thestream--2020-05-24--How Middle-earth Can Help Us Deal With the Middle Kingdom

Geopolitical analysis has gone back to the future .
The US military held an online seminar May 12-14 , 2020 .
The title ?
“ Great Power Competition : A Special Operations Perspective.
” The Atlantic opined on the same topic two years ago .
( Mixed with liberal doses of Trump-bashing , of course . )
The foreign affairs establishment is churning out related books .
Google “ Great Power competition.
” You ’ ll get at least 631 million results .
That ’ s even more than “ should Trump wear a mask ?
” There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however .
No one can quite define “ Great Power competition.
” Some NatSec mavens admit that .
Others have at least proposed a framework for an eventual definition .
I ’ ll go out on a rather short limb and hazard my own terse definition .
“ Great Power competition ” is “ jockeying for power on a military/political stage in a bipolar or multipolar system.
” That is , when there are two or more roughly equal states vying for power .
And guess what ?
There are many fictional universes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betray and fight one another .
In the sci-fi realm , there ’ s “ Star Trek ” with its interstellar struggles between the Federation , Klingons , Romulans , Dominion , etc .
Even more varied and cut-throat are the galactic-level intrigues and wars of the Dune books .
In fantasy , Game of Thrones does much the same , albeit on one world .
But of course the gold standard of fictional worlds is Middle-earth .
And in a recent article , two US Marine Corps officers put Tolkien on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which are worth study by those “ preparing for great-power competition.
” Why ?
“ Because of the focus that he puts on alliances , coalition building , and strategy.
” The Lord of the Rings “ captures the scale that great-power competition could take….
” As someone who ’ s published a political history of Middle-earth , and is writing a military history thereof , I ’ m thrilled to find professional warriors in my camp .
With Marine officers backing me up , I shall examine Tolkien ’ s world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what we might learn from such .
There were three Ages of Middle-earth .
The First , being mostly one of myth , need not concern us .
The Second and Third are far more relevant , as they involved grand strategy , political machinations and temporal warfare .
Kingdoms of good and evil beings rose and fell over those two Ages ’ six millennia .
The human realms of Númenor , in the Second Age , and its offshoots Gondor and Arnor , in the Third , typified the former .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ latter .
Mordor and Númenor , followed by its surviving successor state Gondor , took turns acting as the hegemon — the dominant power .
Middle-earth ’ s international relations system was thus often de facto bipolar and , for brief periods , even unipolar .
For example , when Sauron conquered almost all of Middle-earth , then saw his empire destroyed , in turn , by the Númenóreans .
By the late Third Age — the time of the book trilogy and the Peter Jackson movies — Sauron had returned and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle-earth became in effect bipolar , as the Great Power conflict boiled down to Gondor and its allies facing off against Mordor and its clients .
My contention is that , today , the US is in the position of Gondor , and China of Mordor .
Caveats : I am not thereby likening the Chinese to Orcs , or equating Xi Jinping with Sauron .
So the leftist media can keep their racial fantasies to themselves .
But I am saying that we ’ re the good guys and China is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by bad guys .
Its Communist regime mass incarcerates and “ re-educates ” Muslims , destroys churches and harvests peoples ’ organs .
The CCP also , at the very least , allowed the deadly coronavirus to spread outside its borders — if it didn ’ t intentionally try to inflict that contagion on the rest of the world .
Indeed , the ultimate goal of the People ’ s Republic of China is to dominate the planet .
So says an economist , conservative China expert and even a liberal newspaper editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Sauron planned ?
And how might the US thwart it , as Gondor did Mordor ?
Middle-earth ’ s communist tyrant used biological warfare .
Or as Tolkien put it , “ a deadly plague came with dark winds out of the East.
” It killed “ great numbers of the people of Gondor.
” Sauron constantly provoked non-Western peoples against Gondor and its allies .
Both in the south ( the Haradrim ) and the east ( the Easterlings ) .
He ran a huge surveillance state .
He kept his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and posed as their “ liberator ” from the oppression of Elves and Men .
Sauron put himself above the international system , not subject to any of its rules .
Mordor was a predatory state , seizing tribute from others — such as horses from Rohan .
Eventually Sauron waged war on Gondor and its allies with Middle-earth ’ s largest army .
Only by huge effort , great sacrifice and exquisite strategy was Sauron defeated .
How Gondor Answered—and What the US Can Learn Gondor led the West to victory in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by having a long-term plan .
One that lasted for many years , across administrations of Gondor ’ s Kings and Stewards .
Of course , we don ’ t have leaders who lives for centuries ( Wizards and Elves ) .
But we should expect bipartisan agreement going forward that an organ-harvesting , religion-oppressing regime demands occasional opposition .
We can also , as Gondor did vis-à-vis Sauron , question the legitimacy of rulers who run a one-party state , devoid of any political opposition .
The US could lead a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gondor manned a “ watchful peace ” for many centuries on Mordor ’ s borders .
Our version would include pushing back against not just Chinese geographical claims ( via artificial islands , for example ) .
It would require defense of the global democratic and free market system grown over the last 500 years .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Just as Gondor worked with other races , so too should the US seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africans are mostly Christian , and not fond of China ’ s treatment of co-religionists .
Ditto for Muslim countries upset by China ’ s treatment of Uighurs .
Skillful diplomacy can leverage opposition to China ’ s harsh policies .
This was what Gandalf did over against Sauron throughout the trilogy .
War is the LAST Resort Military conflict with the PRC should be a last resort .
The peoples of Middle-earth did not seek war .
But when it was thrust upon them , they did not run from it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ main Great Power competitor than Gondor was relative to Mordor .
( Although some analysts say that ’ s not the case in East Asia . )
Nonetheless , war with China is “ not to be used , unless at the uttermost end of need.
” ( As Denethor said of the Ring . )
Some think that Tolkien ’ s story of Sauron ’ s final defeat is primarily one of hope against long odds .
And that is undeniably a main element .
But Middle-earth is so grounded in reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction from it .
Particularly in terms of dealing with the obstinate Middle Kingdom .
Timothy Furnish holds a Ph.D. in Islamic , World and African history .
He is a former U.S. Army Arabic linguist and , later , civilian consultant to U.S. Special Operations Command .
He ’ s the author of books on the Middle East and Middle-earth ; a history professor ; and sometime media opiner ( as , for example , on Fox News Channel ’ s War Stories : Fighting ISIS ) .

Geopolitical analysis has gone back to the future. The U.S. military held an online seminar May 12-14, 2020. The title? “Great Power Competition: A Special Operations Perspective.” The Atlantic opined on the same topic two years ago. (Mixed with liberal doses of Trump-bashing, of course.) The foreign affairs establishment is churning out related books. Google “Great Power competition.” You’ll get at least 631 million results. That’s even more than “should Trump wear a mask?”
What is Great Power Competition?
There’s just one problem with this approach, however. No one can quite define “Great Power competition.” Some NatSec mavens admit that. Others have at least proposed a framework for an eventual definition. I’ll go out on a rather short limb and hazard my own terse definition. “Great Power competition” is “jockeying for power on a military/political stage in a bipolar or multipolar system.” That is, when there are two or more roughly equal states vying for power.
Fictional Universes Where It Takes Place
And guess what? There are many fictional universes in which such powers scheme against, betray and fight one another. In the sci-fi realm, there’s “Star Trek” with its interstellar struggles between the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Dominion, etc. Even more varied and cut-throat are the galactic-level intrigues and wars of the Dune books. In fantasy, Game of Thrones does much the same, albeit on one world. But of course the gold standard of fictional worlds is Middle-earth.
And in a recent article, two U.S. Marine Corps officers put Tolkien on their recommended reading list of “war books” which are worth study by those “preparing for great-power competition.” Why? “Because of the focus that he puts on alliances, coalition building, and strategy.” The Lord of the Rings “captures the scale that great-power competition could take….”
Middle-Earth: Particularly Suited to Great Power Competition Analysis
As someone who’s published a political history of Middle-earth, and is writing a military history thereof, I’m thrilled to find professional warriors in my camp. With Marine officers backing me up, I shall examine Tolkien’s world in terms of Great Power competition and see what we might learn from such.
There were three Ages of Middle-earth. The First, being mostly one of myth, need not concern us. The Second and Third are far more relevant, as they involved grand strategy, political machinations and temporal warfare. Kingdoms of good and evil beings rose and fell over those two Ages’ six millennia. The human realms of Númenor, in the Second Age, and its offshoots Gondor and Arnor, in the Third, typified the former. Mordor under its god-king Sauron exemplified the latter. Mordor and Númenor, followed by its surviving successor state Gondor, took turns acting as the hegemon — the dominant power.
Middle-earth’s international relations system was thus often de facto bipolar and, for brief periods, even unipolar. For example, when Sauron conquered almost all of Middle-earth, then saw his empire destroyed, in turn, by the Númenóreans.
By the late Third Age — the time of the book trilogy and the Peter Jackson movies — Sauron had returned and was making yet another bid for supremacy. Middle-earth became in effect bipolar, as the Great Power conflict boiled down to Gondor and its allies facing off against Mordor and its clients.
Applying Middle-Earth to Our Modern World
My contention is that, today, the U.S. is in the position of Gondor, and China of Mordor.
Caveats: I am not thereby likening the Chinese to Orcs, or equating Xi Jinping with Sauron. So the leftist media can keep their racial fantasies to themselves. But I am saying that we’re the good guys and China is, at this juncture in history, run by bad guys. Its Communist regime mass incarcerates and “re-educates” Muslims, destroys churches and harvests peoples’ organs. The CCP also, at the very least, allowed the deadly coronavirus to spread outside its borders — if it didn’t intentionally try to inflict that contagion on the rest of the world. Indeed, the ultimate goal of the People’s Republic of China is to dominate the planet. So says an economist, conservative China expert and even a liberal newspaper editor.
How does this stack up to what Sauron planned? And how might the U.S. thwart it, as Gondor did Mordor?
Mordor’s Global Strategy
Middle-earth’s communist tyrant used biological warfare. Or as Tolkien put it, “a deadly plague came with dark winds out of the East.” It killed “great numbers of the people of Gondor.” Sauron constantly provoked non-Western peoples against Gondor and its allies. Both in the south (the Haradrim) and the east (the Easterlings). He ran a huge surveillance state. He kept his subject Orcs and humans under tight control and posed as their “liberator” from the oppression of Elves and Men. Sauron put himself above the international system, not subject to any of its rules. Mordor was a predatory state, seizing tribute from others — such as horses from Rohan.
Eventually Sauron waged war on Gondor and its allies with Middle-earth’s largest army. Only by huge effort, great sacrifice and exquisite strategy was Sauron defeated.
How Gondor Answered — and What the U.S. Can Learn
Gondor led the West to victory in Middle-earth. How? First and foremost, by having a long-term plan. One that lasted for many years, across administrations of Gondor’s Kings and Stewards. Of course, we don’t have leaders who lives for centuries (Wizards and Elves). But we should expect bipartisan agreement going forward that an organ-harvesting, religion-oppressing regime demands occasional opposition.
We can also, as Gondor did vis-à-vis Sauron, question the legitimacy of rulers who run a one-party state, devoid of any political opposition. The U.S. could lead a “resistance coalition” against Chinese expansionism. Gondor manned a “watchful peace” for many centuries on Mordor’s borders. Our version would include pushing back against not just Chinese geographical claims (via artificial islands, for example). It would require defense of the global democratic and free market system grown over the last 500 years.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Just as Gondor worked with other races, so too should the U.S. seek diverse allies against Chinese supremacy. Sub-Saharan Africans are mostly Christian, and not fond of China’s treatment of co-religionists. Ditto for Muslim countries upset by China’s treatment of Uighurs. Skillful diplomacy can leverage opposition to China’s harsh policies. This was what Gandalf did over against Sauron throughout the trilogy.
War is the LAST Resort
Military conflict with the PRC should be a last resort. The peoples of Middle-earth did not seek war. But when it was thrust upon them, they did not run from it. The U.S. is more powerful vis-à-vis its main Great Power competitor than Gondor was relative to Mordor. (Although some analysts say that’s not the case in East Asia.) Nonetheless, war with China is “not to be used, unless at the uttermost end of need.” (As Denethor said of the Ring.)
Middle-Earth and the Middle Kingdom
Some think that Tolkien’s story of Sauron’s final defeat is primarily one of hope against long odds. And that is undeniably a main element. But Middle-earth is so grounded in reality that we can indeed draw prosaic geopolitical instruction from it. Particularly in terms of dealing with the obstinate Middle Kingdom.
Timothy Furnish holds a Ph.D. in Islamic, World and African history. He is a former U.S. Army Arabic linguist and, later, civilian consultant to U.S. Special Operations Command. He’s the author of books on the Middle East and Middle-earth; a history professor; and sometime media opiner (as, for example, on Fox News Channel’s War Stories: Fighting ISIS).


thestream--2020-05-24--The Fight Over Hydroxychloroquine

The Fight Over Hydroxychloroquine

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie spoke out Thursday in an attempt to extinguish the hair-on-fire reactions of the media to news that President Trump is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the coronavirus .
Many of the reporters cited a recent , highly-publicized study linking the drug to higher rates of virus deaths in VA hospitals .
Wilkie said this is a safe drug that ’ s been around for 65 years , we know its side effects , and he and everyone who ’ s been in the military since the Eisenhower era have taken it .
VA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also noted that contrary to news reports , that was not a VA study , it just used VA data .
It wasn ’ t peer-reviewed ; it was just gone over by three ophthalmologists .
And it didn ’ t take into account co-morbidities ( other life-threatening conditions the patients could have died of . )
That last part is especially interesting , since we covered that study the morning after it was released .
While major news outlets were trumpeting the false headline that ’ s since become “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective and linked to higher death rates ” — this newsletter debunked that on day one .
All it took was something that I guess was beyond the capabilities of current “ professional journalists ” : reading the actual study .
The authors admitted that the drug was mostly given to patients who were already severely ill ( proponents only claim it ’ s effective as part of a cocktail of drugs given during early stages of the disease ) , so they expected usage to correlate to higher mortality numbers .
Claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate would be like serving lemon Jello to everyone in a terminal cancer ward , then claiming that lemon Jello causes cancer deaths .
I know the Democrats fancy themselves the “ party of science , ” so I ’ m surprised they ’ ve never heard the phrase , “ Correlation does not equal causation.
” Or the Internet term , “ Read the ( BLEEP ! )
manual !
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I don ’ t make any claims for the effectiveness of this drug — although I do defend everyone ’ s right to take any legal drug that patients and their doctors agree might help , without politicians and partisan media getting involved .
As one pundit noted , liberals think abortion is just between a woman and her doctor , but to take Hydroxychloroquine , you need the approval of Congressional Democrats and the air staff of CNN .
By the way , speaking of the air staff of CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kayleigh McEnany .
She pointed out that while CNN ’ s Chris Cuomo is blasting President Trump for taking hydroxychloroquine , when Cuomo had the coronavirus , one of the drugs he took was quinine .
That ’ s an earlier , less-safe version of the same drug that was removed from the market by the FDA in 2006 because it did have serious side effects , including death .
And I don ’ t mean to drag people ’ s families into this , but I ’ d really suggest talking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s wife ’ s coronavirus cure , which included bathing in Clorox .
I can only imagine what her husband would say about Trump if he suggested trying that !
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events .
A New York Times best-selling author , he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN .

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie spoke out Thursday in an attempt to extinguish the hair-on-fire reactions of the media to news that President Trump is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the coronavirus. Many of the reporters cited a recent, highly-publicized study linking the drug to higher rates of virus deaths in VA hospitals.
Wilkie said this is a safe drug that’s been around for 65 years, we know its side effects, and he and everyone who’s been in the military since the Eisenhower era have taken it. VA hospitals give out 42,000 doses a day. He also noted that contrary to news reports, that was not a VA study, it just used VA data. It wasn’t peer-reviewed; it was just gone over by three ophthalmologists. And it didn’t take into account co-morbidities (other life-threatening conditions the patients could have died of.)
That last part is especially interesting, since we covered that study the morning after it was released. While major news outlets were trumpeting the false headline that’s since become “common knowledge” — “hydroxychloroquine not effective and linked to higher death rates” — this newsletter debunked that on day one. All it took was something that I guess was beyond the capabilities of current “professional journalists”: reading the actual study.
The authors admitted that the drug was mostly given to patients who were already severely ill (proponents only claim it’s effective as part of a cocktail of drugs given during early stages of the disease), so they expected usage to correlate to higher mortality numbers. Claiming this study proves hydroxychloroquine increases the death rate would be like serving lemon Jello to everyone in a terminal cancer ward, then claiming that lemon Jello causes cancer deaths. I know the Democrats fancy themselves the “party of science,” so I’m surprised they’ve never heard the phrase, “Correlation does not equal causation.” Or the Internet term, “Read the (BLEEP!) manual!”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I’m not a doctor, so I don’t make any claims for the effectiveness of this drug — although I do defend everyone’s right to take any legal drug that patients and their doctors agree might help, without politicians and partisan media getting involved. As one pundit noted, liberals think abortion is just between a woman and her doctor, but to take Hydroxychloroquine, you need the approval of Congressional Democrats and the air staff of CNN.
By the way, speaking of the air staff of CNN, kudos to White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She pointed out that while CNN’s Chris Cuomo is blasting President Trump for taking hydroxychloroquine, when Cuomo had the coronavirus, one of the drugs he took was quinine. That’s an earlier, less-safe version of the same drug that was removed from the market by the FDA in 2006 because it did have serious side effects, including death.
And I don’t mean to drag people’s families into this, but I’d really suggest talking to your doctor before following Chris Cuomo’s wife’s coronavirus cure, which included bathing in Clorox. I can only imagine what her husband would say about Trump if he suggested trying that!
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events. A New York Times best-selling author, he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN.
Originally published at MikeHuckabee.com. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-05-24--How One Church in India Provided 3 Million Meals During the Pandemic

The story is remarkable , to the glory of God .
It is a story that needs to be told .
But first , for some background .
I first met Satish Kumar in Hyderabad , India , in 1995 .
He was a young man , fairly new to the ministry , and at the very beginning of his journey .
When we next met , in 2015 , he was pastoring the world ’ s fastest growing church , having exploded from 25 to 130,000 members in just 10 years .
( I was there to witness the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kumar informs me , they have 8 church satellites with a total membership of 330,000 .
This alone is a story to tell .
But that is not why Pastor Kumar contacted me on May 22 .
Instead , it was to share a video with me that told an amazing story of compassion and provision .
( Please take three minutes to watch here .
You won ’ t be disappointed . )
Pastor Kumar explained to me that about two months ago , he heard the Lord say to him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the well-being of his congregants during the pandemic , and he thought of how God used Joseph in Egypt to store food in preparation for a coming famine .
And with the lockdown getting more severe and many of the poorer congregants not even having access to a grocery store , this could be a matter of life or death .
Pastor Kumar thought to himself that , perhaps , they could store up about $ 100,000 worth of food , and he shared this with his leadership team .
But then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ultimately , he felt that the church was to gather and store 700 tons of food — in other words , one million , four-hundred thousand pounds of food .
Where on earth could they obtain so much food ?
He got word out to everyone he could , and his people gave sacrificially .
He also organized the pickup of food from every vendor who would donate .
Then , his teams began to package the food in cartons , enough to supply three meals a day for four people for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large media and social media network , he posted a toll-free number to call .
Whoever needed help could receive help .
This meant Hindus and Muslims as well as Christians .
As Pastor Kumar said to me , “ The coronavirus has no caste , creed , region and religion .
Likewise even the Love of Christ has no region and religion .
That ’ s why we have decided to give these kits to those who called us online , including Hindu priests , pastors , and Muslim imams , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no proselytizing involved , no Bible or tracts within the cartons .
To do so would have incurred the ire of the Hindu authorities who govern the nation .
Yet , to their surprise , when government officials examined the cartons , they found no such thing .
Just the picture of Pastor Kumar and the church on the outside of the carton as the ones supplying the food .
That was it .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 22 , the church went beyond its goal of storing 700 tons of food , now reaching 800 tons .
And to date , 37,000 families have received full provision for one month , all from a single church .
This amounts to more than three million meals total .
Workers delivering the carton to one family were met with a surprise .
The mother and her children were destitute , starving to death , so she decided to end her life .
She hung a rope in her small home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a knock at the door .
The workers had just arrived with the carton of food , and the mother , stunned and grateful beyond words , showed them the rope .
What a demonstration of the love of God !
Pastor Kumar also told me that he was deeply burdened for the spiritual wellbeing of his flock .
So , for the last 64 nights , without a break , he has broadcast from the church building , Calvary Temple , for roughly three hours , preaching for 60-90 minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not attend services are hearing the gospel .
Jesus is being exalted and the pandemic is being redeemed .
Whole families are worshiping God in their homes .
Not only so , but since these families were all shut in together , with much time on their hands , Pastor Kumar challenged them to read through the entire Bible in one month .
Those who did so would have their names put in a lottery with the winner receiving a free trip to Israel .
Now , he tells me , “ Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
One girl , 11-years-old , finished reading the Bible in 6 days.
” ( That is an accomplishment . )
Knowing that I have a great love for India , having been there 27 times since 1993 , and knowing that I have access to a wide audience , Pastor Kumar reached out to me to share this remarkable story .
It is my great joy to share it with you , to the glory of God .
Again , you can watch the video here .
Dr. Michael Brown ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is When the World Stops : Words of Faith , Hope , and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis .
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

The story is remarkable, to the glory of God. It is a story that needs to be told. But first, for some background.
I first met Satish Kumar in Hyderabad, India, in 1995. He was a young man, fairly new to the ministry, and at the very beginning of his journey.
When we next met, in 2015, he was pastoring the world’s fastest growing church, having exploded from 25 to 130,000 members in just 10 years. (I was there to witness the miracle firsthand.)
Now, Pastor Kumar informs me, they have 8 church satellites with a total membership of 330,000. This alone is a story to tell.
But that is not why Pastor Kumar contacted me on May 22. Instead, it was to share a video with me that told an amazing story of compassion and provision. (Please take three minutes to watch it. You won’t be disappointed.)
Told by God to “Store Food”
Pastor Kumar explained to me that about two months ago, he heard the Lord say to him, “Store food.”
He was concerned about the well-being of his congregants during the pandemic, and he thought of how God used Joseph in Egypt to store food in preparation for a coming famine. And with the lockdown getting more severe and many of the poorer congregants not even having access to a grocery store, this could be a matter of life or death.
Pastor Kumar thought to himself that, perhaps, they could store up about $100,000 worth of food, and he shared this with his leadership team.
But then he sensed he was thinking too small. Ultimately, he felt that the church was to gather and store 700 tons of food — in other words, one million, four-hundred thousand pounds of food. Where on earth could they obtain so much food?
He got word out to everyone he could, and his people gave sacrificially. He also organized the pickup of food from every vendor who would donate.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Then, his teams began to package the food in cartons, enough to supply three meals a day for four people for one month. And, using his large media and social media network, he posted a toll-free number to call. Whoever needed help could receive help.
This meant Hindus and Muslims as well as Christians. As Pastor Kumar said to me, “The coronavirus has no caste, creed, region and religion. Likewise even the Love of Christ has no region and religion. That’s why we have decided to give these kits to those who called us online, including Hindu priests, pastors, and Muslim imams, all of whom got the kits.”
Yet there was no proselytizing involved, no Bible or tracts within the cartons. To do so would have incurred the ire of the Hindu authorities who govern the nation. Yet, to their surprise, when government officials examined the cartons, they found no such thing. Just the picture of Pastor Kumar and the church on the outside of the carton as the ones supplying the food. That was it.
As of May 22, the church went beyond its goal of storing 700 tons of food, now reaching 800 tons. And to date, 37,000 families have received full provision for one month, all from a single church. This amounts to more than three million meals total.
A Life Saved With Moments to Spare
Workers delivering the carton to one family were met with a surprise. The mother and her children were destitute, starving to death, so she decided to end her life. She hung a rope in her small home and was about to kill herself but there was a knock at the door.
The workers had just arrived with the carton of food, and the mother, stunned and grateful beyond words, showed them the rope.
What a demonstration of the love of God!
Food for the Spirit
Pastor Kumar also told me that he was deeply burdened for the spiritual wellbeing of his flock. So, for the last 64 nights, without a break, he has broadcast from the church building, Calvary Temple, for roughly three hours, preaching for 60-90 minutes. And now, non-believing spouses who would not attend services are hearing the gospel. Jesus is being exalted and the pandemic is being redeemed. Whole families are worshiping God in their homes.
Not only so, but since these families were all shut in together, with much time on their hands, Pastor Kumar challenged them to read through the entire Bible in one month. Those who did so would have their names put in a lottery with the winner receiving a free trip to Israel.
Now, he tells me, “Thousands of families are busy reading the Bible together. One girl, 11-years-old, finished reading the Bible in 6 days.” (That is an accomplishment.)
Knowing that I have a great love for India, having been there 27 times since 1993, and knowing that I have access to a wide audience, Pastor Kumar reached out to me to share this remarkable story.
It is my great joy to share it with you, to the glory of God. Again, you can watch the video here.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is When the World Stops: Words of Faith, Hope, and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-05-24--Joe Biden’s Words Cut Deep. This is Why

Joe Biden’s Words Cut Deep. This is Why

“ Shut up .
Don ’ t think .
Do as you ’ re told .
See you in four years.
” That ’ s what Joe Biden essentially projected to America ’ s Black community Friday morning .
“ If you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black , ” Biden said on the popular New York City-based Breakfast Club radio show .
Biden ’ s remarks sent shockwaves across social media and in the political press , but it shouldn ’ t have shocked anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have long sowed racial division and promoted identity politics in order to maintain power and control .
His condescending remark is indicative of the Democrat Party ’ s overall attitude towards blacks and minority groups : Shut up and listen .
We decide what you think and how you vote .
A History of Condescension Toward the Black Community When one looks beyond the superficial rhetoric of the Washington-political-class and liberal elite , Joe Biden ’ s demeaning , arrogant attitude towards the black community over the course of his 40-plus year political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was ahead of his time when it came to promoting destructive policies and empty promises .
In the 1980 ’ s and 1990 ’ s , Biden fought for expanded federal government involvement in policing and prison systems .
He salivated at the opportunity to expand a non-focused demand-side war on drugs with legislation aimed to increase criminal penalties for drug use and expand civil asset forfeiture .
For instance , Biden led the push to increase sentencing on crack cocaine-related offenses that unfairly targeted low income , black communities .
The result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disastrous for America ’ s black communities , especially young black men .
The twisted part of Joe Biden ’ s record is that his intentions were never to actually solve any major issues afflicting the communities most effected by his heavy handed policies — his intentions were purely for personal , political benefit in an effort to come across as tough on crime .
“ Give me the crime issue and you ’ ll never have trouble with it in an election , ” Biden is said to have told Democrat Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push back on a public perception as being weak — or even indifferent — on violent crime in America .
Contrast Biden ’ s record in the black community with President Trump , who has led the way on criminal justice reform , increased funding to HBCU ’ s and ushered in the lowest black unemployment rate of all-time low before the coronavirus global pandemic artificially shut down the economy .
Today , Biden ’ s empty rhetoric and cheap shots against President Trump ring hollow .
Biden and the Democrats are desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community because they know Biden can ’ t defend his racist , antagonistic , and deeply harmful record .
And now , despite an atrocious record and gaffes ranging from 2007 when he called Obama “ the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean , ” to 2019 when he said , “ poor kids are just as bright and talented as white kids , ” Biden and the Democrat Party expect the Black community to “ do as their told ” and vote for Joe Biden .
Please Support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Diversity of thought does not exist in today ’ s Democrat Party .
Just ask Michigan Democrat State Rep. Karen Whitsett of Detroit , who was censured by her own Party for meeting with the president and thanking him .
Whitsett , who is black , is now suing Michigan Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats for defamation and violating her free speech .
Democrats aren ’ t interested in solving the big issues — rather their singular goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain control .
They attempt to achieve this goal through intimidation and the stifling of competing viewpoints .
Biden ’ s remarks Friday was a Freudian slip .
Joe Biden and the Democrat Party will continue to talk down to the black community and lie about President Trump ’ s record in an effort to sow division and hate , while President Trump is laser focused on criminal justice reform , rebuilding our economy and safely re-opening America so that all Americans can continue to pursue greater economic opportunities for themselves and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor of Cincinnati , Ohio and U.S. ambassador to United Nations Human Rights Commission .

“Shut up. Don’t think. Do as you’re told. See you in four years.” That’s what Joe Biden essentially projected to America’s Black community Friday morning.
“If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black,” Biden said on the popular New York City-based Breakfast Club radio show.
Biden’s remarks sent shockwaves across social media and in the political press, but it shouldn’t have shocked anyone. Joe Biden and the Democrat Party have long sowed racial division and promoted identity politics in order to maintain power and control.
His condescending remark is indicative of the Democrat Party’s overall attitude towards blacks and minority groups: Shut up and listen. We decide what you think and how you vote.
A History of Condescension Toward the Black Community
When one looks beyond the superficial rhetoric of the Washington-political-class and liberal elite, Joe Biden’s demeaning, arrogant attitude towards the black community over the course of his 40-plus year political career comes into sharper focus.
Biden was ahead of his time when it came to promoting destructive policies and empty promises.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s, Biden fought for expanded federal government involvement in policing and prison systems. He salivated at the opportunity to expand a non-focused demand-side war on drugs with legislation aimed to increase criminal penalties for drug use and expand civil asset forfeiture. For instance, Biden led the push to increase sentencing on crack cocaine-related offenses that unfairly targeted low income, black communities.
The result of Biden’s onerous policies was disastrous for America’s black communities, especially young black men.
The twisted part of Joe Biden’s record is that his intentions were never to actually solve any major issues afflicting the communities most effected by his heavy handed policies — his intentions were purely for personal, political benefit in an effort to come across as tough on crime.
“Give me the crime issue and you’ll never have trouble with it in an election,” Biden is said to have told Democrat Party leadership in meetings as they sought to push back on a public perception as being weak — or even indifferent — on violent crime in America.
Demonizing Trump, Disregarding the Black Community
Contrast Biden’s record in the black community with President Trump, who has led the way on criminal justice reform, increased funding to HBCU’s and ushered in the lowest black unemployment rate of all-time low before the coronavirus global pandemic artificially shut down the economy.
Today, Biden’s empty rhetoric and cheap shots against President Trump ring hollow. Biden and the Democrats are desperate to demonize the president in the Black community because they know Biden can’t defend his racist, antagonistic, and deeply harmful record.
And now, despite an atrocious record and gaffes ranging from 2007 when he called Obama “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean,” to 2019 when he said, “poor kids are just as bright and talented as white kids,” Biden and the Democrat Party expect the Black community to “do as their told” and vote for Joe Biden.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Diversity of thought does not exist in today’s Democrat Party. Just ask Michigan Democrat State Rep. Karen Whitsett of Detroit, who was censured by her own Party for meeting with the president and thanking him. Whitsett, who is black, is now suing Michigan Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats for defamation and violating her free speech.
Democrats aren’t interested in solving the big issues — rather their singular goal is to do whatever it takes to maintain control. They attempt to achieve this goal through intimidation and the stifling of competing viewpoints. Biden’s remarks Friday was a Freudian slip.
Joe Biden and the Democrat Party will continue to talk down to the black community and lie about President Trump’s record in an effort to sow division and hate, while President Trump is laser focused on criminal justice reform, rebuilding our economy and safely re-opening America so that all Americans can continue to pursue greater economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
Ken Blackwell is the former Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio and U.S. ambassador to United Nations Human Rights Commission.


thestream--2020-05-24--Minnesota Governor Backs Down, Allows Religious Services to Resume

Democratic Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz will allow religious services to resume with restrictions , the governor announced Saturday .
The Minnesota governor ’ s new order allows for worship to resume at 25 % capacity and with social distancing , “ to proceed as safely as possible during the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency , ” according to local outlet Kare11 .
“ I have had many meaningful conversations with faith leaders over the last few weeks , ” Walz said in a statement , according to the publication .
“ From a personal and public health perspective , the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging one since the beginning of the pandemic , ” he added .
“ We know large gatherings of people raise the risk of spreading COVID-19 .
We also know worship is an essential part of many Minnesotans ’ lives , including mine.
” Walz had previously announced that restaurants , bars , and certain small businesses would be allowed to open at 50 % capacity on June 1 , but this order did not afford the same relaxation of restrictions to churches and instead limited church serves to 10 people .
Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s order in a Wednesday letter in which Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis , Reverend Bernard A. Hebda , told Walz that public masses in Minnesota would resume May 26 .
“ It concerns us , however , that we still are without a clear roadmap , metrics , or definite timeline from your administration about a phased re-opening , ” the letter told Walz .
“ Executive Order 20-56 , moreover , seems to have taken a step backward , imposing an explicit prohibition on faith-based gatherings where none had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , to allow a ‘ click forward ’ for other sectors and activities on your dial — many of which can not be classified as essential as the life of faith , prompts us to consider it necessary to move forward .
We certainly remain ready to work with your administration as events unfold and circumstances change.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Hebda responded to Walz ’ s Saturday announcement the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bishops of Minnesota are ” thankful that our conversations with the administration and state health officials have helped us to strengthen our plan for moving forward.
” “ Governor Walz and the bishops of Minnesota share a common goal — enabling people of faith to safely return to the full practice of their faith , ” Hebda added .
The governor ’ s decision to allow worship to resume at 25 % capacity also comes after President Donald Trump called on governors Friday to open houses of worship “ right now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they do not allow Americans to attend religious services .
“ The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now , ” Trump said .
“ For this weekend .
If they don ’ t do it , I will override the governors .
In America , we need more prayer , not less .
”

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will allow religious services to resume with restrictions, the governor announced Saturday.
The Minnesota governor’s new order allows for worship to resume at 25% capacity and with social distancing, “to proceed as safely as possible during the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency,” according to local outlet Kare11.
“I have had many meaningful conversations with faith leaders over the last few weeks,” Walz said in a statement, according to the publication. “From a personal and public health perspective, the decision around places of worship has been a challenging one since the beginning of the pandemic,” he added. “We know large gatherings of people raise the risk of spreading COVID-19. We also know worship is an essential part of many Minnesotans’ lives, including mine.” Walz had previously announced that restaurants, bars, and certain small businesses would be allowed to open at 50% capacity on June 1, but this order did not afford the same relaxation of restrictions to churches and instead limited church serves to 10 people. Minnesota Catholic and Lutheran churches responded to Walz’s order in a Wednesday letter in which Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, told Walz that public masses in Minnesota would resume May 26.
“It concerns us, however, that we still are without a clear roadmap, metrics, or definite timeline from your administration about a phased re-opening,” the letter told Walz. “Executive Order 20-56, moreover, seems to have taken a step backward, imposing an explicit prohibition on faith-based gatherings where none had existed.” “Your willingness, at the same time, to allow a ‘click forward’ for other sectors and activities on your dial — many of which cannot be classified as essential as the life of faith, prompts us to consider it necessary to move forward. We certainly remain ready to work with your administration as events unfold and circumstances change.” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day. Hebda responded to Walz’s Saturday announcement the same day, saying that he and the bishops of Minnesota are ” thankful that our conversations with the administration and state health officials have helped us to strengthen our plan for moving forward.” “Governor Walz and the bishops of Minnesota share a common goal — enabling people of faith to safely return to the full practice of their faith,” Hebda added. The governor’s decision to allow worship to resume at 25% capacity also comes after President Donald Trump called on governors Friday to open houses of worship “right now,” warning he will override governors’ orders if they do not allow Americans to attend religious services. “The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now,” Trump said. “For this weekend. If they don’t do it, I will override the governors. In America, we need more prayer, not less.”
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thestream--2020-05-25--Memorial Day: Honoring Those Who Served by Protecting the Freedoms They Died For

“ Go home and take care of your family , ” the recruiter admonished my grandfather .
Grandpa Davis already had several kids when he tried to join the military during World War II .
Grandpa Davis was a big , strong man .
I have no doubt he would have done America proud if he ’ d been allowed to join .
As it was , many of the men in our family joined the military and served with pride .
Two of his brothers-in-law and one son-in-law served in WWII .
Another son-in-law served in the Korean war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Vietnam .
One of my most vivid memories took place at a parade in Gilmer , Texas .
I was standing beside my grandfather as the floats went by .
Everytime a flag went by on a float , Grandpa took his hat off .
It impressed me that he respected the country that much .
He taught me that America should be respected and her flag honored as a symbol of those who died for her freedom .
With each generation America changes .
“ This isn ’ t the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” we hear .
And of course , it isn ’ t .
But those who died to secure our freedom still deserve honor for their service .
The best way we can honor them is to fight against those forces that wish to take our freedoms .
And during this time of COVID-19 , we ’ re seeing some of those freedoms slipping away .
The Right to Freely Exercise Religion Just a few days ago , I wrote about the hundreds ( if not thousands by now ) of California churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , May 31 .
Churches in California , under Gov .
Newsom ’ s leadership , have been ordered to stay shuttered while big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot have remained open .
Churches have been deemed “ unessential ” while Walmart , Home Depot and even liquor stores have been labeled “ essential.
” The argument can be made that a person ’ s spiritual well-being is far more important .
But even laying that aside , common sense would dictate that if it ’ s safe to enter Walmart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s safe to enter a church .
Gov .
Newsom , along with other democrat leaders , seem to be fighting tooth and nail to keep churches closed .
Don ’ t tell me it ’ s all about protecting citizens from a deadly disease .
Pastors are being handcuffed for opening their churches while alcoholics get their fix at a liquor store just around the corner and women get their hair colored at the local beauty parlor .
No , this is about more than just keeping us safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beliefs is being curtailed .
“ We ’ ve been respectful and submitting , ” said Westside Christian Fellowship pastor and Stream contributor Shane Idleman , “ but at some point , you begin to realize , ‘ Okay , we ’ ve got ta we ’ ve got to step it up a little bit here ’ and can ’ t wait for the governor ’ s okay to open churches when everything else is open from Lowe ’ s and Home Depot to Walmart.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Idleman added , “ It ’ s not like we ’ re going to say , ‘ I don ’ t care about the social distancing .
I don ’ t care about the math.
’ We ’ re going to honor the same guidelines that a big store honors .
We ’ re not doing this in a spirit of rebellion , we ’ re actually doing it in the spirit of submission .
[ We submitted ] to the government officials for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But now it needs to transition to a submission to God.
” Who is the Ultimate Authority ?
We recognize that Romans 13 says to obey those in authority .
However , the Christian ’ s ultimate authority is God , not the government .
We have to remember that Apostle Paul and others were imprisoned because they disobeyed their government in order to spread the life-giving Gospel .
Apostle Peter and others defied their government ’ s order to stop preaching about Jesus , saying , “ We ought to obey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being silenced .
As Christians , we must recognize when our government is compelling us to disobey God ( Whose Word tells us not to forsake meeting together ) and choose whether we will obey God or government .
We must exercise our freedom to freely express our faith or risk losing that freedom forever .
This Memorial Day I will think about all of those who gave their lives so that we may have freedom , including the freedom to freely express our faith and the freedom to peaceably assemble .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those freedoms by actively moving against those forces that wish to restrict or abolish them .
They ’ re ours to lose .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

“Go home and take care of your family,” the recruiter admonished my grandfather. Grandpa Davis already had several kids when he tried to join the military during World War II.
Grandpa Davis was a big, strong man. I have no doubt he would have done America proud if he’d been allowed to join. As it was, many of the men in our family joined the military and served with pride. Two of his brothers-in-law and one son-in-law served in WWII. Another son-in-law served in the Korean war. Two of his own sons served during Vietnam.
One of my most vivid memories took place at a parade in Gilmer, Texas. I was standing beside my grandfather as the floats went by. Everytime a flag went by on a float, Grandpa took his hat off. It impressed me that he respected the country that much. He taught me that America should be respected and her flag honored as a symbol of those who died for her freedom.
Freedoms Slipping Away
With each generation America changes. “This isn’t the same country that I grew up in,” we hear. And of course, it isn’t. But those who died to secure our freedom still deserve honor for their service. The best way we can honor them is to fight against those forces that wish to take our freedoms. And during this time of COVID-19, we’re seeing some of those freedoms slipping away.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. — The First Amendment
The Right to Freely Exercise Religion
Just a few days ago, I wrote about the hundreds (if not thousands by now) of California churches that will be opening on Pentecost Sunday, May 31. Churches in California, under Gov. Newsom’s leadership, have been ordered to stay shuttered while big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot have remained open. Churches have been deemed “unessential” while Walmart, Home Depot and even liquor stores have been labeled “essential.” The argument can be made that a person’s spiritual well-being is far more important.
But even laying that aside, common sense would dictate that if it’s safe to enter Walmart, along with hundreds of people, it’s safe to enter a church. Gov. Newsom, along with other democrat leaders, seem to be fighting tooth and nail to keep churches closed.
Don’t tell me it’s all about protecting citizens from a deadly disease. Pastors are being handcuffed for opening their churches while alcoholics get their fix at a liquor store just around the corner and women get their hair colored at the local beauty parlor. No, this is about more than just keeping us safe. Our right to freely exercise our religious beliefs is being curtailed.
Submission to God
“We’ve been respectful and submitting,” said Westside Christian Fellowship pastor and Stream contributor Shane Idleman, “but at some point, you begin to realize, ‘Okay, we’ve gotta we’ve got to step it up a little bit here’ and can’t wait for the governor’s okay to open churches when everything else is open from Lowe’s and Home Depot to Walmart.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Idleman added, “It’s not like we’re going to say, ‘I don’t care about the social distancing. I don’t care about the math.’ We’re going to honor the same guidelines that a big store honors. We’re not doing this in a spirit of rebellion, we’re actually doing it in the spirit of submission. [We submitted] to the government officials for the last two and a half months. But now it needs to transition to a submission to God.”
Who is the Ultimate Authority?
We recognize that Romans 13 says to obey those in authority. However, the Christian’s ultimate authority is God, not the government. We have to remember that Apostle Paul and others were imprisoned because they disobeyed their government in order to spread the life-giving Gospel.
Apostle Peter and others defied their government’s order to stop preaching about Jesus, saying, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Pastors are being silenced. As Christians, we must recognize when our government is compelling us to disobey God (Whose Word tells us not to forsake meeting together) and choose whether we will obey God or government. We must exercise our freedom to freely express our faith or risk losing that freedom forever.
Keeping Our Freedom
This Memorial Day I will think about all of those who gave their lives so that we may have freedom, including the freedom to freely express our faith and the freedom to peaceably assemble. It’s up to us to keep those freedoms by actively moving against those forces that wish to restrict or abolish them. They’re ours to lose.
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-05-25--Memorial Day 2020: We Will Never Forget

Memorial Day 2020: We Will Never Forget

An Alabama National Guard soldier places a flag at a departed warrior ’ s headstone in the Fort McClellan Military @ @ @ @ @ , on May 20 , 2020 .
On this Memorial Day , we remember each @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sacrificed his or her life for our freedom .
We will never forget @ @ @ @ @ : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of @ @ @

An Alabama National Guard soldier places a flag at a departed warrior’s headstone in the Fort McClellan Military Cemetery in Anniston, Alabama, on May 20, 2020.
On this Memorial Day, we remember each and every American hero who’s sacrificed his or her life for our freedom. We will never forget.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-05-25--Seven Apologetics Books Every Teen Should Read

I try not to dwell on disappointments .
But there is one disappointment I think about a lot .
In fact , it drives my motivation for ministry .
My great regret : I didn ’ t discover apologetics until I was in my early twenties .
I can ’ t change my past , but I can do my best to make sure this doesn ’ t happen to others .
My mission in ministry is to expose students to the rich intellectual resources Christianity has to offer .
Incidentally , there are a lot of really good apologetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Unfortunately , most of these works are not written for a younger audience .
I often get asked about which apologetics books I recommend for students .
Here is the list I normally offer .
Rather than overwhelm you with options , I ’ ve selected one book for each of the seven essential topics below .
One of the biggest challenges — in scope , not substance — facing young people is the challenge of relativism and religious pluralism .
Students need to be able to identify and refute these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I always recommend Paul Copan ’ s book True for You But Not for Me .
Copan uses short , easy-to-follow chapters to answer over 30 objections to the Christian faith .
Many Christian students believe God exists but are unable to give good reasons why .
This is where William Lane Craig ’ s On Guard comes to the rescue .
Craig lays out three philosophical arguments for the existence of God in a manner accessible to students .
He also addresses objections against each argument and tackles the problem of evil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it exposes students to one of the greatest living Christian philosophers .
The church does a good job teaching stories from the Bible .
But we haven ’ t done a good job showing why we should trust the Bible in the first place .
If you want your students to understand why we should trust the Bible , I recommend J. Warner Wallace ’ s Cold-Case Christianity .
Wallace applies his sharp detective mind to the Gospels to show they can be trusted .
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been raised , our faith is futile .
But most students think this is something we have to take on blind faith .
In reality , we have good reasons to believe Jesus rose from the dead .
A great book for students on the resurrection is Lee Strobel ’ s The Case for Christ .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
It never fails .
In every Q & A session with students , someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are under the impression that science and faith are incompatible .
That ’ s why we need to introduce students to Can Science Explain Everything ?
by John Lennox .
In this short book , the Oxford mathematician dispels common misconceptions about science and Christianity and reveals how they work together .
Everyone has a worldview — a set of ideas about the world .
And these ideas have consequences for how we live and interact in the culture .
Many students struggle to navigate contemporary challenges to their Christian faith and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guide to Culture , John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle give students the tools to live differently and be a light in a culture that sometimes feels overwhelming .
The most important book — besides the Bible — on my shelf is Tactics by Gregory Koukl .
This book helps students take the content they have learned and move into the conversation with safety and confidence .
Over and over , students tell me how the tactical game plan helped them share their convictions with friends and family .
So , there you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe will expose students to good apologetics from great apologists .
Happy reading !
Tim Barnett has worked as a speaker for Stand to Reason since 2015 , and serves on the pastoral staff of Cedarview Community Church in Newmarket , Ontario .
Originally published at Stand to Reason .
Reprinted with permission .

I try not to dwell on disappointments. But there is one disappointment I think about a lot. In fact, it drives my motivation for ministry.
My great regret: I didn’t discover apologetics until I was in my early twenties.
My mission in ministry is to expose students to the rich intellectual resources Christianity has to offer.
I can’t change my past, but I can do my best to make sure this doesn’t happen to others. My mission in ministry is to expose students to the rich intellectual resources Christianity has to offer. Incidentally, there are a lot of really good apologetics works. My bookshelves are lined with them. Unfortunately, most of these works are not written for a younger audience.
I often get asked about which apologetics books I recommend for students. Here is the list I normally offer. Rather than overwhelm you with options, I’ve selected one book for each of the seven essential topics below.
Truth Book
One of the biggest challenges — in scope, not substance — facing young people is the challenge of relativism and religious pluralism. Students need to be able to identify and refute these flawed philosophies. That’s why I always recommend Paul Copan’s book True for You But Not for Me. Copan uses short, easy-to-follow chapters to answer over 30 objections to the Christian faith.
God Book
Many Christian students believe God exists but are unable to give good reasons why. This is where William Lane Craig’s On Guard comes to the rescue. Craig lays out three philosophical arguments for the existence of God in a manner accessible to students. He also addresses objections against each argument and tackles the problem of evil. An added benefit of this recommendation is that it exposes students to one of the greatest living Christian philosophers.
Bible Book
The church does a good job teaching stories from the Bible. But we haven’t done a good job showing why we should trust the Bible in the first place. If you want your students to understand why we should trust the Bible, I recommend J. Warner Wallace’s Cold-Case Christianity. Wallace applies his sharp detective mind to the Gospels to show they can be trusted.
Resurrection Book
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to Christianity. If Jesus has not been raised, our faith is futile. But most students think this is something we have to take on blind faith. In reality, we have good reasons to believe Jesus rose from the dead. A great book for students on the resurrection is Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Science Book
It never fails. In every Q&A session with students, someone asks a science-related question. Many young people are under the impression that science and faith are incompatible. That’s why we need to introduce students to Can Science Explain Everything? by John Lennox. In this short book, the Oxford mathematician dispels common misconceptions about science and Christianity and reveals how they work together.
Worldview Book
Everyone has a worldview — a set of ideas about the world. And these ideas have consequences for how we live and interact in the culture. Many students struggle to navigate contemporary challenges to their Christian faith and values. In A Student’s Guide to Culture, John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle give students the tools to live differently and be a light in a culture that sometimes feels overwhelming.
Conversation Book
The most important book — besides the Bible — on my shelf is Tactics by Gregory Koukl. This book helps students take the content they have learned and move into the conversation with safety and confidence. Over and over, students tell me how the tactical game plan helped them share their convictions with friends and family.
So, there you have it. These are the seven books I believe will expose students to good apologetics from great apologists. Happy reading!
Tim Barnett has worked as a speaker for Stand to Reason since 2015, and serves on the pastoral staff of Cedarview Community Church in Newmarket, Ontario.
Originally published at Stand to Reason. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-05-25--The Nefarious Puppet Masters of America

The Nefarious Puppet Masters of America

As I think about various online church services , meetings that consist of no more than ten people on site due to lockdown laws in our nation , I see something else .
As these governmentally controlled worship events play out on the screens of American Christians on Sunday mornings , it ’ s easy to miss the strings .
Most don ’ t notice them at all .
A nefarious group of people , made up of politicians , those in the media , social networking executives and other cultural leaders and influencers , are just off screen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These puppet masters have been exposed and their evil schemes have been made clear .
President Trump called them out as he sharply decreed that churches should open immediately .
The Associated Press reports : “ Governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now — for this weekend , ” Trump said at a hastily arranged press conference at the White House .
“ Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential ” but not churches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not right .
So I ’ m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.
” “ These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united , ” he added .
While it ’ s true that every one of us must embrace the call to repentance , and we all must be surrendered to Jesus at a much deeper level , I ’ m specifically addressing our nation ’ s leaders .
Politicians such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Governor Andrew Cuomo : I implore you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Jesus .
Media moguls including Mark Zukerberg and Jack Dorsey : Just like all of us , your time is limited .
The Holy Spirit is drawing you to surrender your pride , your dreams , your ideals , your philosophies and your power to Jesus .
All of it .
There is no other way to God than Jesus Christ .
I ’ d have it no other way .
Living radically , zealously for Jesus is indescribable .
The split second after you make the decision to live wholeheartedly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the wasted years of your lives .
The freedom , joy and explosive life that will hit you will rock you to your core .
No political power , media empire or personal pursuits could ever compare to the tangible , overwhelming love and power of Jesus .
When I Cried Out to God I told God many years ago that I refused to follow him , or even acknowledge him , if he wasn ’ t a very real , omnipotent , just and loving Creator .
If he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tormented I would have nothing to do with him .
If he was just a story in a book instead of a living and active person , I ’ d reject Christianity fully .
I was serious .
As I walked around that lonely , empty room in Dayton , Ohio , many years ago , desperate for God to actually be real , I then declared , “ But , if you are real , if you do work miracles , if I can know you personally , if you are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Again , I was serious .
You see , I only have one very short life to live and I have no desire to waste it on religious foolishness .
However , I ’ ll surrender this very short life for someone I love , and for the one who loves me , if Jesus is , in fact , real .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Allow me to confirm , he absolutely is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a legitimate revelation of God , he invaded my life in ways I could never explain .
The absolutely ridiculous , indescribable and countless miracles I ’ ve experienced since that fateful day continue to stun me time and again as I remember all he has done .
Without question I ’ m willing and ready to live and die for Jesus .
So , again , those who are closing churches , censoring Christian and conservative messages and resisting God in favor of your own pursuits , please , speedily repent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hell is so terrible to consider it ’ s hard for me to even think about .
God is love and he is just .
Eternity is about to reveal itself to all of us .
It won ’ t be long .
Entering into the rest of forever , the moment after we die , without surrendering our hearts and bowing our knees to Jesus results in the unthinkable .
I am crying out for your souls .
Don ’ t delay for even a moment .
Repent , turn from your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newfound love for Jesus !
Pastors , You Aren ’ t Off the Hook If there are puppet masters , that means there must be puppets .
I am thankful for people of God like Rodney Howard-Browne , Jeremiah Johnson and many others who refused to be controlled by the state .
They rejected the strings of the puppet masters as they continued to gather in worship .
It ’ s one thing for pastors to shutter services because God told them to .
It ’ s entirely another thing if they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pastors , you have to ask which voice you heeded .
I suggest there might be cause for repentance among many of God ’ s leaders who have refused the fiery furnace in favor of taking a knee at the command of a wicked king .
The music played and the worship environment was affirmed by the nation ’ s evil leader ( Daniel 3 ) .
The king required all to bow to an idol as worship music played , and all but three did .
They were thrown into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the story .
Today we have pastors being arrested for refusing to bow .
We have threats , citations and legislation put in place that defy God ’ s people When We Are Willing to Lose Everything However , when God ’ s people take a stand against wickedness , against nefarious puppet masters , God is exalted .
When we are willing to lose everything , including our lives , our churches , our money , our reputations and everything we value to stand for Jesus , miracles happen .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America now .
And , ultimately , the leaders of America will proclaim devotion to the Lord .
It ’ s time to stand in defiance to the wicked puppet masters who would demand we bow our knee to their decrees .
When we do , America just might be saved , and so might the puppet masters .
John is a sought out teacher , prophetic messenger and revivalist .
He has authored ten books , is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine , and directed one of the primary internships at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in Kansas City .
He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry .

nefarious
[ ni-fair-ee-uhs ] adjective
extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous
As I think about various online church services, meetings that consist of no more than ten people on site due to lockdown laws in our nation, I see something else. As these governmentally controlled worship events play out on the screens of American Christians on Sunday mornings, it’s easy to miss the strings. Most don’t notice them at all.
A nefarious group of people, made up of politicians, those in the media, social networking executives and other cultural leaders and influencers, are just off screen, positioned above the puppets they are controlling.
These puppet masters have been exposed and their evil schemes have been made clear. President Trump called them out as he sharply decreed that churches should open immediately. The Associated Press reports:
“Governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now — for this weekend,” Trump said at a hastily arranged press conference at the White House. “Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential” but not churches, he said. “It’s not right. So I’m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.” “These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united,” he added.
A Bold Call for Repentance
While it’s true that every one of us must embrace the call to repentance, and we all must be surrendered to Jesus at a much deeper level, I’m specifically addressing our nation’s leaders.
Politicians such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Governor Andrew Cuomo: I implore you to humble yourselves and to bow your knees to Jesus.
Media moguls including Mark Zukerberg and Jack Dorsey: Just like all of us, your time is limited. The Holy Spirit is drawing you to surrender your pride, your dreams, your ideals, your philosophies and your power to Jesus. All of it. There is no other way to God than Jesus Christ. I’d have it no other way.
As these governmentally controlled worship events play out on the screens of American Christians on Sunday mornings, it’s easy to miss the strings.
Living radically, zealously for Jesus is indescribable. The split second after you make the decision to live wholeheartedly for Jesus, you are sure to weep over the wasted years of your lives. The freedom, joy and explosive life that will hit you will rock you to your core.
No political power, media empire or personal pursuits could ever compare to the tangible, overwhelming love and power of Jesus.
When I Cried Out to God
I told God many years ago that I refused to follow him, or even acknowledge him, if he wasn’t a very real, omnipotent, just and loving Creator. If he didn’t heal the sick or deliver the tormented I would have nothing to do with him. If he was just a story in a book instead of a living and active person, I’d reject Christianity fully. I was serious.
As I walked around that lonely, empty room in Dayton, Ohio, many years ago, desperate for God to actually be real, I then declared, “But, if you are real, if you do work miracles, if I can know you personally, if you are all powerful, I will die for you.”
Again, I was serious. You see, I only have one very short life to live and I have no desire to waste it on religious foolishness. However, I’ll surrender this very short life for someone I love, and for the one who loves me, if Jesus is, in fact, real.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Allow me to confirm, he absolutely is. After that prayer, that cry for a legitimate revelation of God, he invaded my life in ways I could never explain. The absolutely ridiculous, indescribable and countless miracles I’ve experienced since that fateful day continue to stun me time and again as I remember all he has done. Without question I’m willing and ready to live and die for Jesus.
So, again, those who are closing churches, censoring Christian and conservative messages and resisting God in favor of your own pursuits, please, speedily repent. Sin kills and the finality of Hell is so terrible to consider it’s hard for me to even think about. God is love and he is just. Eternity is about to reveal itself to all of us. It won’t be long. Entering into the rest of forever, the moment after we die, without surrendering our hearts and bowing our knees to Jesus results in the unthinkable. I am crying out for your souls. Don’t delay for even a moment. Repent, turn from your wickedness and proclaim to the nation your newfound love for Jesus!
Pastors, You Aren’t Off the Hook
If there are puppet masters, that means there must be puppets.
I am thankful for people of God like Rodney Howard-Browne, Jeremiah Johnson and many others who refused to be controlled by the state. They rejected the strings of the puppet masters as they continued to gather in worship.
It’s one thing for pastors to shutter services because God told them to. It’s entirely another thing if they do so because secular government forces them to. Pastors, you have to ask which voice you heeded.
I suggest there might be cause for repentance among many of God’s leaders who have refused the fiery furnace in favor of taking a knee at the command of a wicked king. The music played and the worship environment was affirmed by the nation’s evil leader (Daniel 3).
The king required all to bow to an idol as worship music played, and all but three did. They were thrown into a furnace and we all know the rest of the story. Today we have pastors being arrested for refusing to bow. We have threats, citations and legislation put in place that defy God’s people.
When We Are Willing to Lose Everything
However, when God’s people take a stand against wickedness, against nefarious puppet masters, God is exalted.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18, NLT2)
When we are willing to lose everything, including our lives, our churches, our money, our reputations and everything we value to stand for Jesus, miracles happen.
When we are willing to lose everything, including our lives, our churches, our money, our reputations and everything we value to stand for Jesus, miracles happen.
What happened next is what must happen in America now.
But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” (Daniel 3:24-25 NLT2)
And, ultimately, the leaders of America will proclaim devotion to the Lord. It’s time to stand in defiance to the wicked puppet masters who would demand we bow our knee to their decrees. When we do, America just might be saved, and so might the puppet masters.
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” (Daniel 3:28-29 NLT2)
John is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. He has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry.


thestream--2020-05-25--Could You Explain Today’s America to a Korean War Vet in a Nursing Home?

I hope I ’ m not wearing my readers out .
I have written here over and over about the ongoing scandal of governors who keep dumping virus patients on nursing homes .
That includes VA hospitals , which house our most fragile veterans .
The brave souls whom we remember alongside their fallen comrades every Memorial Day .
Check out this moving tribute to veterans who died of COVID-19 , performed by a solitary New Jersey Boy Scout .
Outside one of those homes , he appeared and played “ Taps ” for the fallen .
In most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still in progress .
It haunts me .
That policy began as a desperate mistake .
One born of panic at the predictions of a huge wave of young , taxpaying patients set to inundate our hospitals .
Infecting the old to spare the young was always cynically cruel , but at least there was some flimsy excuse .
With hospitals largely empty , what excuse do we have now ?
I spent many hours last year learning about America ’ s “ forgotten war ” in Korea .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fails , ” put out by an Irish historian .
I listened to all 49 episodes , which went in minute depth into the background of that conflict , and the awful suffering inflicted by Communist invaders on South Korean civilians .
Then the fierce courage of the American-led U.N. force that repelled that invasion .
They almost liberated the North from a Stalinist regime .
It was only the mass influx of Red Chinese troops that won back the North for Communism , fighting us to a standstill .
And today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our blue state governors ’ callous disdain of our veterans , I can ’ t fend off some sober reflections .
Learning about the abandonment of fragile Americans in nursing homes , I ’ ve resolved to do my part .
Once it ’ s safe and they can have visitors , I want to volunteer in such nursing homes , visit people , read them books , and hear their stories .
And that led me to thinking .
What if I encountered a veteran of the bitter Korean war whose memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would I explain to him what ’ s going on right now ?
Would he likely understand ?
Would it just be cruel to tell him ?
If he really insisted , really wanted me to catch him up with America 2020 , I ’ d have to find some tactful but truthful way to answer his questions .
Let ’ s call this former U.S. Army Sargent “ Luigi Moscato.
” His family left fascist Italy for Brooklyn in 1938 , when that nation allied with Hitler .
Having just missed World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to Korea in 1950 .
That was just in time to serve in Gen. Douglas McCarthur ’ s devastating Inchon invasion .
That operation almost freed the entire peninsula .
But its gains quickly turned into losses when Mao Zedong sent hundreds of thousands of Chinese Communist “ volunteers ” into Korea , pushing the UN forces back to the 38th Parallel .
Moscato froze and nearly starved during bitter Korean winters .
He wasn ’ t sent home till 1953 , when the UN signed an inconclusive armistice with the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and on , till 1990 .
In Korea , it still drags on today .
How might such a conversation go ?
LUIGI MOSCATO : There used to be quite a few of us Korea vets around this place .
Now I don ’ t see them anymore .
JOHN ZMIRAK : Seven of your comrades used to be here .
Till April 2020 .
LUIGI : What happened to them ?
JOHN : They died of a virus .
From China .
LUIGI : Ain ’ t that ironic .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the way home here , just to take Chinese bullets in the end .
What a world .
So this Chinese Virus … .
JOHN : We ’ re not allowed to call it that .
The media say it ’ s “ racist.
” LUIGI : That ’ s ridiculous .
Who says that ?
What , did the Chinese buy up the stations and papers or something ?
JOHN : In some cases , yes .
For the rest , they ’ re afraid that the Chinese will boycott their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How ’ d a Chinese virus get all the way over here ?
JOHN : Chinese discovered the virus , and covered it up .
They closed down travel inside China , but let infected people fly all over the world .
LUIGI : Holy … .
That ’ s germ warfare .
I remember when the Japs were doing that to China .
I guess that ’ s where the Commies got the idea .
So the U.S. , the U.N. , they ’ re making the Chinese pay for that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all .
The world is terrified of them .
LUIGI : So how did that virus get all the way in here ?
I mean , the past few months we have been locked down really tight .
My grandchildren couldn ’ t visit .
The priest stopped coming for Mass .
It was like some science fiction prison camp .
Why didn ’ t that work ?
The Democrats ’ Bio-War Against the Elderly JOHN : Because the governor forced all the nursing homes and VA homes to take in patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s crazy !
Send people with some killer disease to get all of us sick ?
To kill us ?
Why ?
Can you explain that to me , young man ?
JOHN : Well , the experts on television kept warning that tens of thousands of young people would end up in the hospitals on ventilators .
So these governors decided to make room for them , by offloading virus patients … at places like this .
LUIGI : That makes no sense .
Couldn ’ t they use … navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else ?
JOHN : They had all those things .
They never used them .
And they never got overwhelmed at hospitals either .
But still , they sent sick people … here .
LUIGI : Why ?
For what possible reason ?
LUIGI : The Democrats did this ?
To us ?
I was always a Democrat , till the 1980s .
My parents voted Democrat their whole lives .
What did we ever do to them ?
JOHN : Some of their party ’ s leaders don ’ t think anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their candidate , Joe Biden , is older than that .
And not really lucid anymore .
LUIGI : Are people out protesting in the streets ?
JOHN : In a lot of states that ’ s illegal now .
The churches are closed , and so are most of the businesses .
They won ’ t even let people go visit their families .
Because of the virus from China .
Now China ’ s using the crisis to crush Hong Kong and threaten India .
LUIGI : What ?
So now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ …What the hell did we fight for ?
[ pause ] But they ’ re gon na get voted out , right ?
JOHN : So far , the Democrats are ahead .
LUIGI : But old people vote .
We won ’ t put up with this .
JOHN : For some reason seniors are heavily backing the Democrats .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
LUIGI : Even though they did this ?
JOHN : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states across the country .
LUIGI : What do we have , a national death wish ?
At that point , I wouldn ’ t really have the heart to answer him .
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 .

I hope I’m not wearing my readers out. I have written here over and over about the ongoing scandal of governors who keep dumping virus patients on nursing homes. That includes VA hospitals, which house our most fragile veterans. The brave souls whom we remember alongside their fallen comrades every Memorial Day.
Check out this moving tribute to veterans who died of COVID-19, performed by a solitary New Jersey Boy Scout. Outside one of those homes, he appeared and played “Taps” for the fallen.
In most of our largest blue states, the culling is still in progress. It haunts me.
What Imaginable Excuse?
That policy began as a desperate mistake. One born of panic at the predictions of a huge wave of young, taxpaying patients set to inundate our hospitals. Infecting the old to spare the young was always cynically cruel, but at least there was some flimsy excuse.
With hospitals largely empty, what excuse do we have now?
Korean War Vets Finally Taking a Chinese Bullet
I spent many hours last year learning about America’s “forgotten war” in Korea. There’s a fascinating podcast called “When Diplomacy Fails,” put out by an Irish historian. I listened to all 49 episodes, which went in minute depth into the background of that conflict, and the awful suffering inflicted by Communist invaders on South Korean civilians. Then the fierce courage of the American-led U.N. force that repelled that invasion. They almost liberated the North from a Stalinist regime. It was only the mass influx of Red Chinese troops that won back the North for Communism, fighting us to a standstill.
Today, on Memorial Day, in light of our blue state governors’ callous disdain of our veterans, I can’t fend off some sober reflections.
And today, on Memorial Day, in light of our blue state governors’ callous disdain of our veterans, I can’t fend off some sober reflections. Learning about the abandonment of fragile Americans in nursing homes, I’ve resolved to do my part. Once it’s safe and they can have visitors, I want to volunteer in such nursing homes, visit people, read them books, and hear their stories.
And that led me to thinking. What if I encountered a veteran of the bitter Korean war whose memory for recent events was fading? How would I explain to him what’s going on right now? Would he likely understand? Would it just be cruel to tell him? If he really insisted, really wanted me to catch him up with America 2020, I’d have to find some tactful but truthful way to answer his questions.
Talking with Sgt. Moscato
Let’s call this former U.S. Army Sargent “Luigi Moscato.” His family left fascist Italy for Brooklyn in 1938, when that nation allied with Hitler. Having just missed World War II, Luigi was drafted and sent to Korea in 1950. That was just in time to serve in Gen. Douglas McCarthur’s devastating Inchon invasion. That operation almost freed the entire peninsula. But its gains quickly turned into losses when Mao Zedong sent hundreds of thousands of Chinese Communist “volunteers” into Korea, pushing the UN forces back to the 38th Parallel. Moscato froze and nearly starved during bitter Korean winters. He wasn’t sent home till 1953, when the UN signed an inconclusive armistice with the North Korean regime. The Cold War raged on and on, till 1990. In Korea, it still drags on today.
How might such a conversation go?
LUIGI MOSCATO: There used to be quite a few of us Korea vets around this place. Now I don’t see them anymore.
JOHN ZMIRAK: Seven of your comrades used to be here. Till April 2020.
LUIGI: What happened to them?
JOHN: They died of a virus. From China.
LUIGI: Ain’t that ironic. They dodged all those PLA bullets, got all the way home here, just to take Chinese bullets in the end. What a world. So this Chinese Virus … .
JOHN: We’re not allowed to call it that. The media say it’s “racist.”
LUIGI: That’s ridiculous. Who says that? What, did the Chinese buy up the stations and papers or something?
JOHN: In some cases, yes. For the rest, they’re afraid that the Chinese will boycott their corporate owners’ products.
Their Pearl Harbor, Our Surrender
LUIGI: How’d a Chinese virus get all the way over here?
JOHN: Chinese discovered the virus, and covered it up. They closed down travel inside China, but let infected people fly all over the world.
LUIGI: Holy …. That’s germ warfare. I remember when the Japs were doing that to China. I guess that’s where the Commies got the idea. So the U.S., the U.N., they’re making the Chinese pay for that, right?
JOHN: No, hardly at all. The world is terrified of them.
LUIGI: So how did that virus get all the way in here? I mean, the past few months we have been locked down really tight. My grandchildren couldn’t visit. The priest stopped coming for Mass. It was like some science fiction prison camp. Why didn’t that work?
The Democrats’ Bio-War Against the Elderly
JOHN: Because the governor forced all the nursing homes and VA homes to take in patients with the virus.
LUIGI: That’s crazy! Send people with some killer disease to get all of us sick? To kill us? Why? Can you explain that to me, young man?
JOHN: Well, the experts on television kept warning that tens of thousands of young people would end up in the hospitals on ventilators. So these governors decided to make room for them, by offloading virus patients … at places like this.
LUIGI: That makes no sense. Couldn’t they use … navy ships, field hospitals, any place else?
JOHN: They had all those things. They never used them. And they never got overwhelmed at hospitals either. But still, they sent sick people … here.
LUIGI: Why? For what possible reason?
JOHN: I don’t have a good answer.
LUIGI: The Democrats did this? To us? I was always a Democrat, till the 1980s. My parents voted Democrat their whole lives. What did we ever do to them?
JOHN: Some of their party’s leaders don’t think anybody should live past 75. Even though their candidate, Joe Biden, is older than that. And not really lucid anymore.
LUIGI: Are people out protesting in the streets?
JOHN: In a lot of states that’s illegal now. The churches are closed, and so are most of the businesses. They won’t even let people go visit their families. Because of the virus from China. Now China’s using the crisis to crush Hong Kong and threaten India.
LUIGI: What? So now we’re like North Korea. …What the hell did we fight for?
[pause]
But they’re gonna get voted out, right?
JOHN: So far, the Democrats are ahead.
LUIGI: But old people vote. We won’t put up with this.
JOHN: For some reason seniors are heavily backing the Democrats.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
LUIGI: Even though they did this?
JOHN: And still are doing it, in states across the country.
LUIGI: What do we have, a national death wish?
At that point, I wouldn’t really have the heart to answer him.
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.