thestream--2020-08-29--Elections are Important, but We Can’t Lose Our Souls

Elections , even in non-pandemic years , can bring out some of the best and the worst of America .
Both parties , in their convention productions , were a mix of both .
The aspirational , inspirational moments are the best — though , of course , may promise too much about what electing one ticket to the White House could possibly do .
At the same time , they are important reminders that policy isn ’ t mere ideological adherence : It affects human lives .
Family lives .
It ’ s important , noble work .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder to remember that politics isn ’ t everything .
We don ’ t get our meaning from politics , but rather , it is a necessary exercise : Our vote and our engagement in politics is one way we live out our civic responsibilities .
Politics is not a never-ending reality TV show for our entertainment or distraction .
And it ’ s not religion .
As Sister Deirdre Byrne put it during her Republican convention segment , there ’ s such a thing as eternal life , and this life — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our expression of gratitude for our very lives and hope for something greater .
Anything inconsistent with that journey should have no place in politics .
This leads us to abortion .
There ’ s a lot of dismissal of “ single-issue voters ” these days — the assumption that everyone who is opposed to abortion will vote for Donald Trump .
Let ’ s set that aside for a moment .
In recent weeks , I ’ ve expressed my disappointment in Joe Biden , and in the fact that the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party for people who consider abortion the preeminent human rights issue .
For that , I have been told I am a “ so-called ” pro-lifer .
I actually agree with all those who insist that “ pro-life ” needs to mean more than defending the life of the unborn .
Rather , we as individuals and as a society must do all that we can to make life plausible : to ensure single mothers and families have a fighting chance .
We can ’ t look away from the children in foster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the love of a family .
Absolutely , “ pro-life ” should mean more than “ opposed to abortion.
” And anyone who has been around the pro-life movement has seen that it so often is .
It ’ s people full of love for a mom who just needs some confidence and resources — people walking with her for more than nine months .
The other day , a Catholic priest responded to one of my columns mentioning Joe Biden and abortion .
He explained that he ’ s voting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here ’ s the problem with that : While I ’ m with Father in wanting to help vulnerable children in all kinds of situations , you can ’ t be pro-life and adhere to the extremist abortion policies of the Democratic party .
There ’ s a reason that the Democrats didn ’ t talk all that much about abortion during their convention — because that ’ s not the pitch you want to make to people .
The vast majority of Americans want to see some restrictions on abortion ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good thing , but they want women in desperate situations to have options .
“ There but for the grace of God go I , ” many think .
But like other words we use in our politics , “ pro-life ” begins to lose all meaning if you can claim to be personally opposed to , but publicly radically supportive of , legal abortion .
And not just its legality , but its expansion .
Just look to Andrew Cuomo for an example of that : a supposed leading light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a state that was already considered the abortion capital of the country .
The Democratic party has chosen to double down on the death of innocents .
That is what abortion is : a law that says the unborn can be treated as inconvenient and thrown away .
The value of that human life is determined by the mother under the influence of her circumstances and the pressures she is under .
The Republicans are far from perfect , to say the least .
But the Democrats refuse to stand for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lie to call them pro-life .
I have hopes that in a non-election year , people who call themselves pro-life and those who choose the pro-choice label can work together on foster care , adoption , paid family leave and other issues that we can agree on besides the “ A ” word .
I ’ d like to see a day when fewer people consider themselves pro-choice because they see pregnancy help centers and communities that truly live the Beatitudes and help women — and anyone — in need .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose our heads — or our souls — over an election .
There ’ s more to life ; there ’ s more to do .
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute , editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics : Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living .
She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan ’ s pro-life commission in New York .
She can be contacted at klopez @ nationalreview.com .

Elections, even in non-pandemic years, can bring out some of the best and the worst of America. Both parties, in their convention productions, were a mix of both. The aspirational, inspirational moments are the best — though, of course, may promise too much about what electing one ticket to the White House could possibly do.
Politics Isn’t Everything
At the same time, they are important reminders that policy isn’t mere ideological adherence: It affects human lives. Family lives. It’s important, noble work. But in campaign season, it can become harder to remember that politics isn’t everything. We don’t get our meaning from politics, but rather, it is a necessary exercise: Our vote and our engagement in politics is one way we live out our civic responsibilities.
Politics is not a never-ending reality TV show for our entertainment or distraction. And it’s not religion. As Sister Deirdre Byrne put it during her Republican convention segment, there’s such a thing as eternal life, and this life — including politics — should be part of our expression of gratitude for our very lives and hope for something greater. Anything inconsistent with that journey should have no place in politics.
What Pro-Life Means
This leads us to abortion. There’s a lot of dismissal of “single-issue voters” these days — the assumption that everyone who is opposed to abortion will vote for Donald Trump. Let’s set that aside for a moment. In recent weeks, I’ve expressed my disappointment in Joe Biden, and in the fact that the Democrats have refused to make room in their party for people who consider abortion the preeminent human rights issue. For that, I have been told I am a “so-called” pro-lifer.
I actually agree with all those who insist that “pro-life” needs to mean more than defending the life of the unborn. Rather, we as individuals and as a society must do all that we can to make life plausible: to ensure single mothers and families have a fighting chance. We can’t look away from the children in foster care who will never have a shot without the love of a family. Absolutely, “pro-life” should mean more than “opposed to abortion.” And anyone who has been around the pro-life movement has seen that it so often is. It’s people full of love for a mom who just needs some confidence and resources — people walking with her for more than nine months.
Joe Biden’s Take on Abortion
The other day, a Catholic priest responded to one of my columns mentioning Joe Biden and abortion. He explained that he’s voting for Biden, considering him to be pro-life. Here’s the problem with that: While I’m with Father in wanting to help vulnerable children in all kinds of situations, you can’t be pro-life and adhere to the extremist abortion policies of the Democratic party.
There’s a reason that the Democrats didn’t talk all that much about abortion during their convention — because that’s not the pitch you want to make to people. The vast majority of Americans want to see some restrictions on abortion; they don’t see abortion as a good thing, but they want women in desperate situations to have options. “There but for the grace of God go I,” many think.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
But like other words we use in our politics, “pro-life” begins to lose all meaning if you can claim to be personally opposed to, but publicly radically supportive of, legal abortion. And not just its legality, but its expansion. Just look to Andrew Cuomo for an example of that: a supposed leading light of Democratic politics, who expanded legal abortion in a state that was already considered the abortion capital of the country.
Democrats Aren’t Pro-Life
The Democratic party has chosen to double down on the death of innocents. That is what abortion is: a law that says the unborn can be treated as inconvenient and thrown away. The value of that human life is determined by the mother under the influence of her circumstances and the pressures she is under. The Republicans are far from perfect, to say the least. But the Democrats refuse to stand for the vulnerable unborn, and it’s a lie to call them pro-life.
I have hopes that in a non-election year, people who call themselves pro-life and those who choose the pro-choice label can work together on foster care, adoption, paid family leave and other issues that we can agree on besides the “A” word. I’d like to see a day when fewer people consider themselves pro-choice because they see pregnancy help centers and communities that truly live the Beatitudes and help women — and anyone — in need.
In the meantime, let’s not lose our heads — or our souls — over an election. There’s more to life; there’s more to do.
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan’s pro-life commission in New York. She can be contacted at [email protected].


thestream--2020-08-29--Blaming the Violence on Trump is a Bridge Too Far

Democrats can try but won ’ t succeed at distancing themselves from the violence they have enabled on American streets .
People surely know where the Democrats have stood on this , and that they ’ re now backpedaling only because of polling data .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg outright blamed this anarchy on President Donald Trump .
“ The simple reality is that we are seeing more and more chaos and violence under the Trump presidency , and there ’ s no reason to expect that it would get any different or better if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is very much characteristic of living in Donald Trump ’ s America , and I think we ’ re going to see more and more of it as long as he ’ s in charge.
” To blame this violence on Trump because he ’ s in office is like blaming him for the border wall not being erected fast enough .
It ’ s like blaming him for the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus when , in fact , he has persistently tried , over strenuous Democratic obstruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
It would be like blaming him for abortions because they have persisted during his first term despite his valiant efforts for the innocent unborn .
It is inconceivable that Buttigieg is unaware Democratic mayors and governors have all but encouraged this mayhem .
Many have consistently rejected Trump ’ s offer of federal law enforcement assistance to quell the riots .
Many have cavalierly misrepresented the violence as peaceful protests .
Democratic CNN has called the Kenosha riots “ fiery but mostly peaceful , ” and the Democratic Virginia Senate just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers to be mere misdemeanors , for crying out loud .
If Joe Biden or any other Democrat at the Democratic National Convention denounced the violence , I sincerely missed it .
Then , something happened .
No , Democrats didn ’ t all of a sudden become outraged at the criminal assaults and property destruction against people whose only sin was to own businesses in a convenient location for Marxist arsonists and opportunistic looters .
Democrats apparently discovered through internal polling and focus groups that most Americans are appalled by this leftist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that they actually care about safe streets .
Shocker .
CNN ’ s Don Lemon seems to have changed his mind on the riots — but not because he has had a law and order epiphany .
“ The rioting has to stop , ” Lemon said .
“ It ’ s showing up in the polling .
It ’ s showing up in focus groups .
… it is the only thing right now that is sticking.
” “ The problem is not gon na be fixed by then ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do — and I think … Joe Biden may be afraid to do it .
I ’ m not sure .
Maybe he won ’ t ; maybe he is — he ’ s got to address it , ” said Lemon .
“ He ’ s got to come out and talk about it.
” Lemon must be too obtuse to understand what he is telegraphing about Biden when he speculates that Biden might be afraid to address the violence .
What possible reason could he have to be afraid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be for such wanton lawlessness ?
One of Biden ’ s handlers must have seen the polling data , too , though , for after months of silence on the matter , Biden finally faintheartedly denounced the chaos , saying : “ Needless violence won ’ t heal us .
We need to end the violence now — and peacefully come together to demand justice.
” Well , Mr. Biden , why haven ’ t you urged Democratic governors to take charge of this madness ?
Why haven ’ t you encouraged them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of federal assistance ?
And just what do you mean that we ought to all come together to demand justice ?
You know that Trump condemned the George Floyd killing within hours of its occurrence , yet some of your Democratic friends are acting like he kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck himself .
It ’ s not just Pete Buttigieg trying to pin the violence on Trump .
I heard Fox News ’ Juan Williams make the same argument .
Indeed , the entire Democratic Party apparatus , now that it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly oppose the violence , is poised to blame the anarchy on Trump , not just because it is happening during his presidency but also because Democrats claim he is an evil racist who engenders an atmosphere of racism in the country .
This cynical slander of Trump and his supporters as racists has got to stop .
But it won ’ t , because it still works for Democrats politically .
The Democrats ’ enabling of street violence is another matter .
They obviously miscalculated and are now paying a steep price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and order , and Democrats are the party of lawlessness and disorder .
Democrats own these riots .
They own this endless leftist drumbeat of hatred toward America and everything it stands for .
Unhappily for them , people have awakened to just how far left Democratic leaders are willing to go , and it ’ s not playing well for them , including in the precious swing states they need to win back the presidency .
They can now pretend to oppose the violence until they are as blue in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonize , but it ’ s too late .
They chose the wrong time to side with criminals torching our cities — a time when Americans are feeling particularly unsafe and insecure .
No one is going to believe they didn ’ t know exactly what they were doing , and few will buy that they ’ ve had a genuine change of heart .
David Limbaugh is a writer , author and attorney .
His latest book is Guilty by Reason of Insanity : Why the Democrats Must Not Win .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website at www.davidlimbaugh.com .

Democrats can try but won’t succeed at distancing themselves from the violence they have enabled on American streets. People surely know where the Democrats have stood on this, and that they’re now backpedaling only because of polling data.
Blaming Anarchy on Trump
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg outright blamed this anarchy on President Donald Trump. “The simple reality is that we are seeing more and more chaos and violence under the Trump presidency, and there’s no reason to expect that it would get any different or better if he were reelected,” said Buttigieg. “This is very much characteristic of living in Donald Trump’s America, and I think we’re going to see more and more of it as long as he’s in charge.”
To blame this violence on Trump because he’s in office is like blaming him for the border wall not being erected fast enough. It’s like blaming him for the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus when, in fact, he has persistently tried, over strenuous Democratic obstruction, to sensibly and safely reopen our economy. It would be like blaming him for abortions because they have persisted during his first term despite his valiant efforts for the innocent unborn.
Democrats Embrace the Violence
It is inconceivable that Buttigieg is unaware Democratic mayors and governors have all but encouraged this mayhem. Many have consistently rejected Trump’s offer of federal law enforcement assistance to quell the riots. Many have cavalierly misrepresented the violence as peaceful protests. Democratic CNN has called the Kenosha riots “fiery but mostly peaceful,” and the Democratic Virginia Senate just passed a bill allowing assaults on police officers to be mere misdemeanors, for crying out loud.
If Joe Biden or any other Democrat at the Democratic National Convention denounced the violence, I sincerely missed it.
A Change of Heart
Then, something happened. No, Democrats didn’t all of a sudden become outraged at the criminal assaults and property destruction against people whose only sin was to own businesses in a convenient location for Marxist arsonists and opportunistic looters.
Democrats apparently discovered through internal polling and focus groups that most Americans are appalled by this leftist orchestrated breakdown of law and order, and that they actually care about safe streets. Shocker.
CNN’s Don Lemon seems to have changed his mind on the riots — but not because he has had a law and order epiphany. “The rioting has to stop,” Lemon said. “It’s showing up in the polling. It’s showing up in focus groups. … it is the only thing right now that is sticking.”
“The problem is not gonna be fixed by then” — the election — “but what they can do — and I think … Joe Biden may be afraid to do it. I’m not sure. Maybe he won’t; maybe he is — he’s got to address it,” said Lemon. “He’s got to come out and talk about it.”
Lemon must be too obtuse to understand what he is telegraphing about Biden when he speculates that Biden might be afraid to address the violence. What possible reason could he have to be afraid to condemn it? What justification could there be for such wanton lawlessness?
Biden’s Fainthearted Response
One of Biden’s handlers must have seen the polling data, too, though, for after months of silence on the matter, Biden finally faintheartedly denounced the chaos, saying: “Needless violence won’t heal us. We need to end the violence now — and peacefully come together to demand justice.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Well, Mr. Biden, why haven’t you urged Democratic governors to take charge of this madness? Why haven’t you encouraged them to accept President Trump’s offers of federal assistance? And just what do you mean that we ought to all come together to demand justice? You know that Trump condemned the George Floyd killing within hours of its occurrence, yet some of your Democratic friends are acting like he kneeled on Floyd’s neck himself.
It’s not just Pete Buttigieg trying to pin the violence on Trump. I heard Fox News’ Juan Williams make the same argument. Indeed, the entire Democratic Party apparatus, now that it has strategically decided it better shift gears and publicly oppose the violence, is poised to blame the anarchy on Trump, not just because it is happening during his presidency but also because Democrats claim he is an evil racist who engenders an atmosphere of racism in the country.
Paying a Steep Price
This cynical slander of Trump and his supporters as racists has got to stop. But it won’t, because it still works for Democrats politically.
The Democrats’ enabling of street violence is another matter. They obviously miscalculated and are now paying a steep price.
Republicans are the party of law and order, and Democrats are the party of lawlessness and disorder. Democrats own these riots. They own this endless leftist drumbeat of hatred toward America and everything it stands for.
Unhappily for them, people have awakened to just how far left Democratic leaders are willing to go, and it’s not playing well for them, including in the precious swing states they need to win back the presidency.
They can now pretend to oppose the violence until they are as blue in the face as the uniforms of the cops they demonize, but it’s too late. They chose the wrong time to side with criminals torching our cities — a time when Americans are feeling particularly unsafe and insecure. No one is going to believe they didn’t know exactly what they were doing, and few will buy that they’ve had a genuine change of heart.
Karma.
David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney. His latest book is Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win. Follow him on Twitter @davidlimbaugh and his website at www.davidlimbaugh.com.
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thestream--2020-08-29--Why Biblical Truth is Especially Relevant for Modern Culture

Although the Bible is largely dismissed by modern culture , Biblical truth is especially relevant today .
Here are four reasons why .
The Bible teaches that absolute truth is established by an omnipotent God .
Right and wrong are clearly defined .
And the same moral standards apply to everyone .
Since God is sovereign , all earthly authorities submit to Him .
This creates order and stability for a civilized society .
A level playing field of acceptable behavior for all .
No one can arbitrarily make up their own rules .
Take their ball and go home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story .
And God , a perfect judge , establishes the rules of fairness and has the final say .
Without a transcending authority , things get complicated .
How do we even define truth ?
Because as imperfect , finite beings , it is impossible to get outside ourselves .
To understand a reality beyond our subjective experience .
And create an objective definition of truth .
Much less devise consistent , universal rules .
Since Biblical truth is absolute , it is unchangeable and forms a common reference point for social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reject it .
But rejection brings consequences .
For example , I can reject the law of gravity .
Refuse to believe it .
Then step off the roof of a 10-story building in defiance to the rule .
And suffer the consequence .
Biblical truth provides a solid foundation on which to build a safe society .
We live by shared rules and a common understanding of what is fair .
What is right .
What is acceptable .
And this fosters trust .
But without a higher , final authority , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can ’ t build trust .
You can ’ t maintain order .
And what happens when you can ’ t build trust and maintain order ?
You barricade your homes and buy guns .
Relative truth is popular when it comes to morality .
Because the Bible is pretty specific about morally appropriate and inappropriate conduct .
It encourages certain behavior .
Discourages some .
Prohibits others .
This restricts certain pleasures .
Cramps our style .
And when we break the rules , we don ’ t just feel guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likes that .
But in the real world there are absolute laws governed by absolute truth .
Created by God .
Like a true north and south for navigation .
True laws of physics , mathematics and science for guiding construction , developing advanced technology and formulating medicine .
No one questions these truths .
We accept and use them to advance society and improve our quality of life .
Is it really such a stretch to say the universe is also governed by an absolute , moral truth ?
And it too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus claimed to be the truth that sets you free .
As well as the Son of God and the only way to reach God .
Isn ’ t this the most outrageous claim ever ?
Pretty brazen when you think about it .
Or maybe crazy .
Or cunningly deceitful .
But worth thoughtfully considering .
Because if his claim is true it has profound significance for the entire world .
To deny the existence of objective truth beyond human experience creates a dilemma .
It forever traps you within your experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because true freedom requires trusting in an absolute , transcendent God .
And in the ultimate sense of irony .
Or perhaps the ultimate sense of divine humor .
This freedom starts with belief .
Through a step of faith .
Where it becomes an experience .
One that is liberating and spiritually transforming .
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter , published author , playwright and pastor .
He publishes drama at chiptudor.com , books on Amazon.com and articles on his blog .

Although the Bible is largely dismissed by modern culture, Biblical truth is especially relevant today. Here are four reasons why.
Biblical Truth Creates a System of Fairness and Equality
The Bible teaches that absolute truth is established by an omnipotent God. Right and wrong are clearly defined. And the same moral standards apply to everyone. Since God is sovereign, all earthly authorities submit to Him.
This creates order and stability for a civilized society. A level playing field of acceptable behavior for all. No one can arbitrarily make up their own rules. Take their ball and go home. Rewrite the script according to their story. And God, a perfect judge, establishes the rules of fairness and has the final say.
Without a transcending authority, things get complicated. How do we even define truth? Because as imperfect, finite beings, it is impossible to get outside ourselves. To understand a reality beyond our subjective experience. And create an objective definition of truth. Much less devise consistent, universal rules.
Biblical Truth Provides A Common Reference Point
Since Biblical truth is absolute, it is unchangeable and forms a common reference point for social behavior. We can accept it or reject it. But rejection brings consequences. For example, I can reject the law of gravity. Refuse to believe it. Then step off the roof of a 10-story building in defiance to the rule. And suffer the consequence.
Biblical truth provides a solid foundation on which to build a safe society. We live by shared rules and a common understanding of what is fair. What is right. What is acceptable. And this fosters trust.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
But without a higher, final authority, everyone makes up their own rules. You can’t build trust. You can’t maintain order.
And what happens when you can’t build trust and maintain order?
You barricade your homes and buy guns.
Biblical Truth Reflects the Real World
Relative truth is popular when it comes to morality. But the Bible is pretty specific about morally appropriate and inappropriate conduct. It encourages certain behavior. Discourages some. Prohibits others. This restricts certain pleasures. Cramps our style. And when we break the rules, we don’t just feel guilty. We are guilty. And nobody likes that.
But in the real world there are absolute laws governed by absolute truth. Created by God. Like a true north and south for navigation. True laws of physics, mathematics and science for guiding construction, developing advanced technology and formulating medicine.
No one questions these truths. We accept and use them to advance society and improve our quality of life.
Is it really such a stretch to say the universe is also governed by an absolute, moral truth? And it too, impacts our quality of life?
Biblical Truth Sets You Free
Jesus claimed to be the truth that sets you free. As well as the Son of God and the only way to reach God.
Isn’t this the most outrageous claim ever?
Pretty brazen when you think about it. Or maybe crazy. Or cunningly deceitful. But worth thoughtfully considering. Because if his claim is true it has profound significance for the entire world.
To deny the existence of objective truth beyond human experience creates a dilemma. It forever traps you within your experience. Freedom and hope are illusions.
Because true freedom requires trusting in an absolute, transcendent God.
And in the ultimate sense of irony, or perhaps the ultimate sense of divine humor, this freedom starts with belief. Through a step of faith. Where it becomes an experience. One that is liberating and spiritually transforming.
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com and articles on his blog.


thestream--2020-08-29--The Moral Case for God — Can You Be Good Without God?

Can a person be good without God ?
Does moral truth mean it ’ s also true that God is @ @ @ @ @ a fascinating question , though it ’ s easy to get it wrong — not @ @ @ @ @ even the question .
It ’ s not , “ Can you be good without @ @ @ @ @ Atheists can be good in many ways , sometimes outshining believers , though they don @ @ @ @ @ on the first three of the Ten Commandments .
You may agree or disagree with @ @ @ @ @ s only one reason to bring it up here , which is to make it @ @ @ @ @ the question this video is about .
This video raises the question instead , “ @ @ @ @ @ , can anyone be good ?
” It ’ s not about whether you believe @ @ @ @ @ but whether God actually exists .
It gets really interesting , though , when you @ @ @ @ @ the question , can good exist without God ?

Can a person be good without God? Does moral truth mean it’s also true that God is real?
It’s a fascinating question, though it’s easy to get it wrong — not just the answer, but even the question. It’s not, “Can you be good without believing in God?” Atheists can be good in many ways, sometimes outshining believers, though they don’t do so well on the first three of the Ten Commandments.
You may agree or disagree with that, but there’s only one reason to bring it up here, which is to make it clear that this is not the question this video is about. This video raises the question instead, “If there is no God, can anyone be good?” It’s not about whether you believe in God or not, but whether God actually exists.
It gets really interesting, though, when you see how this leads to the question, can good exist without God?


thestream--2020-08-29--World-Renowned Christian Hymn Writers Take ‘Sing! Conference’ Global Sunday, August 30 – September 2

Award-winning hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty are gearing up to take their annual Sing !
Conference global this year in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
The event will begin Sunday , August 30 and end Wednesday , September 2 .
They ’ re calling it Sing !
Global 2020 .
In an interview with The Stream , Keith Getty said , “ It ’ s called global because it involves musicians and pastors from all over the world that are registrants in over 60 countries.
” Sing !
Global 2020 will be translated into Spanish , Portuguese , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects over 100 countries to be involved .
The event is immersive in that half of the songs were recorded at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville , Tennessee .
Then it was sent out to participants who added their voices to the songs .
“ So it sounds like this wonderful congregation of singing.
” Keith calls it “ the first ever worship conference that we know of that has speakers and music being led in … six continents.
” Some of the pastors and artists include John Lennox , Joni Eareckson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles , Andrew Peterson , Conrad Mbewe , David Platt , Bill Gaither , Trillia Newbell , Alistair Begg , and the African Children ’ s choir , according to a press release .
When Keith asked friends and colleagues about doing the Sing !
conference this year with the coronavirus pandemic , they all told him no .
They said , “ ‘ Don ’ t even think about it Keith , because singing isn ’ t even legal right now.
’ And then I thought about it and kind of liked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more we thought about it , the more we realized that … it was actually crucial at this point.
” He added that singing is the most common command in Scripture .
“ Praise .
Proclaim .
Extol .
Exalt .
Because that is the ultimate goal of humanity .
And thus , for us to be at our healthiest , we have to be singing and it ’ s a lot more than just 25 minutes on a Sunday morning .
So , right now we need this more than we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to learn that worshiping God is about the greatness of God .
“ It ’ s called ‘ sing the Scriptures ’ because you don ’ t just worship or sing .
You actually tell people ‘ I agree with God and it ’ s now time to respond.
’ I think that ’ s the cool thing .
That ’ s why we ’ re so excited.
” The Gettys knew they ’ d have to adjust this year ’ s conference a bit because of the pandemic .
Kristyn said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shared in the same global crisis of 2020 we are more mindful of one another .
As God ’ s Church all over the world , we want to embrace this particular moment , using every facility of technology and innovation available to us to more greatly illuminate the gospel hope we sing and share in , the hope we proclaim to every corner of the world.
” Keith said the theme of this year ’ s conference is “ the centrality of God ’ s Word and the singing of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ most exciting generation in history to be Christians , ” said Keith .
While there ’ s a lot of nervousness with some Western Christians , in other countries , Christianity is growing .
“ There are more Christians in the world today than has ever been in human history [ and ] there ’ s Bibles in more languages.
” He added , “ So , we have so much to be excited about , but there are also such extraordinary challenges ahead of us and so we want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building deep believers .
“ We do that by studying the Word , we do that by singing the Word , we do that by reading the Word , and we do that by praying the Word.
” “ The times we live in have again reminded us that time is short and life is fragile — there is an urgent need to build deep believers .
We want to connect families , pastors and churches to encourage that deeper congregational worship around the world .
In times like these , people need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God more than ever before.
” For more information , or to register , go to GettyMusicWorshipConference.com .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

Award-winning hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty are gearing up to take their annual Sing! Conference global this year in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The event will begin Sunday, August 30 and end Wednesday, September 2. They’re calling it Sing! Global 2020.
Sing! Global 2020
In an interview with The Stream, Keith Getty said, “It’s called global because it involves musicians and pastors from all over the world that are registrants in over 60 countries.” Sing! Global 2020 will be translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Korean and Mandarin and Keith expects over 100 countries to be involved.
The event is immersive in that half of the songs were recorded at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Then it was sent out to participants who added their voices to the songs. “So it sounds like this wonderful congregation of singing.” Keith calls it “the first ever worship conference that we know of that has speakers and music being led in … six continents.”
Some of the pastors and artists include John Lennox, Joni Eareckson Tada, John Piper, H.B. Charles, Andrew Peterson, Conrad Mbewe, David Platt, Bill Gaither, Trillia Newbell, Alistair Begg, and the African Children’s choir, according to a press release.
Perfect Timing
When Keith asked friends and colleagues about doing the Sing! conference this year with the coronavirus pandemic, they all told him no. They said, “‘Don’t even think about it Keith, because singing isn’t even legal right now.’ And then I thought about it and kind of liked it. … [T]he more we thought about it, the more we realized that … it was actually crucial at this point.” He added that singing is the most common command in Scripture. “Praise. Proclaim. Extol. Exalt. Because that is the ultimate goal of humanity. And thus, for us to be at our healthiest, we have to be singing and it’s a lot more than just 25 minutes on a Sunday morning. So, right now we need this more than we’ve ever needed this.”
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The church needs to learn that worshiping God is about the greatness of God. “It’s called ‘sing the Scriptures’ because you don’t just worship or sing. You actually tell people ‘I agree with God and it’s now time to respond.’ I think that’s the cool thing. That’s why we’re so excited.”
The Gettys knew they’d have to adjust this year’s conference a bit because of the pandemic. Kristyn said in a statement that “As we have shared in the same global crisis of 2020 we are more mindful of one another. As God’s Church all over the world, we want to embrace this particular moment, using every facility of technology and innovation available to us to more greatly illuminate the gospel hope we sing and share in, the hope we proclaim to every corner of the world.”
The Message
Keith said the theme of this year’s conference is “the centrality of God’s Word and the singing of God’s people.” We live in the “most exciting generation in history to be Christians,” said Keith. While there’s a lot of nervousness with some Western Christians, in other countries, Christianity is growing. “There are more Christians in the world today than has ever been in human history [and] there’s Bibles in more languages.”
He added, “So, we have so much to be excited about, but there are also such extraordinary challenges ahead of us and so we want to go deeply.” The next challenge is building deep believers. “We do that by studying the Word, we do that by singing the Word, we do that by reading the Word, and we do that by praying the Word.”
“The times we live in have again reminded us that time is short and life is fragile — there is an urgent need to build deep believers. We want to connect families, pastors and churches to encourage that deeper congregational worship around the world. In times like these, people need beautiful artistry that reflects the truths of God more than ever before.”
For more information, or to register, go to GettyMusicWorshipConference.com.
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-08-30--The Democrats Can Feel the Election Slipping Away, and Biden Going Down

It ’ s slipping away from them .
You can feel it .
More importantly , they can feel it .
The Democrats thought they had it won .
Now they know they might lose .
Thus the panic .
“ Mostly peaceful protests , ” encouraged by the Democrats all summer long , are now somehow Trump ’ s fault .
And Biden should skip the debates .
The post-convention bounce , for example .
Or in this case , the non-bounce .
We are now a week out from the DNC and I haven ’ t seen a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Biden ’ s popularity .
If the DNC gave the Dems a bounce , you would have heard about it .
But it didn ’ t , so you haven ’ t .
In fact , it ’ s even better than “ Dems get no bounce from DNC.
” Trump got a bounce from the DNC .
And then the RNC got better ratings than the DNC .
It got 147.9 million total viewers compared with the DNC ’ s 122 million .
Something else the mainstream press didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would be on the front page of every newspaper .
Books would be written by RINOs for years on end on how it proves that the GOP has to go left .
But because the real story hurts the Dems , it was never reported and will be quickly forgotten .
That ’ s how you have to read the press now .
You have to look for the dog that ’ s not barking .
The stories they ’ re not reporting .
Worse , the local press around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the AP is nuts .
For example , an AP story that opened with the ominous line “ Crises brewing beyond the White House gates ” that appeared on the front page of our local paper .
It claims the GOP had “ no words offered for Black victims of police violence.
” That ’ s a lie .
Weirdly , a later version of that same story mentioned things said on the fourth night of the RNC to that effect , but they still kept that line in the article .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that TV viewers might hear protesters ’ shouts ( we didn ’ t ) .
That “ could intrude on another illusion Republicans have spent a week trying to create.
” What an outrageous thing to say in a supposedly objective news report .
The DNC spent a week trying to create the illusion that they ’ re the party of God and Country .
But the AP didn ’ t call them on it .
It gets worse for Biden/Harris .
The campaign ’ s damned if it does , damned if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain .
Pelosi is not wrong about her man skipping the debate .
The turnaround that began at Mount Rushmore , and picked up steam with this week ’ s convention , will reach a crescendo in the likely event that Trump crushes Biden in those debates .
That ’ s the ( unstated ) reason why Pelosi and the New York Times are against Biden doing it .
But Biden can ’ t afford not to debate .
He would look weak , scared .
Concerns about his declining mental acuity would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … John McCain .
No candidate wants to look like John McCain .
No one remembers this now , but the Sarah Palin pick in early September of ’ 08 was electrifying .
Her convention speech was fantastic .
For the first time all year , McCain pulled ahead of Obama in the polls .
It looked like he might actually pull it off .
The conventional wisdom is that she cost McCain the 2008 election .
It ’ s true that she was not a net asset by year ’ s end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his own .
And the turn began when he tried to skip the first debate .
When the market crashed , McCain freaked out .
He said he wouldn ’ t attend the first debate because he was needed in Washington .
I heard the news on the radio that morning .
Right then , in September when McCain still had his polling bounce , I told my wife we had just lost the election .
Later that night I watched Dick Morris tell Bill O ’ Reilly that McCain had made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment I knew Morris had no idea what he was talking about .
I never listened to another word he said again .
What happened instead was that the Obama campaign began to describe McCain ’ s behavior , correctly , as “ erratic.
” They used that word repeatedly for the rest of the campaign .
It was a fair description of McCain ’ s post-market crash behavior .
Many people — and not just in Washington — had always been worried that McCain might lose it in the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly-unspoken fear and McCain helped them .
He reversed himself and went to the first debate .
But the damage had been done .
As with McCain ’ s erratic behavior , so with Biden ’ s mental acuity .
Many people — and not just in Washington — worry that he ’ s losing it mentally and he ’ ll only get worse in the White House .
If the Democratic nominee does not attend the debates , Trump will greatly magnify the country ’ s legitimate concerns about his mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump will likely crush him .
Which is why Nancy , et al , wish he wouldn ’ t .
But they don ’ t see the trap they ’ re in .
Don ’ t debate and let Trump campaign on his mental decline .
Debate and show it .
Biden ’ s in trouble if he does and maybe in even worse trouble if he doesn ’ t .
He sure could have used that post-convention bounce .
Instead , he gave it to the president .
Who won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Family Institute of Connecticut Action .
He lives in Waterbury , Connecticut , with his wife and their seven children .
The views expressed on The Stream are solely his own .

It’s slipping away from them. You can feel it. More importantly, they can feel it. The Democrats thought they had it won. Now they know they might lose.
Thus the panic. “Mostly peaceful protests,” encouraged by the Democrats all summer long, are now somehow Trump’s fault. And Biden should skip the debates.
No Democratic Bounce
The post-convention bounce, for example. Or in this case, the non-bounce. We are now a week out from the DNC and I haven’t seen a word in the press about a jump in Biden’s popularity.
If the DNC gave the Dems a bounce, you would have heard about it. But it didn’t, so you haven’t. In fact, it’s even better than “Dems get no bounce from DNC.” Trump got a bounce from the DNC.
For more on Joe Biden’s collapsing campaign, see Al Perrotta’s Biden Blames Trump for Execution of Trump Supporter. Look in the Mirror, Joe.
And then the RNC got better ratings than the DNC. It got 147.9 million total viewers compared with the DNC’s 122 million. Something else the mainstream press didn’t tell us.
If this were reversed, it would be on the front page of every newspaper. Books would be written by RINOs for years on end on how it proves that the GOP has to go left. But because the real story hurts the Dems, it was never reported and will be quickly forgotten.
That’s how you have to read the press now. You have to look for the dog that’s not barking. The stories they’re not reporting.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Worse, the local press around the nation relies heavily on the AP. And the AP is nuts. For example, an AP story that opened with the ominous line “Crises brewing beyond the White House gates” that appeared on the front page of our local paper. It claims the GOP had “no words offered for Black victims of police violence.” That’s a lie. Weirdly, a later version of that same story mentioned things said on the fourth night of the RNC to that effect, but they still kept that line in the article.
The AP was excited at the possibility that TV viewers might hear protesters’ shouts (we didn’t). That “could intrude on another illusion Republicans have spent a week trying to create.” What an outrageous thing to say in a supposedly objective news report. The DNC spent a week trying to create the illusion that they’re the party of God and Country. But the AP didn’t call them on it.
She’s Not Wrong
It gets worse for Biden/Harris. The campaign’s damned if it does, damned if it doesn’t. Let me explain.
Pelosi is not wrong about her man skipping the debate. The turnaround that began at Mount Rushmore, and picked up steam with this week’s convention, will reach a crescendo in the likely event that Trump crushes Biden in those debates. That’s the (unstated) reason why Pelosi and the New York Times are against Biden doing it.
But Biden can’t afford not to debate. He would look weak, scared. Concerns about his declining mental acuity would become louder. He would look like … John McCain. No candidate wants to look like John McCain.
Looking like John McCain
No one remembers this now, but the Sarah Palin pick in early September of ’08 was electrifying. Her convention speech was fantastic. For the first time all year, McCain pulled ahead of Obama in the polls. It looked like he might actually pull it off.
The conventional wisdom is that she cost McCain the 2008 election. It’s true that she was not a net asset by year’s end. But McCain lost that election all on his own. And the turn began when he tried to skip the first debate.
When the market crashed, McCain freaked out. He said he wouldn’t attend the first debate because he was needed in Washington. I heard the news on the radio that morning. Right then, in September when McCain still had his polling bounce, I told my wife we had just lost the election.
Later that night I watched Dick Morris tell Bill O’Reilly that McCain had made a brilliant move. That was the moment I knew Morris had no idea what he was talking about. I never listened to another word he said again.
What happened instead was that the Obama campaign began to describe McCain’s behavior, correctly, as “erratic.” They used that word repeatedly for the rest of the campaign. It was a fair description of McCain’s post-market crash behavior.
Many people — and not just in Washington — had always been worried that McCain might lose it in the White House. The Obama campaign played brilliantly on that mostly-unspoken fear and McCain helped them. He reversed himself and went to the first debate. But the damage had been done.
Biden is McCain
As with McCain’s erratic behavior, so with Biden’s mental acuity. Many people — and not just in Washington — worry that he’s losing it mentally and he’ll only get worse in the White House. If the Democratic nominee does not attend the debates, Trump will greatly magnify the country’s legitimate concerns about his mental health.
And if he does attend, Trump will likely crush him. Which is why Nancy, et al, wish he wouldn’t. But they don’t see the trap they’re in. Don’t debate and let Trump campaign on his mental decline. Debate and show it.
Biden’s in trouble if he does and maybe in even worse trouble if he doesn’t. He sure could have used that post-convention bounce. Instead, he gave it to the president. Who won’t waste it.
Peter Wolfgang is president of Family Institute of Connecticut Action. He lives in Waterbury, Connecticut, with his wife and their seven children. The views expressed on The Stream are solely his own.