Erdogan includes the restoration of the Islamic caliphate and the destruction of Israel .
I am not the only one stating this .
Even in secular newspapers in The Netherlands I read the same conclusion .
Finally some people are waking up to reality .
Pretty late .
Erdogan supported ISIS massively .
He supports Al Qaeda in Syria .
He backs all kinds of jihadists to attack Kurds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria .
Erdogan is attacking Iraq at this moment and moved 10,000 jihadists to Libya .
That is not even a complete list .
I can add his threats against Greece .
Plus his recent threats against Armenia .
We see growing evidence that Erdogan is arming Boko Haram in Nigeria ( which is slaughtering Christians ) .
So if you look to the whole picture it is odd that people only woke up when he made a mosque of the Hagia Sophia .
But at least now he is open about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer ignore this .
He can not genuinely call Erdogan his “ friend.
” Not when Erdogan steers the killing of Christians on a massive scale .
And serves as the largest supporter of Islamic extremism in the world .
How can President Trump explain himself to Christian voters ?
I can not imagine that President Trump wants Erdogan to succeed .
But he will if Trump doesn ’ t act .
Is Erdogan trying to restore the intolerance and regional dominance of the old Ottoman Empire ?
Does he say this openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish rule , you see sharia .
You see the death and destruction of people of different faiths .
And mob rule by jihadist gangs .
So he is very clearly imposing intolerance and violence .
The statement I quoted above makes his Ottoman restoration dream explicit .
And that was not even the first time he stated his real intentions .
What ’ s Turkey doing now in Syria that harms Christians , Yezidis , and other religious minorities ?
There are two separate things going on .
First , the oppression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey .
Let me just only mention the harrowing fate of many young women there .
Turkish jihadists kidnap , rape and murder many young women in their controlled areas in Syria .
Turkey ’ s jihadists drive out Christians and Yazidis who won ’ t convert to Islam .
Turkish forces constantly shell and harass the Christian areas around Hassakah and Tel Tamer .
Turkey regularly cuts off the water to that area .
In Iraq , Turkish jets in 2019 and 2020 bombed Sinjar .
The current Turkish aggression in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey is persecuting religious minorities on a massive scale .
How has Erdogan harmed the dwindling Christian minority inside Turkey ?
Carnegie Center researcher Alexander Görlach warns that the future of Christians in Turkey is threatened by continuing persecution and intolerance .
This fits with how Turkey abused Pastor Andrew Brunson and other Christians .
Persecution in Turkey itself is less fierce than in Turkish occupied areas , but it is serious .
Turkey qualifies as the only NATO country on the USCIRF ’ s religious persecution watchlist .
Please Support The Stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Turkey continues to threaten aggression against Armenia .
Why ?
An age-old conflict simmers between Armenia and Azerbeijan .
We see continuing skirmishes along their border .
Now Turkey issues warnings to Armenia .
Erdogan wants to use this conflict to increase its military leverage over the region .
What about Turkish moves in Libya ?
Its efforts to control the government there ?
Actually , Turkey already controls the “ UN-recognized ” GNA government of Libya in Tripoli .
That government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 jihadists from Syria and Turkey to grab for control of the rest .
Opposing the GNA is Khalifa Haftar , a strongman/general .
He dominates eastern Libya .
He gets support from France , Egypt , Greece and the United Arab Emirates .
The sole purpose for this support for Heftar ?
To prevent Turkey from recreating an Ottoman caliphate .
If Turkey controls Libya , it can destabilize and get control over much more .
Even dominate the Eastern Mediterranean .
America Must Act Now , or Pay Later Do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrain Turkey ?
How can the United States help ?
We saw a sudden change in the EU .
On July 13 , the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers suddenly moved against Turkey .
They made it clear that they were prepared to impose real sanctions .
Turkish moves in Libya became too big to ignore .
Add to that Turkish attempts to seize gas fields in waters that belong to Cyprus .
The US can stop Turkey at two essential points .
First of all by not pulling troops out of Northeast Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop any future Turkish aggression , not run away .
Second it should declare and enforce a No-Fly zone against Turkey over North-East Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan .
Those would prove by far the most effective brakes on Turkey ’ s expansionism .
Otherwise it won ’ t stop short of … Jerusalem .
It is much easier to deter them now .
Why should Christian voters in America , with many worries at home , care about these developments ?
Because if you don ’ t stop Erdogan now , he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come after the US .
The September 11 , 2001 attacks serve as a powerful reminder : Ignoring such threats doesn ’ t negate them .
Islamic extremism spreads via a large state that supports many different terror groups like al Qaeda .
On an industrial scale .
Jihadism now extends far beyond a few remote areas in Afghanistan .
Turkey spreads it in major population centers , wherever it can reach .
Turkey started to cooperate with Iran .
That threatens Israel , Greece and Armenia .
Are American Jews , Greeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we face is finally … fascism .
The Nazis ’ cooperation with Islamic extremists in their day was no accident .
Each shared the urge to dominate and to make the whole world the same boring monoculture , dominated by dictators .
Turkey ’ s Neo-Ottomanism revives all that .
Let ’ s halt Erdogan while he ’ s still weak enough to be stopped .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @

In light of the growing aggression on the part of our NATO “ally” Turkey, The Stream decided to interview Johannes de Jong. A longtime Stream contributor, he is an expert on the region, and an advocate for religious freedom.
John Zmirak: Americans aren’t focusing much on anything happening outside our borders. We have too much violence in our cities. But you think President Trump needs to take strong action regarding Turkey. Its President Erdogan has been acting aggressively all across the region. Can you talk about his seizure of Hagia Sophia as a mosque? Hasn’t he linked it to “liberation” of the Dome of the Rock, threatening Israel?
Johannes de Jong: President Trump promised to stand up against extremist Islamism. That was a key part of his agenda. And rightly so. Erdogan is now the most important supporter of Islamist extremists. His obvious agenda is to restore the Turkish caliphate [that is, world leadership of Muslims].
Turning the Hagia Sophia from a museum into mosque only exposes what keen observers already knew. Erdogan showed his hand when he made the announcement in Turkish and Arabic.
The reopening of Hagia Sophia is an omen for restoring the freedom of the Al-Aqsa mosque [in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount]. It is … a sign of peace that we send from the bottom of our hearts to all the cities that symbolize our civilization. From Bukhara, To Andalusia.
Andalusia is in Spain and Bukhara in Usbekizstan. The real agenda of Erdogan includes the restoration of the Islamic caliphate and the destruction of Israel. I am not the only one stating this. Even in secular newspapers in The Netherlands I read the same conclusion. Finally some people are waking up to reality.
Erdogan supported ISIS massively. He supports Al Qaeda in Syria. He backs all kinds of jihadists to attack Kurds and Christians.
Pretty late. Erdogan supported ISIS massively. He supports Al Qaeda in Syria. He backs all kinds of jihadists to attack Kurds and Christians and their Arab allies in northern Syria. Erdogan is attacking Iraq at this moment and moved 10,000 jihadists to Libya.
That is not even a complete list. I can add his threats against Greece. Plus his recent threats against Armenia. We see growing evidence that Erdogan is arming Boko Haram in Nigeria (which is slaughtering Christians). So if you look to the whole picture it is odd that people only woke up when he made a mosque of the Hagia Sophia. But at least now he is open about his real agenda.
President Trump can no longer ignore this. He cannot genuinely call Erdogan his “friend.” Not when Erdogan steers the killing of Christians on a massive scale. And serves as the largest supporter of Islamic extremism in the world. How can President Trump explain himself to Christian voters? I cannot imagine that President Trump wants Erdogan to succeed. But he will if Trump doesn’t act.
Restoring a Massive Turkish Empire
Is Erdogan trying to restore the intolerance and regional dominance of the old Ottoman Empire? Does he say this openly in Turkish-language statements?
Wherever Erdogan imposes Turkish rule, you see sharia. You see the death and destruction of people of different faiths. And mob rule by jihadist gangs. So he is very clearly imposing intolerance and violence. The statement I quoted above makes his Ottoman restoration dream explicit. And that was not even the first time he stated his real intentions.
What’s Turkey doing now in Syria that harms Christians, Yezidis, and other religious minorities?
There are two separate things going on. First, the oppression within the areas in Syria occupied by Turkey. Let me just only mention the harrowing fate of many young women there. Turkish jihadists kidnap, rape and murder many young women in their controlled areas in Syria.
Turkey’s jihadists drive out Christians and Yazidis who won’t convert to Islam. Turkish forces constantly shell and harass the Christian areas around Hassakah and Tel Tamer. Turkey regularly cuts off the water to that area. In Iraq, Turkish jets in 2019 and 2020 bombed Sinjar. The current Turkish aggression in Iraq is driving away Christians there. So Turkey is persecuting religious minorities on a massive scale.
Hunting Christians, at Home and Abroad
How has Erdogan harmed the dwindling Christian minority inside Turkey?
Carnegie Center researcher Alexander Görlach warns that the future of Christians in Turkey is threatened by continuing persecution and intolerance. This fits with how Turkey abused Pastor Andrew Brunson and other Christians. Persecution in Turkey itself is less fierce than in Turkish occupied areas, but it is serious. Turkey qualifies as the only NATO country on the USCIRF’s religious persecution watchlist.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Turkey continues to threaten aggression against Armenia. Why?
An age-old conflict simmers between Armenia and Azerbeijan. We see continuing skirmishes along their border. Now Turkey issues warnings to Armenia. Erdogan wants to use this conflict to increase its military leverage over the region.
Controlling the Mediterranean
What about Turkish moves in Libya? Its efforts to control the government there?
Actually, Turkey already controls the “UN-recognized” GNA government of Libya in Tripoli. That government only dominates western Libya. Turkey sent 10,000 jihadists from Syria and Turkey to grab for control of the rest. Opposing the GNA is Khalifa Haftar, a strongman/general. He dominates eastern Libya. He gets support from France, Egypt, Greece and the United Arab Emirates. The sole purpose for this support for Heftar? To prevent Turkey from recreating an Ottoman caliphate. If Turkey controls Libya, it can destabilize and get control over much more. Even dominate the Eastern Mediterranean.
America Must Act Now, or Pay Later
Do we see the European Union doing anything to restrain Turkey? How can the United States help?
We saw a sudden change in the EU. On July 13, the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers suddenly moved against Turkey. They made it clear that they were prepared to impose real sanctions. Turkish moves in Libya became too big to ignore. Add to that Turkish attempts to seize gas fields in waters that belong to Cyprus.
The US can stop Turkey at two essential points. First of all by not pulling troops out of Northeast Syria. The US must stand ready to stop any future Turkish aggression, not run away. Second it should declare and enforce a No-Fly zone against Turkey over North-East Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan. Those would prove by far the most effective brakes on Turkey’s expansionism. Otherwise it won’t stop short of … Jerusalem. It is much easier to deter them now.
Why should Christian voters in America, with many worries at home, care about these developments?
Because if you don’t stop Erdogan now, he will breed an army of jihadists that will come after the US. The September 11, 2001 attacks serve as a powerful reminder: Ignoring such threats doesn’t negate them. Islamic extremism spreads via a large state that supports many different terror groups like al Qaeda. On an industrial scale. Jihadism now extends far beyond a few remote areas in Afghanistan. Turkey spreads it in major population centers, wherever it can reach.
Turkey started to cooperate with Iran. That threatens Israel, Greece and Armenia. Are American Jews, Greeks and Armenians comfortable with that?
What we face is finally … fascism. The Nazis’ cooperation with Islamic extremists in their day was no accident. Each shared the urge to dominate and to make the whole world the same boring monoculture, dominated by dictators. Turkey’s Neo-Ottomanism revives all that. Let’s halt Erdogan while he’s still weak enough to be stopped.
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.


Toxic Charity

Understand : the proposal to “ defund the police ” is not that the protesters wish to abolish the police .
Instead , they want to divert the funds to a “ renovated system of community care.
” Defunding and abolition probably mean something different from what you are thinking .
For most proponents , “ defunding the police ” does not mean zeroing out budgets for public safety , and police abolition does not mean that police will disappear overnight — or perhaps ever .
Defunding the police means shrinking the scope of police responsibilities and shifting most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to entities that are better equipped to meet that need .
It means investing more in mental health care and housing , and expanding the use of community mediation and violence interruption programs .
Lopez is a professor at Georgetown and the co-director of their Innovative Policing program .
She clearly knows what she ’ s talking about .
Or does she ?
The proposals to replace police with more mental health care , better housing , more social workers and “ violence interruption programs ” are the same weary liberalism that believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if only we throw more money and more tenderhearted experts at the problem .
We ’ ve already done that , and it doesn ’ t work .
Repeating the same action but expecting a different result is the classic definition of insanity .
It ’ s akin to putting orange juice in the tank of your car , and when it doesn ’ t run concluding that you must not have dumped in enough orange juice , so you open the windows and fill the interior with orange juice too .
Progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is far too optimistic about human nature and it always seeks a materialistic solution .
Rather than face the dark truth that human nature is deeply flawed and prone to pride , prejudice , rivalry and revenge , the progressive liberal writes off the problems as a lack of education , good housing , community mediation , psychological counseling and good health care .
They mistake the symptoms for the cause ; therefore the stream of bright ideas they talk about endlessly are rarely put into action , and when they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at best , succeed for a short time , then crash and burn .
No doubt better health care , schools , jobs and social workers will help , but it is naive to imagine that materialistic solutions will solve the underlying dark hole within human nature .
Robert Lupton is a seasoned urban activist who has lived and worked with the poor in inner city Atlanta for decades .
In his book Toxic Charity : How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help ( and How to Reverse It ) , Lupton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class white people botch things up .
I ’ ve seen it in my own parish in South Carolina .
The social workers and charity organizers roll up in their BMWs in smart business suits , armed with laptops and PowerPoint presentations to discuss what to do about the problems of crime , drugs , gangs and homelessness .
After a nice lunch they talk together for an hour and a half and decide to commission yet another demographic study , a survey or a fact-finding commission .
Then they set the date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
In the meantime ordinary pastors and their people are rolling up their sleeves and manning the food pantries and rescue missions , running the local Alcoholics Anonymous group , the rehab course and the parole rehabilitation program .
They ’ re raising money to help women in crisis pregnancies , funding scholarship programs for needy kids to attend their church schools and developing good relationships with their local police departments to bring peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re working on material solutions , but they don ’ t believe that is the only answer .
Some time ago I met with the pastor of the Church of Christ around the corner from our parish .
He was a young African American guy , working as a carpet fitter as he did his theological training part time .
I asked to meet with him to see if the folks in his church wanted to join with our people and the other churches in the area to promote our food pantries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politely then said something I will never forget , “ Brother ” he began , “ We don ’ t give people stuff .
That ’ s not our job .
We don ’ t give them sandwiches .
The only thing we give them is Jesus Christ the Bread of Life .
If they join our church , you know what ?
Soon they find a friend who has also quit the gangs and quit the drugs .
Maybe a man from our church offers him a job .
Then he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rent and watch out for each other .
Then maybe he finds a good woman in our church and he becomes a husband and father and decides to go to tech and get a better job .
See .
We don ’ t give people stuff , but we give them what really matters .
We give them the Lord Jesus Christ.
” Our food pantry is still open , but I took a lesson from that Church of Christ pastor .
We can give people all the material assistance possible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them the power to change that faith provides , the rest of the help will be like the chaff that the wind blows away .
Fr .
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in South Carolina .
His latest book Immortal Combat : Confronting the Heart of Darkness explores the root causes of personal and social unrest .

Understand: the proposal to “defund the police” is not that the protesters wish to abolish the police. Instead, they want to divert the funds to a “renovated system of community care.”
Writing in the Washington Post, Christy Lopez explains,
Defunding and abolition probably mean something different from what you are thinking. For most proponents, “defunding the police” does not mean zeroing out budgets for public safety, and police abolition does not mean that police will disappear overnight — or perhaps ever. Defunding the police means shrinking the scope of police responsibilities and shifting most of what government does to keep us safe to entities that are better equipped to meet that need. It means investing more in mental health care and housing, and expanding the use of community mediation and violence interruption programs.
Lopez is a professor at Georgetown and the co-director of their Innovative Policing program. She clearly knows what she’s talking about.
Or does she? The proposals to replace police with more mental health care, better housing, more social workers and “violence interruption programs” are the same weary liberalism that believes society’s problem will be solved if only we throw more money and more tenderhearted experts at the problem.
We can give people all the material assistance possible, but if we don’t give them the power to change that faith provides, the rest of the help will be like the chaff that the wind blows away.
We’ve already done that, and it doesn’t work. Repeating the same action but expecting a different result is the classic definition of insanity. It’s akin to putting orange juice in the tank of your car, and when it doesn’t run concluding that you must not have dumped in enough orange juice, so you open the windows and fill the interior with orange juice too.
Bright Ideas, Dark Truths
Progressive liberalism suffers from two underlying problems: it is far too optimistic about human nature and it always seeks a materialistic solution. Rather than face the dark truth that human nature is deeply flawed and prone to pride, prejudice, rivalry and revenge, the progressive liberal writes off the problems as a lack of education, good housing, community mediation, psychological counseling and good health care.
They mistake the symptoms for the cause; therefore the stream of bright ideas they talk about endlessly are rarely put into action, and when they do materialize, the programs fail or, at best, succeed for a short time, then crash and burn.
No doubt better health care, schools, jobs and social workers will help, but it is naive to imagine that materialistic solutions will solve the underlying dark hole within human nature.
Tough and Tender
Robert Lupton is a seasoned urban activist who has lived and worked with the poor in inner city Atlanta for decades. In his book Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (and How to Reverse It), Lupton explains just how ignorant but well-meaning middle class white people botch things up.
I’ve seen it in my own parish in South Carolina. The social workers and charity organizers roll up in their BMWs in smart business suits, armed with laptops and PowerPoint presentations to discuss what to do about the problems of crime, drugs, gangs and homelessness. After a nice lunch they talk together for an hour and a half and decide to commission yet another demographic study, a survey or a fact-finding commission. Then they set the date for the next meeting.
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In the meantime ordinary pastors and their people are rolling up their sleeves and manning the food pantries and rescue missions, running the local Alcoholics Anonymous group, the rehab course and the parole rehabilitation program. They’re raising money to help women in crisis pregnancies, funding scholarship programs for needy kids to attend their church schools and developing good relationships with their local police departments to bring peace and prosperity to their neighborhoods.
They’re working on material solutions, but they don’t believe that is the only answer.
Christian Common Sense
Some time ago I met with the pastor of the Church of Christ around the corner from our parish. He was a young African American guy, working as a carpet fitter as he did his theological training part time. I asked to meet with him to see if the folks in his church wanted to join with our people and the other churches in the area to promote our food pantries and social welfare ministries.
He listened politely then said something I will never forget, “Brother” he began, “We don’t give people stuff. That’s not our job. We don’t give them sandwiches. The only thing we give them is Jesus Christ the Bread of Life. If they join our church, you know what? Soon they find a friend who has also quit the gangs and quit the drugs. Maybe a man from our church offers him a job. Then he and his friend get an apartment and share the rent and watch out for each other. Then maybe he finds a good woman in our church and he becomes a husband and father and decides to go to tech and get a better job. See. We don’t give people stuff, but we give them what really matters. We give them the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Our food pantry is still open, but I took a lesson from that Church of Christ pastor. We can give people all the material assistance possible, but if we don’t give them the power to change that faith provides, the rest of the help will be like the chaff that the wind blows away.
Fr. Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in South Carolina. His latest book Immortal Combat: Confronting the Heart of Darkness explores the root causes of personal and social unrest.


thestream--2020-07-16--Next Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade Cancelled. Already.

Good news !
The hellish 2020 is more than half over .
The bad news ?
2021 won ’ t be starting any better .
The historic New Year ’ s Day Tournament of Roses Parade has been cancelled .
Four-and-a-half months in advance .
With COVID-19 vaccines in phase three trials .
With successful therapeutic treatments being worked out every day .
With death rates dropping to the point where COVID could soon cease to qualify as an epidemic under CDC rules .
With masks plastered on everybody ’ s faces supposedly blocking the virus .
With Florida ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some cases 10-fold helping keep the media narrative alive .
Nonetheless , despite being paired with the granddaddy of college football bowl games , organizers are not even going to give it the ol ’ college try .
( Oddly enough , the Rose Bowl football game itself is still on . )
Sure , the Tournament of Roses Parade has been cancelled before .
But it took Nazi Germany , Imperial Japan and Fascist Italy to do it .
Now it takes just one slick-haired governor .
The Pasadena Tournament of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is tossing California Gov .
Gavin Newsom under the float .
“ In accordance with Governor Newsom ’ s Phase IV re-opening schedule , and after thoughtful consideration of the restrictions and guidelines in place as a result of COVID-19 , we are unable to host the 2021 Rose Parade , ” their statement reads .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The problem , they say , is preparations for the New Year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition to the advance planning required by our band and equestrian units , the construction of our floats takes many months and typically requires thousands of volunteers to gather in ways that aren ’ t in compliance with safety recommendations and won ’ t be safe in the coming months , ” said David Eads , Executive Director/CEO .
In other words , regardless of what ’ s going on with the virus , the new burdens thrown down by Gov .
Newsom are too strict to overcome .
At least in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But are they ?
Eads says high school bands that had been scheduled to participate haven ’ t been able to rehearse because of school shutdowns .
You can get band units from states that aren ’ t under such draconian lockdowns .
Rely more on military bands .
Rely on America cutting the kids slack if they ’ re not note perfect .
Equestrian units ?
Are we really seeing a COVID problem with horses ?
Construction of floats ?
No one says they have to be the modern mega-elaborate mechanical concoctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Go old school if you must .
Volunteers ?
Yes , some volunteers traditionally get working on floats in the spring , but you don ’ t see throngs of volunteers putting the flowers and natural materials onto the floats until right before New Year ’ s .
As for volunteers working the parade , Pasadena ’ s been doing the Rose Parade for over 130 years .
They ’ ve got it down .
Of course , even if all else failed , they just could have made the theme “ Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangers would have disappeared .
Rose Parade CEO Eads said , “ While we are extremely disappointed that we are unable to host the parade , we believe that not doing so will prevent the spread of COVID-19 , as well as protect the legacy of the Rose Parade for generations to come.
” How does cancelling the Rose Parade so far in advance protect the Rose Parade ’ s legacy ?
Watching the Rose Parade is an American family tradition .
And while destroying American traditions and families is a popular fad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us are not so keen to see them messed with .
It ’ s a turn-off .
Eads did tell the Los Angeles Times the Tournament of Roses is looking to put on a televised event for worldwide viewers .
It might be a snazzy production , but it won ’ t be the same .
Especially after the kind of year America ’ s had , and what is likely to be a very nasty , very violent fall , We could have used the chance to wake up New Year ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Rose Parade ’ s jaw-dropping kaleidoscope of colors and creativity , song and spectacle .
After the darkness of 2020 , we could have used that California sunshine .
The Tournament of Roses could have offered America a fresh bloom for the New Year .
Instead it wilted .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow @ @ @ @ @ @

Good news! The hellish 2020 is more than half over. The bad news? 2021 won’t be starting any better.
The historic New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade has been cancelled. Four-and-a-half months in advance. With COVID-19 vaccines in phase three trials. With successful therapeutic treatments being worked out every day. With death rates dropping to the point where COVID could soon cease to qualify as an epidemic under CDC rules. With masks plastered on everybody’s faces supposedly blocking the virus. With Florida’s health department dramatically inflating the numbers in some cases 10-fold helping keep the media narrative alive.
Nonetheless, despite being paired with the granddaddy of college football bowl games, organizers are not even going to give it the ol’ college try. (Oddly enough, the Rose Bowl football game itself is still on.)
Sure, the Tournament of Roses Parade has been cancelled before. But it took Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan and Fascist Italy to do it. Now it takes just one slick-haired governor.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association Statement
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, which runs the parade, is tossing California Gov. Gavin Newsom under the float.
“In accordance with Governor Newsom’s Phase IV re-opening schedule, and after thoughtful consideration of the restrictions and guidelines in place as a result of COVID-19, we are unable to host the 2021 Rose Parade,” their statement reads.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The problem, they say, is preparations for the New Year’s tradition usually begins in February. “In addition to the advance planning required by our band and equestrian units, the construction of our floats takes many months and typically requires thousands of volunteers to gather in ways that aren’t in compliance with safety recommendations and won’t be safe in the coming months,” said David Eads, Executive Director/CEO.
In other words, regardless of what’s going on with the virus, the new burdens thrown down by Gov. Newsom are too strict to overcome. At least in time for New Year’s.
But are they? Eads says high school bands that had been scheduled to participate haven’t been able to rehearse because of school shutdowns. You can get band units from states that aren’t under such draconian lockdowns. Rely more on military bands. Rely on America cutting the kids slack if they’re not note perfect.
Equestrian units? Are we really seeing a COVID problem with horses? Construction of floats? No one says they have to be the modern mega-elaborate mechanical concoctions we’ve grown accustomed to. Go old school if you must.
Volunteers? Yes, some volunteers traditionally get working on floats in the spring, but you don’t see throngs of volunteers putting the flowers and natural materials onto the floats until right before New Year’s. As for volunteers working the parade, Pasadena’s been doing the Rose Parade for over 130 years. They’ve got it down.
Of course, even if all else failed, they just could have made the theme “Black Lives Matter” and suddenly all health dangers would have disappeared.
Protecting the Legacy
Rose Parade CEO Eads said, “While we are extremely disappointed that we are unable to host the parade, we believe that not doing so will prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as protect the legacy of the Rose Parade for generations to come.”
How does cancelling the Rose Parade so far in advance protect the Rose Parade’s legacy? Watching the Rose Parade is an American family tradition. And while destroying American traditions and families is a popular fad for the Left, the rest of us are not so keen to see them messed with. It’s a turn-off.
Eads did tell the Los Angeles Times the Tournament of Roses is looking to put on a televised event for worldwide viewers. It might be a snazzy production, but it won’t be the same.
Especially after the kind of year America’s had, and what is likely to be a very nasty, very violent fall, We could have used the chance to wake up New Year’s Day to the warm hope offered by the Rose Parade’s jaw-dropping kaleidoscope of colors and creativity, song and spectacle. After the darkness of 2020, we could have used that California sunshine.
The Tournament of Roses could have offered America a fresh bloom for the New Year. Instead it wilted.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-16--Military Photo of the Day: Anti-Terrorism Training

U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS Blue Ridge practice searching techniques during an anti-terrorism training exercise in Yokosuka , Japan @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Thank you to these deployed sailors for always being ready .
Please Support @ @ @ @ @ to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .

U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS Blue Ridge practice searching techniques during an anti-terrorism training exercise in Yokosuka, Japan, on July 6, 2020.
Thank you to these deployed sailors for always being ready.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-07-15--Peaceful Protest: Bethel Church’s Sean Feucht Leads Worship at Iconic Places Nationwide in Response

Peaceful Protest: Bethel Church’s Sean Feucht Leads Worship at Iconic Places Nationwide in Response to Ordinances That Silence the Church

Close to 400 people showed up to worship God at a service held on California ’ s Golden Gate Bridge last week in protest of Governor Newsom ’ s order to stop singing and chanting at houses of worship .
Bethel Church ’ s worship leader , Sean Feucht , hosted the event as part of a movement he started called “ Let Us Worship.
” The movement was originally founded as a response to social media censorship of worship services that he led in what he called “ places of trauma.
” Following the murder of George Floyd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and St. Louis to pray and lead worship outdoors .
They posted videos of the events on Instagram , which were quickly censored .
Instagram stated the worship videos were “ harmful ” and didn ’ t meet their community standards .
“ Basically , they are blocking … any narrative except the one they want to push , which is strife , rioting and violence .
And they wouldn ’ t cover the fact that people are coming together in these places of trauma and they ’ re bringing hope and bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He said it got his group “ fired up ” to take a stand .
So did Newsom ’ s ban on singing .
Feucht told The Stream that Newsom ’ s order to silence worship was hypocritical .
“ I would say [ it is ] hypocritical at best , given the fact that the state government largely endorsed the mass protest that included tens of thousands of people , and also included a lot of chanting and a lot of yelling .
And I wasn ’ t against those , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of not allowing the church to meet.
” So Feucht started “ Let Us Worship.
” The “ Let Us Worship ” petition has already been signed by over 20,000 people .
Now Feucht is heading to the Nation ’ s Capitol .
“ I ’ ll be going to DC as we continue to mobilize against this infringement of religious liberties.
” While there , he will meet with several U.S .
Senators .
In addition , Feucht is mobilizing moments of worship in specific and strategic places , like the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers showed up at the Golden Gate Bridge worship service last week .
At first , the group was concerned that they were there to shut the event down .
But they weren ’ t .
“ They ended up blocking off a whole lane of traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge to enable us to worship freely.
” Some of the police officers at the bridge were on suicide watch — they were there to prevent suicides .
Since COVID-19 started , many people have jumped to their deaths .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hosting a worship service , they were relieved .
“ They said , ‘ Oh , we need this on this bridge . '
” He added , “ We felt like it was really significant for us to be there .
And I ’ m really , really thankful that these officers saw the importance of worship.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The next day the group gathered at Huntington Beach in Orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We had … probably over 1,000 people at the beach in Huntington Beach .
And we worshiped and preached the gospel.
” Dozens were saved and 30 were baptized that day .
“ It was just a really special time.
” Co-organizer and founder of Saturate OC Jessi Green told the crowd , ” The church has left the building !
” Overall , the worship services have received positive reactions , not only from local people , but some in the media as well .
The only real pushback Feucht @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online .
“ They ’ re just complaining about masks and [ the ] social distance thing .
And I just find it kind of interesting that people are getting healed , saved and delivered , and their first thought is , well , ‘ some people don ’ t have masks on . '
” Feucht said that these challenging times are reminiscent of the late sixties and early seventies .
“ I feel like we ’ re on the verge of another Jesus People movement and awakening , but I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership from the church to get us to where God ’ s calling us to go .
So I think now ’ s the time for bold leaders to rise up.
” He added , “ You know , our heart is just for people to see that we ’ re in really trying times , but the church was born for this.
” Feucht , along with pastors and faith leaders , will be traveling to Connecticut , New York and New Jersey to conduct worship events before heading back to California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California doing the same .
Feucht says they need prayer for protection , guidance , open doors , favor , and resources as they travel .
“ Right now , we just feel like we ’ re just called to do this , go wherever He ’ s telling us .
So we ’ re just trusting the Lord for those kinds of things.
” Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

Close to 400 people showed up to worship God at a service held on California’s Golden Gate Bridge last week in protest of Governor Newsom’s order to stop singing and chanting at houses of worship. Bethel Church’s worship leader, Sean Feucht, hosted the event as part of a movement he started called “Let Us Worship.” The movement was originally founded as a response to social media censorship of worship services that he led in what he called “places of trauma.”
Instagram’s Censorship of Worship Videos
Following the murder of George Floyd, Feucht and other pastors went to Minneapolis and St. Louis to pray and lead worship outdoors. They posted videos of the events on Instagram, which were quickly censored. Instagram stated the worship videos were “harmful” and didn’t meet their community standards. “Basically, they are blocking … any narrative except the one they want to push, which is strife, rioting and violence. And they wouldn’t cover the fact that people are coming together in these places of trauma and they’re bringing hope and bringing healing and bringing a restoration and reconciliation.” He said it got his group “fired up” to take a stand. So did Newsom’s ban on singing.
Feucht told The Stream that Newsom’s order to silence worship was hypocritical. “I would say [it is] hypocritical at best, given the fact that the state government largely endorsed the mass protest that included tens of thousands of people, and also included a lot of chanting and a lot of yelling. And I wasn’t against those, but I am against the hypocritical nature of not allowing the church to meet.”
So Feucht started “Let Us Worship.” The “Let Us Worship” petition has already been signed by over 20,000 people. Now Feucht is heading to the Nation’s Capitol. “I’ll be going to DC as we continue to mobilize against this infringement of religious liberties.” While there, he will meet with several U.S. Senators. In addition, Feucht is mobilizing moments of worship in specific and strategic places, like the one at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Outside Worship Services
Twenty police officers showed up at the Golden Gate Bridge worship service last week. At first, the group was concerned that they were there to shut the event down. But they weren’t. “They ended up blocking off a whole lane of traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge to enable us to worship freely.” Some of the police officers at the bridge were on suicide watch — they were there to prevent suicides. Since COVID-19 started, many people have jumped to their deaths. When the police officers found out that Feucht was hosting a worship service, they were relieved. “They said, ‘Oh, we need this on this bridge.'” He added, “We felt like it was really significant for us to be there. And I’m really, really thankful that these officers saw the importance of worship.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The next day the group gathered at Huntington Beach in Orange County, Cal. for Saturate OC. “We had … probably over 1,000 people at the beach in Huntington Beach. And we worshiped and preached the gospel.” Dozens were saved and 30 were baptized that day. “It was just a really special time.” Co-organizer and founder of Saturate OC Jessi Green told the crowd,”The church has left the building!”
Overall, the worship services have received positive reactions, not only from local people, but some in the media as well. The only real pushback Feucht has received has been from Christians posting online. “They’re just complaining about masks and [the] social distance thing. And I just find it kind of interesting that people are getting healed, saved and delivered, and their first thought is, well, ‘some people don’t have masks on.'”
‘The Church was Born for This’
Feucht said that these challenging times are reminiscent of the late sixties and early seventies. “I feel like we’re on the verge of another Jesus People movement and awakening, but I believe it’s going to take bold leadership from the church to get us to where God’s calling us to go. So I think now’s the time for bold leaders to rise up.” He added, “You know, our heart is just for people to see that we’re in really trying times, but the church was born for this.”
Feucht, along with pastors and faith leaders, will be traveling to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to conduct worship events before heading back to California. They’ll then travel around California doing the same. Feucht says they need prayer for protection, guidance, open doors, favor, and resources as they travel. “Right now, we just feel like we’re just called to do this, go wherever He’s telling us. So we’re just trusting the Lord for those kinds of things.”
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.