thestream--2020-04-20--Media Prefer Hating Trump to Helping America

The liberal media are urging Joe Biden to form a shadow government to upstage President Donald Trump ’ s crisis response effort , which illustrates its consuming partisanship — and its insufficient attention to the health and welfare of the American people .
MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle floated the idea during an interview with former Barack Obama staffer Jim Messina .
Referring to Trump ’ s COVID-19 daily press briefing , Ruhle asked , “ Should Joe Biden be counterprogramming that ?
Should he be creating his own shadow government , shadow Cabinet , shadow SWAT team , and getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying , ‘ Here ’ s the crisis we ’ re in .
Here ’ s what we need to do to address this ’ ?
” I ’ ll concede that if Biden were to follow Ruhle ’ s ludicrous suggestion , Trump would be the biggest beneficiary .
If some are still unaware of Biden ’ s diminishing competence , they would certainly learn of it in counter-press briefings .
But let ’ s not get sidetracked with our own partisan ruminations when we should be working together to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What the Media Really Want Sadly , the media can ’ t get beyond their obsessive hatred for Trump to approach this moment with even minimal clarity .
We witness this repeatedly at the briefings .
Some reporters seek to elicit facts that will help inform the public , but far too many are there to grandstand , and to embarrass and shame the president .
They sling their gotcha questions , hoping to trick Trump into admitting he didn ’ t act quickly enough and isn ’ t effectively overseeing the distribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
Some have very nearly accused Trump of causing American deaths .
Aside from the spuriousness of their claims , these questions are utterly inappropriate and counterproductive at briefings whose purpose is to update the American people on our battle against the coronavirus and on plans to reopen the economy .
Accusing President Trump of an initially tardy response , even if true ( which it isn ’ t ) , distracts our attention from combating this pandemic .
It may satisfy their Trump-hating lust , but it serves no constructive purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another investigative crusade against Trump in time to damage him before the November election , how about they wait just a few more months while the adults try to alleviate real pain befalling real people ?
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
The idea of a shadow government is not just ill-motivated ; it is absurd .
Who are these clowns kidding ?
The president ’ s principal medical advisers on this crisis , Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump whatever he wants to hear .
If they ’ re paying attention , they also know that Trump is respectfully considering their every word and , in most cases , deferring to their judgment .
The media were aghast when Birx shattered their narrative of Trump as an inattentive lummox .
“ He ’ s been so attentive to the scientific literature and the details and the data , ” said Birx .
“ I think his ability to analyze and integrate data that comes out of his long history in business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these discussions about medical issues.
” So do I .
The media have tried to drive a wedge between Fauci and Trump , but neither of them would have it .
Fauci has insisted that there is little , if any , inconsistency in their positions .
There is no tension between Trump and these doctors in the briefings .
Fauci has also been quite clear in disabusing Trump ’ s media prosecutors of their claim that Trump was delinquent in responding to the crisis — because if Trump was late , Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these armchair quarterbacks hope to accomplish through their fantasy shadow team , other than keeping Joe Biden in the limelight by presenting some bogus alternative to the administration ’ s leadership ?
As it turns out , Ruhle wasn ’ t the first to pitch the shadow government concept .
On March 23 , Washington Post opinion writer Paul Waldman proposed it .
“ In Britain , the opposition party maintains a ‘ shadow ’ cabinet , a group of spokespeople assigned the same policy areas as the ministries of the government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whatever issue is being discussed at a given moment , ” wrote Waldman .
“ While Biden probably wouldn ’ t want to assign specific Cabinet positions now he could utilize both his own aides and people in the broader Democratic world to give the public a picture of what government under President Biden would be up to — and provide a contrast with the chaos , corruption , and incompetence that characterizes the Trump administration.
” The common thread uniting Ruhle , Waldman and the rest of the Trump-hating media cabal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a partisan lens .
Even now while thousands of Americans have died and millions are suffering financially , they can ’ t see past their unremitting contempt for him , and they can ’ t apply their energy toward helping Trump solve these problems instead of scheming of ways to unseat him in November .
Meanwhile , Trump has organized both his coronavirus task force and his Opening Our Country Council on a bipartisan basis , and he is working across party lines with businesses and state governments to address the crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their case against Trump for incompetence and partisanship , they have resoundingly demonstrated their own — and the public is not likely to soon forget it .
David Limbaugh is a writer , author and attorney .
His latest book is Guilty by Reason of Insanity : Why the Democrats Must Not Win .
Follow him on Twitter @ davidlimbaugh and his website at www.davidlimbaugh.com .

The liberal media are urging Joe Biden to form a shadow government to upstage President Donald Trump’s crisis response effort, which illustrates its consuming partisanship — and its insufficient attention to the health and welfare of the American people.
MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle floated the idea during an interview with former Barack Obama staffer Jim Messina. Referring to Trump’s COVID-19 daily press briefing, Ruhle asked, “Should Joe Biden be counterprogramming that? Should he be creating his own shadow government, shadow Cabinet, shadow SWAT team, and getting up there at a podium every night, saying, ‘Here’s the crisis we’re in. Here’s what we need to do to address this’?”
I’ll concede that if Biden were to follow Ruhle’s ludicrous suggestion, Trump would be the biggest beneficiary. If some are still unaware of Biden’s diminishing competence, they would certainly learn of it in counter-press briefings. But let’s not get sidetracked with our own partisan ruminations when we should be working together to mitigate Americans’ medical and economic hardships.
What the Media Really Want
Sadly, the media can’t get beyond their obsessive hatred for Trump to approach this moment with even minimal clarity. We witness this repeatedly at the briefings. Some reporters seek to elicit facts that will help inform the public, but far too many are there to grandstand, and to embarrass and shame the president.
They sling their gotcha questions, hoping to trick Trump into admitting he didn’t act quickly enough and isn’t effectively overseeing the distribution of equipment and other aid to the states. Some have very nearly accused Trump of causing American deaths.
Aside from the spuriousness of their claims, these questions are utterly inappropriate and counterproductive at briefings whose purpose is to update the American people on our battle against the coronavirus and on plans to reopen the economy.
Combating This Pandemic
Accusing President Trump of an initially tardy response, even if true (which it isn’t), distracts our attention from combating this pandemic. It may satisfy their Trump-hating lust, but it serves no constructive purpose. If they want to pursue yet another investigative crusade against Trump in time to damage him before the November election, how about they wait just a few more months while the adults try to alleviate real pain befalling real people?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The idea of a shadow government is not just ill-motivated; it is absurd. Who are these clowns kidding? The president’s principal medical advisers on this crisis, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, are certainly not Republicans telling Trump whatever he wants to hear. If they’re paying attention, they also know that Trump is respectfully considering their every word and, in most cases, deferring to their judgment. The media were aghast when Birx shattered their narrative of Trump as an inattentive lummox. “He’s been so attentive to the scientific literature and the details and the data,” said Birx. “I think his ability to analyze and integrate data that comes out of his long history in business has really been a real benefit during these discussions about medical issues.” So do I.
The media have tried to drive a wedge between Fauci and Trump, but neither of them would have it. Fauci has insisted that there is little, if any, inconsistency in their positions. There is no tension between Trump and these doctors in the briefings. Fauci has also been quite clear in disabusing Trump’s media prosecutors of their claim that Trump was delinquent in responding to the crisis — because if Trump was late, Fauci was even later.
So what would these armchair quarterbacks hope to accomplish through their fantasy shadow team, other than keeping Joe Biden in the limelight by presenting some bogus alternative to the administration’s leadership?
Shadow Government?
As it turns out, Ruhle wasn’t the first to pitch the shadow government concept. On March 23, Washington Post opinion writer Paul Waldman proposed it. “In Britain, the opposition party maintains a ‘shadow’ cabinet, a group of spokespeople assigned the same policy areas as the ministries of the government, to offer the opposition’s view on whatever issue is being discussed at a given moment,” wrote Waldman. “While Biden probably wouldn’t want to assign specific Cabinet positions now he could utilize both his own aides and people in the broader Democratic world to give the public a picture of what government under President Biden would be up to — and provide a contrast with the chaos, corruption, and incompetence that characterizes the Trump administration.”
The Media’s Partisan Lens
The common thread uniting Ruhle, Waldman and the rest of the Trump-hating media cabal is their inability to see anything outside a partisan lens. Even now while thousands of Americans have died and millions are suffering financially, they can’t see past their unremitting contempt for him, and they can’t apply their energy toward helping Trump solve these problems instead of scheming of ways to unseat him in November.
Meanwhile, Trump has organized both his coronavirus task force and his Opening Our Country Council on a bipartisan basis, and he is working across party lines with businesses and state governments to address the crisis.
While the media have failed to make their case against Trump for incompetence and partisanship, they have resoundingly demonstrated their own — and the public is not likely to soon forget it.
David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney. His latest book is Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win. Follow him on Twitter @davidlimbaugh and his website at www.davidlimbaugh.com.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM


thestream--2020-04-20--Brighten Your Soul During Quarantine

Brighten Your Soul During Quarantine

I ’ ve found that if you ask a sensible priest or nun these days what might help us keep our sanity in this time of quarantine , they tend to say : The Liturgy of the Hours .
It ’ s pretty simple : You wake up and you pray .
You stop at midday and you pray .
In the evening , you pray , and before you go to sleep , too .
When you pray the night prayer , or compline , you really take a look at your day and ask God to forgive you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your life , guided by prayer .
It serves as a reminder that there ’ s something more going on than what we can see .
There is something greater beyond our present circumstances .
I mention all this because never in my life have I found praying the Liturgy of the Hours to be more important .
I ’ ve been praying it for the better part of a decade now , at least , and while I always find it powerful , I ’ ve never felt so obviously and consistently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
The most soul-penetrating part of the Liturgy of the Hours tends to be praying the psalms .
And if you read the book of Psalms at all , you realize that they just about hit upon every human emotion .
And I can ’ t be the only person experiencing just about every human emotion in quick succession these days .
The greatest gift prayer has given me this past week is hope .
Easter is a time for joyous celebration .
Now , joyous celebration takes a different tone these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need we have for it in whatever form we can get it .
Making a commitment to the Liturgy of the Hours is making a commitment to hope .
Each day , it makes you sing “ Alleluia !
” even if you are not feeling it .
And if you are not feeling it , it is all the more important to sing it .
There were definitely times after Easter where I did not want to even think about rejoicing .
Again , that ’ s probably when it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Jesus died for love of us .
That ’ s a life-changing idea — but then so is the whole Christian story : that He was born for us , and that he rose from the dead .
This is who our God is , and this is who we are in Him .
But every year , I feel like those 40 days of Lent are not quite enough .
I get to Good Friday and realize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to Good Friday and I want to spend the rest of my life doing penance for all the thoughtless things I ’ ve done , all the sins that made clear why Christ ’ s sacrifice occurred .
That ’ s devastating when you think about it too long , which is why the Church in her wisdom , as we say , does not keep us there forever .
Yes , we should be reflecting on Jesus ’ death daily , but the whole story is crucial .
So , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are right .
I ’ ll testify to it .
If you are looking for a way to pray , to help with your faith , hope , love , joy , peace and even sanity , the Liturgy of the Hours is a good way .
Maybe commit to morning and evening prayer .
One of the opportunities of this time is that things are being made available for free in some cases , and so much is online .
Think of all the Masses and other prayer services being live-streamed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ want something to inspire you , take a look at magnificat.com or Divine Office or iBreviary apps — reliable aids in my life for a long while now .
If you ’ re feeling a little uneasy , know that you are not alone , and consider believing that none of us are .
We will need this habit and vision going forward .
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute , editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also chair of Cardinal Dolan ’ s pro-life commission in New York .
She can be contacted at klopez @ nationalreview.com .

I’ve found that if you ask a sensible priest or nun these days what might help us keep our sanity in this time of quarantine, they tend to say: The Liturgy of the Hours. It’s pretty simple: You wake up and you pray. You stop at midday and you pray. In the evening, you pray, and before you go to sleep, too. When you pray the night prayer, or compline, you really take a look at your day and ask God to forgive you where you need forgiveness. You live your life, guided by prayer.
It serves as a reminder that there’s something more going on than what we can see. There is something greater beyond our present circumstances.
Liturgy of the Hours
I mention all this because never in my life have I found praying the Liturgy of the Hours to be more important. I’ve been praying it for the better part of a decade now, at least, and while I always find it powerful, I’ve never felt so obviously and consistently challenged as I do when praying it now.
The most soul-penetrating part of the Liturgy of the Hours tends to be praying the psalms. And if you read the book of Psalms at all, you realize that they just about hit upon every human emotion. And I can’t be the only person experiencing just about every human emotion in quick succession these days.
The Greatest Gift
The greatest gift prayer has given me this past week is hope. Easter is a time for joyous celebration. Now, joyous celebration takes a different tone these days — and yet, what a need we have for it in whatever form we can get it. Making a commitment to the Liturgy of the Hours is making a commitment to hope. Each day, it makes you sing “Alleluia!” even if you are not feeling it. And if you are not feeling it, it is all the more important to sing it. There were definitely times after Easter where I did not want to even think about rejoicing. Again, that’s probably when it’s most important!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Jesus died for love of us. That’s a life-changing idea — but then so is the whole Christian story: that He was born for us, and that he rose from the dead. This is who our God is, and this is who we are in Him. But every year, I feel like those 40 days of Lent are not quite enough. I get to Good Friday and realize that there have been distractions. I get to Good Friday and I want to spend the rest of my life doing penance for all the thoughtless things I’ve done, all the sins that made clear why Christ’s sacrifice occurred. That’s devastating when you think about it too long, which is why the Church in her wisdom, as we say, does not keep us there forever. Yes, we should be reflecting on Jesus’ death daily, but the whole story is crucial.
Committing to Prayer
So, the priests and nuns I’ve surveyed are right. I’ll testify to it. If you are looking for a way to pray, to help with your faith, hope, love, joy, peace and even sanity, the Liturgy of the Hours is a good way. Maybe commit to morning and evening prayer. One of the opportunities of this time is that things are being made available for free in some cases, and so much is online. Think of all the Masses and other prayer services being live-streamed. If you’ve been curious and want something to inspire you, take a look at magnificat.com or Divine Office or iBreviary apps — reliable aids in my life for a long while now. If you’re feeling a little uneasy, know that you are not alone, and consider believing that none of us are. We will need this habit and vision going forward.
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan’s pro-life commission in New York. She can be contacted at [email protected].


thestream--2020-04-20--You Will Bear Fruit for God. You Just Might Not See It

Writers , I admit , whine a lot .
Even some of the superstars .
However many readers we have , we want more .
We want more comments and shares and likes .
We look at the world like a love-starved labrador puppy .
You roll your eyes at the vanity .
But it ’ s not just vanity .
People write because they think they have something to say .
Christian writers believe God gave them the gift to write and expects them to use it .
They work hard at their writing .
And sometimes , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s true for every Christian .
You work at something , you do something you think you should do .
You do it to serve the Lord .
And you ’ re not expecting a lot of praise , but you do want to see some results , some effect .
But sometimes , even often … crickets .
You ’ re doing more than you know .
More Than You Know Here is most of a message I wrote a friend who felt discouraged .
She worked hard at her writing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people didn ’ t know .
She saw some of her articles , usually the ones she cared most about , disappear after publication like breath on a cold day .
My friend has real gifts for writing .
And she ’ s been trained in certain ways , and she ’ s gone through a lot that ’ s taught her even more .
Her gifts as a writer have been confirmed by people who know what they ’ re doing .
( Me , for one . )
She ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ write .
She should .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
But she does and when she does , as I say , crickets .
Many others have written me a note like hers .
Here ’ s my response to her , which comes out of decades of writing and working with writers and seeing what happens .
It applies to any Christian , whatever God has given you to do .
Just translate from writing to whatever you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we serve the Lord we don ’ t do it for human praise .
But we also want signs that we ’ re doing it right , that we ’ re doing it well .
That we should keep going .
Like sailors navigate by the stars , we navigate by the response .
When all you hear is crickets , you ’ re like the captain trying to get to port when the clouds cover the sky .
Safer not to move .
Though You ’ ll Never Know First , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll never know the extent of your effect , but that it will almost certainly be greater than you think .
You influence far , far more people than ever tell you or even think to share your article on Facebook .
And often that influence will be very small , in the sense that you only turn your reader ’ s head a quarter or a half a degree .
He may not even notice , and you certainly won ’ t see it .
But by doing that you change his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You write stories about hurting people .
Your reader may learn just a tiny bit about how someone else lives in a way that makes him a little more hesitant to judge people like him .
That ’ s change for the good .
If he ’ s thoughtful , he may learn not only to sympathize with the kind of person you described , but with other people .
However little you turned his head and set him going in a different direction , the curve may well get more obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may only influence your reader for a few hours or a few days , but in that time he will do some things differently than he would have done if he hadn ’ t read you .
He might be kinder to someone or more attentive to them , and that may change them in some way .
You knock down the first domino , and even if he gets back up , he ’ ll have knocked over another , which might have knocked over another , and so on .
Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect you had .
But you will get hints .
Not enough , but some .
And not soon enough , either , but eventually .
Those people who tell you that your writing helped them stand for many , many others who won ’ t tell you because people almost never think of telling writers anything complimentary .
( Other than those who are always complimentary and so aren ’ t really encouraging . )
I know what cold comfort this is .
People have told me the same thing .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s another thing that ’ s more encouraging , maybe .
God asks His people to do different work with different effects .
Whether or not you do , you both will be doing what God calls you to .
Someone has to do the usual things .
They reach people you won ’ t reach , and you reach people they won ’ t reach .
We ’ re all serving the same Lord , who doesn ’ t seem hugely interested in equality here .
When Jesus told Peter how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Well , what about John ?
” Jesus said , “ None of your business.
” If you work as well as you can , as honestly and lovingly and sacrificially and deeply as you can , you may well have a greater and more long-lasting effect than those who do the usual things and get more notice .
You can ’ t compare yourself to others , though we all want to .
The Father gave you your work for a reason .
Which may also be cold comfort .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving God with the gifts He ’ s given you .
Even if all you hear are the crickets .
God hears the minds and hearts being changed .
Some day He ’ ll tell you .

Writers, I admit, whine a lot. Even some of the superstars. However many readers we have, we want more. We want more comments and shares and likes. We look at the world like a love-starved labrador puppy.
You roll your eyes at the vanity. But it’s not just vanity. People write because they think they have something to say. Christian writers believe God gave them the gift to write and expects them to use it. They work hard at their writing. And sometimes, even often … crickets.
And that’s true for every Christian. You work at something, you do something you think you should do. You do it to serve the Lord. You’re not expecting a lot of praise, but you do want to see some results, some effect. But sometimes, even often … crickets.
You’re doing more than you know.
More Than You Know
Here is most of a message I wrote a friend who felt discouraged. She worked hard at her writing and had something important to say that most people didn’t know. She saw some of her articles, usually the ones she cared most about, disappear after publication like breath on a cold day.
My friend has real gifts for writing. And she’s been trained in certain ways, and she’s gone through a lot that’s taught her even more. Her gifts as a writer have been confirmed by people who know what they’re doing. (Me, for one.) She’s not fooling herself into thinking she should write. She should.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
But when she does, as I say, crickets. Many others have written me a note like hers. Here’s my response to her, which comes out of decades of writing and working with writers and seeing what happens. It applies to any Christian, whatever God has given you to do. Just translate from writing to whatever you’re doing.
Of course, when we serve the Lord we don’t do it for human praise. But we also want signs that we’re doing it right, that we’re doing it well. That we should keep going. Like sailors navigate by the stars, we navigate by the response. When all you hear is crickets, you’re like the captain trying to get to port when the clouds cover the sky. Safer not to move.
Though You’ll Never Know
First, you have to remember that you’ll never know the extent of your effect, but that it will almost certainly be greater than you think. You influence far, far more people than ever tell you or even think to share your article on Facebook.
Often that influence will be very small, in the sense that you only turn your reader’s head a quarter or a half a degree. He may not even notice, and you certainly won’t see it. But by doing that you change his whole course of life in some way.
You write stories about hurting people, for example. Your reader may learn just a tiny bit about how someone else lives in a way that makes him a little more hesitant to judge people who suffer that way. That’s change for the good. If he’s thoughtful, he may learn not only to sympathize with the kind of person you described, but with other people. However little you turned his head and set him going in a different direction, the new direction he’s taken may well get more obvious later in his life.
Or you may only influence your reader for a few hours or a few days, but in that time he will do some things differently than he would have done if he hadn’t read you. He might be kinder to someone or more attentive to them, and that may change them in some way. You knock down the first domino, and even if he gets back up, he’ll have knocked over another, which might have knocked over another, and so on.
Second, only God will really know what effect you had. But you will get hints. Not enough, but some. And not soon enough, either, but eventually. Those people who tell you that your writing helped them stand for many, many others who won’t tell you because people almost never think of telling writers anything complimentary. (Other than those who are always complimentary and so aren’t really encouraging.)
I know what cold comfort this is. People have told me the same thing. I did not feel encouraged.
A Greater Effect
But here’s another thing that’s more encouraging, maybe. God asks His people to do different work with different effects. Whatever you do, you both do what God calls you to do. They reach people you won’t reach, and you reach people they won’t reach.
We’re all serving the same Lord, who doesn’t seem hugely interested in equality. When Jesus told Peter how he would die, Peter said, “Well, what about John?” Jesus said, “None of your business.” He seems happy that one faithful person gets famous and another faithful person works in obscurity. He seems to think the second person’s job is just as important as the first, and maybe much more important in the long run.
All you can do as a faithful Christian is work as well as you can, as honestly and lovingly and sacrificially and deeply as you can. You may well have a greater and more long-lasting effect than those who get more notice. And maybe you won’t. You can’t compare yourself to others, though we all want to. The Father gave you your work for a reason.
Which may also be cold comfort. But it’s true. Just keep serving God with the gifts He’s given you. Even if all you hear are the crickets. God hears the minds and hearts being changed. Some day He’ll tell you.
David Mills is a senior editor of The Stream. After teaching writing in a seminary, he has been editor of Touchstone and the executive editor of First Things. He edits the site Hour of Our Death and writes the monthly “Last Things” column for the New Oxford Review. He is finishing a book on death and dying to be published by Sophia Institute Press.


The Greatest Awakening

If we follow the leadership of the One who conquered the grave , we will see the greatest awakening in @ @ @ @ @ .
James Robison is The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is co-founder @ @ @ @ @ co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , including @ @ @ @ @ ) and Living Amazed .
COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life .
The Stream @ @ @ @ @ LIFE Outreach International , is helping send a first wave of help .
LIFE ’ @ @ @ @ @ already distributing thousands of surgical masks , gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible @ @ @ @ @ food .
You can help with these efforts .
Click here to donate .

If we follow the leadership of the One who conquered the grave, we will see the greatest awakening in the history of this world.
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-04-20--To Obey or Not to Obey — That is the Question

As thousands of protesters on foot and in vehicles converged recently on Michigan ’ s capital to rally against Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home orders , many are asking the same question : “ Is restricting movement constitutional ?
” More importantly , is it biblical ?
This is a critical question as more protests form across the country , such as the ones in Raleigh and Southern California .
Others far more gifted than me have written on this , but I ’ d like to share some thoughts from a pastoral perspective .
First , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has blessed us .
I read the writings of the Founding Fathers and the Puritans often .
My heart beats for restoration and renewal .
Second , my heart is to honor and obey our elected officials when they are trying to honor God .
Scripture is clear here .
Third , it ’ s important that Christians respond in wisdom versus reacting in pride .
I did not agree with some of the pastors who initially defied the government .
This is a public health emergency .
As a society , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to curb the infection rate and minimize death , minimize people getting sick , and thereby love our neighbors .
We should set the example , as Martin Luther did during the plague that hit his region in the 1500s .
I don ’ t think it was a First Amendment issue — at least not initially — because the stay-at-home order appeared to be short-term and very specific .
I also believe that reacting can damage our witness if decisions are not bathed in prayer and carefully considered .
It can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wrong message across the landscape of America .
Civil rights must be viewed in the context of social responsibility such as , “ Will exercising my ‘ right ’ hurt others ?
” The government was not saying we can no longer preach God ’ s Word — that would be a game-changer .
Actually , the reverse happened .
Many churches have seen huge spike in online views .
For example , within a month we ’ ve had over 400,000 views of sermons on one media platform .
From my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Let ’ s all pull back temporarily and see if we can curb this crisis.
” But then the question of what is an “ essential ” establishment comes up .
I have seen vacuum repair stores and donut shops open while churches remain closed .
That can ’ t continue .
I know that some people in our congregation have gone back to destructive addictions , and marriages are on the verge of divorce .
Streaming services and on-screen messages are not going to solve those issues .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be a place of wholeness and restoration .
Churches must not be handcuffed much longer .
I see an interesting dynamic here .
Some of our leaders are not truly seeking God , so they make decisions in fear , guided by anxiety .
Granted , COVID-19 is a real threat , but we must seek God wholeheartedly and unconditionally if we truly desire wisdom in facing it .
We ’ re also seeing a transition : It ’ s been over a month since many churches shut their doors in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complacency ?
When is it overkill ?
These are the million-dollar questions .
We have been very compliant and will honor certain dates , but as this drags on , we need to understand that we will need to meet again to fellowship , pray , and seek God .
We don ’ t know what this will look like when we do come back together , but maintaining six feet to pray for the sick may be an impossibility .
Jesus laid hands on the sick and the leprous .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become rebels and do what we want to do .
There is a fine line between presumption and faith .
At some point , though , the church must be the church .
God-given rights must be maintained .
My conviction on this day , mid-April 2020 , is that we should continue to support local ordinances and hold them to their commitment to reopen portions in May .
During this time , we must humble ourselves as we fast and pray for direction .
Are you doing this ?
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have first sought the heart of God , and no Christian should incite unbiblical rebellion .
By the looks of things , an extended time of prayer and fasting would benefit most of us .
We can ’ t sit at home as intoxicated gluttons cleaning our guns and expect God will speak to us .
Wake up , America , and humble yourself .
Are you “ reacting ” in anger or “ responding ” in wisdom ?
As a personal observation , many people protesting seem to be very prideful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We shouldn ’ t follow those who aren ’ t following God .
This doesn ’ t apply to everyone protesting ( you may find me at one of these events at some point ) .
It ’ s just a general observation .
It ’ s a reminder of our desperate need for humility and brokenness , if we call ourselves “ Christians.
” Some comments I ’ ve seen have been disheartening : snarky , arrogant , their lack of love evident .
We must constantly turn to God and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential truth : “ Before I was afflicted I went astray , but now I keep Your word.
” Affliction via difficulties , challenges , and obstacles can lead us back to God .
In one fell swoop , COVID-19 has dethroned many of our idols .
We are finally realizing what is really important .
In this sense , I am incredibly encouraged since this is fertile ground for revival .
Revival thrives in brokenness , repentance , humility , and passionate prayer .
On the other hand , I am concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , anxious but not surrendered to God , worried but not worshipful , confused but not diligently seeking Him .
What more will it take to draw us back to God ?
Like the Israelites in Joel ’ s time , we must change course and cry out to Him in repentance with prayer and fasting .
God heard His people then , and He will hear us now — once again pouring out His Spirit on a dry and thirsty land , for whoever calls on the name of the Lord will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network .
His program , Regaining Lost Ground , points us back to God and reminds us that although times change , truth does not .
His books , blogs , and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com .

As thousands of protesters on foot and in vehicles converged recently on Michigan’s capital to rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders, many are asking the same question: “Is restricting movement constitutional?” More importantly, is it biblical? This is a critical question as more protests form across the country, such as the ones in Raleigh and Southern California.
One Pastor’s Perspective
Others far more gifted than me have written on this, but I’d like to share some thoughts from a pastoral perspective. First, I love America — I love how God has blessed us. I read the writings of the Founding Fathers and the Puritans often. My heart beats for restoration and renewal.
Second, my heart is to honor and obey our elected officials when they are trying to honor God. Scripture is clear here.
Third, it’s important that Christians respond in wisdom versus reacting in pride.
I did not agree with some of the pastors who initially defied the government. This is a public health emergency. As a society, we are called to take certain steps to try to curb the infection rate and minimize death, minimize people getting sick, and thereby love our neighbors. We should set the example, as Martin Luther did during the plague that hit his region in the 1500s.
I don’t think it was a First Amendment issue — at least not initially — because the stay-at-home order appeared to be short-term and very specific. I also believe that reacting can damage our witness if decisions are not bathed in prayer and carefully considered. It can demonstrate a spirit of rebellion and send a wrong message across the landscape of America. Civil rights must be viewed in the context of social responsibility such as, “Will exercising my ‘right’ hurt others?”
The government was not saying we can no longer preach God’s Word — that would be a game-changer. Actually, the reverse happened. Many churches have seen huge spike in online views. For example, within a month we’ve had over 400,000 views of sermons on one media platform.
At some point, the church must be the church. God-given rights must be maintained.
From my vantage point, leaders were saying, “Let’s all pull back temporarily and see if we can curb this crisis.” But then the question of what is an “essential” establishment comes up. I have seen vacuum repair stores and donut shops open while churches remain closed. That can’t continue. I know that some people in our congregation have gone back to destructive addictions, and marriages are on the verge of divorce. Streaming services and on-screen messages are not going to solve those issues. We need to be together. God’s house needs to be a place of wholeness and restoration. Churches must not be handcuffed much longer.
Compliance Turns Into Complacence
I see an interesting dynamic here. Some of our leaders are not truly seeking God, so they make decisions in fear, guided by anxiety. Granted, COVID-19 is a real threat, but we must seek God wholeheartedly and unconditionally if we truly desire wisdom in facing it. We’re also seeing a transition: It’s been over a month since many churches shut their doors in compliance. When does compliance turn into complacency? When is it overkill? These are the million-dollar questions.
We have been very compliant and will honor certain dates, but as this drags on, we need to understand that we will need to meet again to fellowship, pray, and seek God. We don’t know what this will look like when we do come back together, but maintaining six feet to pray for the sick may be an impossibility. Jesus laid hands on the sick and the leprous. I’m not implying that we’ll become rebels and do what we want to do. There is a fine line between presumption and faith. At some point, though, the church must be the church. God-given rights must be maintained.
My conviction on this day, mid-April 2020, is that we should continue to support local ordinances and hold them to their commitment to reopen portions in May. During this time, we must humble ourselves as we fast and pray for direction. Are you doing this? I don’t think anyone should protest until they have first sought the heart of God, and no Christian should incite unbiblical rebellion. By the looks of things, an extended time of prayer and fasting would benefit most of us. We can’t sit at home as intoxicated gluttons cleaning our guns and expect God will speak to us.
Wake up, America, and humble yourself. Are you “reacting” in anger or “responding” in wisdom?
Christians, Be Christ Like!
As a personal observation, many people protesting seem to be very prideful and lack a mighty filling of the Spirit. We shouldn’t follow those who aren’t following God. This doesn’t apply to everyone protesting (you may find me at one of these events at some point). It’s just a general observation. It’s a reminder of our desperate need for humility and brokenness, if we call ourselves “Christians.” Some comments I’ve seen have been disheartening: snarky, arrogant, their lack of love evident.
We must constantly turn to God and His Word. Psalm 119:67 speaks an essential truth: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” Affliction via difficulties, challenges, and obstacles can lead us back to God. In one fell swoop, COVID-19 has dethroned many of our idols. We are finally realizing what is really important.
In this sense, I am incredibly encouraged since this is fertile ground for revival. Revival thrives in brokenness, repentance, humility, and passionate prayer. On the other hand, I am concerned that America is fearful but not repentant, anxious but not surrendered to God, worried but not worshipful, confused but not diligently seeking Him. What more will it take to draw us back to God? Like the Israelites in Joel’s time, we must change course and cry out to Him in repentance with prayer and fasting.
God heard His people then, and He will hear us now — once again pouring out His Spirit on a dry and thirsty land, for whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:25-32).
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.


thestream--2020-04-20--The Poor Take the Hardest Hit From Lock-Down: Report From India

I live in India .
It is not uncommon for me to come across those who live in abject poverty .
But the coronavirus pandemic has shown me , and others , how bad the consequences of poverty can be .
The nationwide lock-down began in March .
It is scheduled to end in May .
But the damage is already done — not by the coronavirus , but by the loss of livelihood for millions .
The Plight of the Poor and Needy It is estimated that 300 million in India are under the poverty line .
Many others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , the media here have been reporting the plights of the poor and needy who have lost their only means of survival .
Most poor families don ’ t have their own houses .
Few have any savings .
They were left without food and shelter when they lost their jobs in the lock-down .
It is estimated that at least 100 million Indians ( 1 in 14 ) will not receive free food from the government , because they are undocumented .
The caste system still prevails in most of rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower castes suffer more from the lock-down than others , leading to higher morbidity and mortality .
Visuals that emerged after the lock-down announcement were heart-breaking .
Men traveled hundreds of miles on foot to return to their hometowns because they could not afford to stay in the big cities .
They carried children on their shoulders in the hot sun .
They ate as little as one meal a day , despite walking what accumulated to hundreds of miles .
Casualties were unavoidable .
A man in his early 20s died attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hometown in Tamil Nadu .
In Delhi , migrant workers and homeless people were forced to stay near the banks of the River Yamuna without shelter and without food .
In desperation , some fed on decayed bananas dumped near a graveyard .
All this in just one country .
Globally , around 1 billion people live in slums .
All of them are susceptible to the novel coronavirus infection .
But even more distressing is that the lock-down is impairing their ability to afford food .
There are many reasons the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent study suggests that coronavirus infections could be much higher than expected because many who are infected experience no or only mild symptoms and so are never counted .
This means that the death rates ( deaths per number infected ) could be much lower than currently believed .
I am not a public health expert or an economist .
But as a common man living in India , I meet and greet some of the world ’ s poorest people .
I can observe directly how the lock-down devastates them .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the tragic impact of the lock-down .
While some efforts to slow the spread of the disease are surely justified , governments across the globe must take a balanced approach to containment .
They should ease economic activity in areas that are not affected .
The more they delay in restarting their economies , the more people will die of hunger , malnutrition , depression , and desperation .
The lock-down could prove more fatal than the coronavirus even in developed countries .
It will certainly have even worse results in Third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Environmental Science , University of East Anglia , England ) , is a Research Contributor for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation

I live in India. It is not uncommon for me to come across those who live in abject poverty. But the coronavirus pandemic has shown me, and others, how bad the consequences of poverty can be.
The nationwide lock-down began in March. It is scheduled to end in May. But the damage is already done — not by the coronavirus, but by the loss of livelihood for millions.
The Plight of the Poor and Needy
It is estimated that 300 million in India are under the poverty line. Many others are daily wage laborers. Day after day, the media here have been reporting the plights of the poor and needy who have lost their only means of survival.
Most poor families don’t have their own houses. Few have any savings. They were left without food and shelter when they lost their jobs in the lock-down.
It is estimated that at least 100 million Indians (1 in 14) will not receive free food from the government, because they are undocumented.
The caste system still prevails in most of rural India. Reports show that people from lower castes suffer more from the lock-down than others, leading to higher morbidity and mortality.
Visuals that emerged after the lock-down announcement were heart-breaking. Men traveled hundreds of miles on foot to return to their hometowns because they could not afford to stay in the big cities.
They carried children on their shoulders in the hot sun. They ate as little as one meal a day, despite walking what accumulated to hundreds of miles. Casualties were unavoidable. A man in his early 20s died attempting to travel 600 miles by foot to his hometown in Tamil Nadu.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In Delhi, migrant workers and homeless people were forced to stay near the banks of the River Yamuna without shelter and without food. In desperation, some fed on decayed bananas dumped near a graveyard.
All this in just one country. Globally, around 1 billion people live in slums. All of them are susceptible to the novel coronavirus infection. But even more distressing is that the lock-down is impairing their ability to afford food.
There are many reasons the lock-down must be lifted soon: a recent study suggests that coronavirus infections could be much higher than expected because many who are infected experience no or only mild symptoms and so are never counted.
This means that the death rates (deaths per number infected) could be much lower than currently believed.
I am not a public health expert or an economist. But as a common man living in India, I meet and greet some of the world’s poorest people. I can observe directly how the lock-down devastates them. I receive reports from all over my country about the tragic impact of the lock-down.
While some efforts to slow the spread of the disease are surely justified, governments across the globe must take a balanced approach to containment. They should ease economic activity in areas that are not affected.
The more they delay in restarting their economies, the more people will die of hunger, malnutrition, depression, and desperation. The lock-down could prove more fatal than the coronavirus even in developed countries. It will certainly have even worse results in Third World countries.
Vijay Jayaraj (M.Sc., Environmental Science, University of East Anglia, England), is a Research Contributor for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-04-20--What’s at Stake With the Reopening of the Nation

America ’ s leaders have some very difficult decisions to make in the days ahead .
If they wait too long to reopen the nation ( or , their state ) , they risk crippling the economy .
This would result in much human suffering for years to come .
But if they open things up prematurely , the virus might spread out of control .
This , too , would result in much human suffering , especially in the short term .
What is the right thing to do ?
At the outset , I want to state plainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise .
I am not the one to figure out the wisest economic strategy or the safest medical path .
My Ph.D. is in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures , and I did not take a single undergraduate or graduate class related to economics , science , or the medical field , let alone epidemiology .
( The fact that my doctoral dissertation focused on the Hebrew word for healing allows me to speak with expertise about related biblical , linguistic , and spiritual topics , not about the best national procedures for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my purpose here is not to figure out which strategy is wisest .
Instead , it is to lay out the potential scenarios that could unfold in the coming months , especially in terms of how this could affect the elections and the country as a whole .
Focusing in on President Trump , he was elected in 2016 as the people ’ s champion , and he is positioning himself in that same way today with his calls to “ liberate ” different states .
It is now Trump , standing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayors .
If he proves successful , it will also be Trump standing with the people against Big Pharma or a One World Order or another perceived ( or real ) enemy .
In short , if the economy can be jump-started , if there is not a spike in sickness and death , and if “ normal life ” is resumed fairly soon , Trump should have a strong path to reelection .
No rocket science here .
Conversely , should the strategy fail and should steps to reopen the nation prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be quick to argue that he has blood on his hands .
His reelection would be very difficult .
More importantly , people will have died needlessly .
Of course , his critics have already gone on the attack , blaming him — rightly or wrongly — for a slow start in combating the spread of the virus .
As Hollywood director Rob Reiner tweeted , “ Trump will lose in a landslide because Americans will literally be voting for their lives.
” Or , in the words of Nancy Pelosi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismantled the infrastructure handed to him which was meant to plan for and overcome a pandemic , resulting in unnecessary deaths and economic disaster.
” Yet there remains great debate , even in the scientific community , as to how deadly this virus is and how effective the shutdown has been .
The Numbers Have Been Wrong There was an initial warning that at least 15 million Americans could die .
This was based on the theory that half of us would get infected ( roughly 165 million ) and that 1 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 15 million ) .
And this prediction came from Dr. Brian Monahan , the attending physician of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court .
Then there were worst-case scenarios estimating that 2 million could die .
Then 200,000-300,000 thousand .
Now we ’ re told the numbers will be closer to 60,000 .
( Or roughly what you see in a severe flu season . )
Who do we trust ?
Whose figures are right ?
Some would say that the reason the numbers have dropped so dramatically is because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be entirely right .
I honestly do not know .
As Rich Lowry argued at the National Review , “ If we are going to have 60,000 deaths with people not leaving their homes for more than a month , the number of deaths obviously would have been higher — much higher — if everyone had gone about business as usual .
We didn ’ t lock down the country to try to prevent 60,000 deaths ; we locked down the country to limit deaths to 60,000 ( or whatever the ultimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
In support of this argument would be the admission of the Prime Minister of Sweden that he didn ’ t take strong enough measures quickly enough .
Others , however , have claimed that there was no real pandemic to start , that the lockdown measures have done little , and the reduction in deaths follows a natural cycle .
That ’ s the view of Professor Yitzhak Ben-Israel of Tel Aviv University , who also serves on the research and development advisory board for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes that he can account for the high mortality rate in Italy as compared to the low mortality rate in Germany .
Shutdowns , in his mind , are not the key .
Writing for the Washington Times on April 14 , Cherly Chumney pointed to a recent Johns Hopkins study that indicated that “ 0.17 percent of America ’ s population has been infected by the coronavirus .
That means 0.007 percent of America ’ s population has died from the coronavirus — we think.
” ( See also here for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justify the potential crippling of our economy ?
Douglas Axe , a professor of Molecular Biology at Biola University and director of Biologic Institute has argued on The Stream that , “ The coronavirus doesn ’ t seem to have noticed mandated measures in either of the two largest states ” ( his emphasis ) .
Dennis Prager has also raised some valid questions about the recommendations of various health “ experts.
” Again , I do not who is right , and I do not know if there are any simple answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s true that he enacted the then-controversial China-travel ban at the end of January .
But he also downplayed the seriousness of the virus as well .
( For the record , so did some health experts , along with Democratic leaders and left-wing media . )
This would be in keeping with Trump ’ s optimistic approach to life and leadership .
Yet , when strong health concerns were brought to him , he enacted all major recommendations .
( According to Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci . )
Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-intentioned but misguided “ experts ” ?
Is there a happy medium ?
On the one hand , Trump is moving forward cautiously , taking counsel from a wide variety of scientific , economic , and even faith leaders .
That , hopefully , bodes well for the future .
At the same time , he is positioning himself as the champion of “ liberation , ” fighting against autocratic state and city leaders .
Should his push to reopen America come in time and succeed , he will emerge triumphant , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Should his push be premature , not only will his political opponents capitalize on his error , but precious lives will be lost .
Can we join together , regardless of our feelings for the president and the Democrats , and pray that God would give him and his team , along with governors nationwide , supernatural wisdom ?
A lot hangs in the balance .
A whole lot .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Faith , Hope , and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis .
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

America’s leaders have some very difficult decisions to make in the days ahead. If they wait too long to reopen the nation (or, their state), they risk crippling the economy. This would result in much human suffering for years to come. But if they open things up prematurely, the virus might spread out of control. This, too, would result in much human suffering, especially in the short term. What is the right thing to do?
At the outset, I want to state plainly that I claim no scientific or economic expertise. I am not the one to figure out the wisest economic strategy or the safest medical path.
My Ph.D. is in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures, and I did not take a single undergraduate or graduate class related to economics, science, or the medical field, let alone epidemiology. (The fact that my doctoral dissertation focused on the Hebrew word for healing allows me to speak with expertise about related biblical, linguistic, and spiritual topics, not about the best national procedures for dealing with viruses.)
So, my purpose here is not to figure out which strategy is wisest. Instead, it is to lay out the potential scenarios that could unfold in the coming months, especially in terms of how this could affect the elections and the country as a whole.
Concerning President Trump
Focusing in on President Trump, he was elected in 2016 as the people’s champion, and he is positioning himself in that same way today with his calls to “liberate” different states. It is now Trump, standing with the people against tyrannical governors and oppressive mayors.
If he proves successful, it will also be Trump standing with the people against Big Pharma or a One World Order or another perceived (or real) enemy.
In short, if the economy can be jump-started, if there is not a spike in sickness and death, and if “normal life” is resumed fairly soon, Trump should have a strong path to reelection. No rocket science here.
Conversely, should the strategy fail and should steps to reopen the nation prove premature, then Trump’s critics would be quick to argue that he has blood on his hands. His reelection would be very difficult. More importantly, people will have died needlessly.
Who do we trust? Whose figures are right?
Of course, his critics have already gone on the attack, blaming him — rightly or wrongly — for a slow start in combating the spread of the virus. As Hollywood director Rob Reiner tweeted, “Trump will lose in a landslide because Americans will literally be voting for their lives.”
Or, in the words of Nancy Pelosi, “The truth is that Donald Trump dismantled the infrastructure handed to him which was meant to plan for and overcome a pandemic, resulting in unnecessary deaths and economic disaster.”
Yet there remains great debate, even in the scientific community, as to how deadly this virus is and how effective the shutdown has been.
The Numbers Have Been Wrong
There was an initial warning that at least 15 million Americans could die. This was based on the theory that half of us would get infected (roughly 165 million) and that 1 in 100 would die (hence, at least 15 million). And this prediction came from Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Then there were worst-case scenarios estimating that 2 million could die. Then 200,000-300,000 thousand. Now we’re told the numbers will be closer to 60,000. (Or roughly what you see in a severe flu season.)
Who do we trust? Whose figures are right?
Some would say that the reason the numbers have dropped so dramatically is because of the extreme measures we have taken.
They may be entirely right. I honestly do not know.
As Rich Lowry argued at the National Review, “If we are going to have 60,000 deaths with people not leaving their homes for more than a month, the number of deaths obviously would have been higher — much higher — if everyone had gone about business as usual. We didn’t lock down the country to try to prevent 60,000 deaths; we locked down the country to limit deaths to 60,000 (or whatever the ultimate toll is)” (his emphasis).
In support of this argument would be the admission of the Prime Minister of Sweden that he didn’t take strong enough measures quickly enough.
Others, however, have claimed that there was no real pandemic to start, that the lockdown measures have done little, and the reduction in deaths follows a natural cycle.
That’s the view of Professor Yitzhak Ben-Israel of Tel Aviv University, who also serves on the research and development advisory board for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
He is obviously no slouch, and he also believes that he can account for the high mortality rate in Italy as compared to the low mortality rate in Germany. Shutdowns, in his mind, are not the key.
Writing for the Washington Times on April 14, Cherly Chumney pointed to a recent Johns Hopkins study that indicated that “0.17 percent of America’s population has been infected by the coronavirus. That means 0.007 percent of America’s population has died from the coronavirus — we think.” (See also here for further, relevant data.)
Does this justify the potential crippling of our economy?
Douglas Axe, a professor of Molecular Biology at Biola University and director of Biologic Institute has argued on The Stream that, “The coronavirus doesn’t seem to have noticed mandated measures in either of the two largest states” (his emphasis).
Dennis Prager has also raised some valid questions about the recommendations of various health “experts.”
Again, I do not who is right, and I do not know if there are any simple answers.
Can’t We Pray for Supernatural Wisdom?
As for President Trump, it’s true that he enacted the then-controversial China-travel ban at the end of January. But he also downplayed the seriousness of the virus as well. (For the record, so did some health experts, along with Democratic leaders and left-wing media.)
This would be in keeping with Trump’s optimistic approach to life and leadership. Yet, when strong health concerns were brought to him, he enacted all major recommendations. (According to Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci.)
Did he overreact? Did he listen to well-intentioned but misguided “experts”? Is there a happy medium?
On the one hand, Trump is moving forward cautiously, taking counsel from a wide variety of scientific, economic, and even faith leaders. That, hopefully, bodes well for the future. At the same time, he is positioning himself as the champion of “liberation,” fighting against autocratic state and city leaders.
Should his push to reopen America come in time and succeed, he will emerge triumphant, with his political enemies backed into a corner.
Should his push be premature, not only will his political opponents capitalize on his error, but precious lives will be lost.
Can we join together, regardless of our feelings for the president and the Democrats, and pray that God would give him and his team, along with governors nationwide, supernatural wisdom?
A lot hangs in the balance. A whole lot.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.
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--2020-04-19--Judge Blocks Kansas From Limiting Attendance at Church Services

A federal judge blocked Kansas from limiting attendance at religious services during the coronavirus pandemic Saturday .
Wichita U.S. District Judge John Broomes blocked an order from Democratic Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly limiting attendance at religious services to ten people or fewer .
Broomes ’ s ruling prevents Kelly ’ s enforcement of the order as long as pastors and congregations observe social distancing , Politico reports .
The decision will remain in effect until May 2 .
“ Churches and religious activities appear to have been singled out among essential functions for stricter treatment , ” the judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not about religion , ” the Kansas governor said in a statement following the decision .
“ This is about a public health crisis.
” The judge ’ s order still requires religious services to abide by social distancing recommendations , such as requiring people to stay 6 feet apart .
Broomes also has a hearing scheduled for Thursday regarding a lawsuit filed by two churches and their pastors against Kelly , Politico reports .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling comes after Attorney General William Barr released a statement on religious practices and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic saying that that “ even in times of emergency , ” federal law prohibits religious discrimination .
“ Thus , government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity , ” Barr said .
“ For example , if a government allows movie theaters , restaurants , concert halls , and other comparable places of assembly to remain open and unrestricted , it may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , limit their congregation size , or otherwise impede religious gatherings.
” He added : “ Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens.
” Where states have not acted evenhandedly , they must have compelling reason to impose restrictions on places of worship , the attorney general said .
They also must ensure that the restrictions are “ narrowly tailored to advance its compelling interest .
”

A federal judge blocked Kansas from limiting attendance at religious services during the coronavirus pandemic Saturday.
Wichita U.S. District Judge John Broomes blocked an order from Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly limiting attendance at religious services to ten people or fewer.
Broomes’s ruling prevents Kelly’s enforcement of the order as long as pastors and congregations observe social distancing, Politico reports. The decision will remain in effect until May 2.
“Churches and religious activities appear to have been singled out among essential functions for stricter treatment,” the judge wrote in his order.
“This is not about religion,” the Kansas governor said in a statement following the decision. “This is about a public health crisis.”
During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week! — KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) April 12, 2020
The judge’s order still requires religious services to abide by social distancing recommendations, such as requiring people to stay 6 feet apart. Broomes also has a hearing scheduled for Thursday regarding a lawsuit filed by two churches and their pastors against Kelly, Politico reports.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
News of Broomes’s ruling comes after Attorney General William Barr released a statement on religious practices and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic saying that that “even in times of emergency,” federal law prohibits religious discrimination.
“Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity,” Barr said.
“For example, if a government allows movie theaters, restaurants, concert halls, and other comparable places of assembly to remain open and unrestricted, it may not order houses of worship to close, limit their congregation size, or otherwise impede religious gatherings.”
He added: “Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens.”
Where states have not acted evenhandedly, they must have compelling reason to impose restrictions on places of worship, the attorney general said. They also must ensure that the restrictions are “narrowly tailored to advance its compelling interest.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-04-21--Should College Students Be Suing Their Colleges for Rebates?

In the space of three weeks , just about every college in America went from business as usual to sending their students home and shifting to remote instruction for the rest of the semester .
Should students forced to leave their dorms and finish their semesters elsewhere be entitled to rebates ?
Students at Drexel University and the University of Miami think so .
They ’ ve filed class action lawsuits against their schools .
The suits claim that students paid for an array of services they ’ re no longer receiving .
These services include face-to-face instruction with faculty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re asking for a partial tuition rebate .
Students at the University of Chicago have raised similar concerns .
Over 11,000 students at NYU have signed a petition asking for tuition discounts .
Why ?
Because “ the school does not need as much money to run now that everything is remote.
” So give us back the difference .
The Colleges Aren ’ t Spending Less on Instruction Sounds reasonable , except it ’ s not .
If anything , colleges are paying more to instruct their students .
The issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set at least a year in advance .
Vacant dorms are no different than unoccupied apartments or empty hotels — a cost burden to their owners .
Moreover , colleges shelled out extra money in the weeks leading up to the big shutdown : First , deep cleaning and disinfecting dorms , dining venues , and other commonly used spaces , and then ramping up e-learning and network capacities to immediately facilitate an 100 % online model .
So there ’ s no reduction in instructional costs , as those expenses were already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be spent , while colleges saw declines in revenue from unused facilities .
Think of the costs as being divided into two categories : Tuition and academic fees on the one hand ; room , board , and student services fees on the other .
There ’ s really no way schools can rebate on the first category : The faculty are under contract and still teaching , class sizes haven ’ t changed , and revenue from fees collected have already been spent .
Moreover , those same faculty now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction in the near future .
Presumably in August .
Some Are Giving Room and Board Rebates It ’ s the second category where schools are differing .
Georgetown College , a private , Christian school in Kentucky with about 1,000 students , extended spring break by one week , then moved all their classes online , like everybody else .
They left a message on their website : “ The college is not in a financial position to offer any rebates on housing or meal plans.
” Who can doubt it ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that size with a small endowment ( $ 30 million ) can have the kind of operating margin to part with a few million dollars at the drop of a hat .
Other universities , however , are shelling out prorated refunds on room and board .
If your annual operating budget is in the several hundred million dollar range , it ’ s still painful , but more doable .
And it makes more sense : The students are still receiving an academic service , but they ’ re no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Keep in mind , though , that it ’ s not as simple as saying “ you going to eat 20 % fewer meals … here ’ s 20 % of your money back.
” As President Ditzler of Albion College in Michigan put it , “ The last meal the student eats is not as expensive as the first meal.
” Think of the delivery system you need to have in place just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ servers , cleaners , etc .
Once you have the system in place , the more they eat , they better .
It ’ s not unlike the economies of scale advantage you have when you ’ re serving more students .
So partial rebates on room and board are a huge pill for colleges to swallow .
How to pay for it ?
Hiring freezes , salary caps , benefit cuts , and/or furloughing employees whose duties aren ’ t needed in an “ all our students are now commuters ” mode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can see why rebating families is a good move for colleges .
It ’ s classy .
It builds good will .
It looks tacky , for example , when uber-wealthy Stanford University sends students home a few weeks before the end of winter quarter — and doesn ’ t give them back a dime .
Partial room and board rebates are a tangible way for colleges to share in the huge loss being shouldered by their students .
Those same students can vote with their feet come next August .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ When college students across the country went home I heard buzz about how “ now we ’ ll realize how great online education is … the students will never come back !
” But as a professor caught in the middle of this , I think it may have the opposite effect .
I do like how my students can rewatch portions of my lectures to pick up on things they may have missed the first time .
But overall it ’ s a far less effective way to communicate .
These frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami , and elsewhere — they get this .
It ’ s not what they signed up for .
It ’ s not what they want .
I ’ m staring at a Power Point on my screen , not my students ’ eyeballs .
I have little way to tell if students are tracking with me .
They mostly listen , too bashful to interrupt .
My asking them questions is a bit weird : Not all have microphones , many are slow to respond , and some only want to answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ m trying to do in stimulating every student ’ s engagement with the material .
Then there are the non-academic challenges : Some students lack consistent Internet access .
Others have big-time family burdens due to the shelter-in-place orders .
Or they ’ re in vastly different time zones .
Or they ’ re working odd hours to make up for a steadier job that they lost .
One administrator , speaking on background about the abrupt shift colleges had to make , said the new model “ works well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But for the less prepared students , those with more chaotic personal lives ?
They “ will need more support than can be delivered by a professor via Zoom lectures and email.
” The upshot ?
“ It will drive inequalities.
” I think that ’ s right .
Dr. Alex Chediak ( Ph.D. , U.C .
Berkeley ) is a professor and the author of Thriving at College ( Tyndale House , 2011 ) , a roadmap for how students can best navigate the challenges of their college years .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trap .
Learn more about him at www.alexchediak.com or follow him on Twitter ( @ chediak ) .

In the space of three weeks, just about every college in America went from business as usual to sending their students home and shifting to remote instruction for the rest of the semester. Should students forced to leave their dorms and finish their semesters elsewhere be entitled to rebates?
Students at Drexel University and the University of Miami think so. They’ve filed class action lawsuits against their schools. The suits claim that students paid for an array of services they’re no longer receiving. These services include face-to-face instruction with faculty and access to campus facilities. They’re asking for a partial tuition rebate. Students at the University of Chicago have raised similar concerns. Over 11,000 students at NYU have signed a petition asking for tuition discounts. Why? Because “the school does not need as much money to run now that everything is remote.” So give us back the difference.
The Colleges Aren’t Spending Less on Instruction
Sounds reasonable, except it’s not. If anything, colleges are paying more to instruct their students. The issue is sunk costs. Payroll costs are set at least a year in advance. Vacant dorms are no different than unoccupied apartments or empty hotels — a cost burden to their owners. Moreover, colleges shelled out extra money in the weeks leading up to the big shutdown: First, deep cleaning and disinfecting dorms, dining venues, and other commonly used spaces, and then ramping up e-learning and network capacities to immediately facilitate an 100% online model. So there’s no reduction in instructional costs, as those expenses were already committed. COVID-19 meant that even more had to be spent, while colleges saw declines in revenue from unused facilities.
Think of the costs as being divided into two categories: Tuition and academic fees on the one hand; room, board, and student services fees on the other. There’s really no way schools can rebate on the first category: The faculty are under contract and still teaching, class sizes haven’t changed, and revenue from fees collected have already been spent. Moreover, those same faculty now providing remote instruction are needed for face-to-face instruction in the near future. Presumably in August.
Some Are Giving Room and Board Rebates
It’s the second category where schools are differing. Georgetown College, a private, Christian school in Kentucky with about 1,000 students, extended spring break by one week, then moved all their classes online, like everybody else. They left a message on their website: “The college is not in a financial position to offer any rebates on housing or meal plans.” Who can doubt it? There’s no way a school of that size with a small endowment ($30 million) can have the kind of operating margin to part with a few million dollars at the drop of a hat.
Other universities, however, are shelling out prorated refunds on room and board. If your annual operating budget is in the several hundred million dollar range, it’s still painful, but more doable. And it makes more sense: The students are still receiving an academic service, but they’re no longer living or eating on campus.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Keep in mind, though, that it’s not as simple as saying “you going to eat 20% fewer meals … here’s 20% of your money back.” As President Ditzler of Albion College in Michigan put it, “The last meal the student eats is not as expensive as the first meal.” Think of the delivery system you need to have in place just to serve the first meal: cooks, servers, cleaners, etc. Once you have the system in place, the more they eat, the better. It’s not unlike the economies of scale advantage you have when you’re serving more students.
So partial rebates on room and board are a huge pill for colleges to swallow. How to pay for it? Hiring freezes, salary caps, benefit cuts, and/or furloughing employees whose duties aren’t needed in an “all our students are now commuters” mode. But apart from the fairness argument, you can see why rebating families is a good move for colleges. It’s classy. It builds good will. It looks tacky, for example, when uber-wealthy Stanford University sends students home a few weeks before the end of winter quarter — and doesn’t give them back a dime. Partial room and board rebates are a tangible way for colleges to share in the huge loss being shouldered by their students. Those same students can vote with their feet come next August.
Is Online Education Just as Good?
When college students across the country went home I heard buzz about how “now we’ll realize how great online education is … the students will never come back!” But as a professor caught in the middle of this, I think it may have the opposite effect. I do like how my students can rewatch portions of my lectures to pick up on things they may have missed the first time. But overall it’s a far less effective way to communicate. These frustrated students at Drexel, the University of Miami, and elsewhere — they get this. It’s not what they signed up for. It’s not what they want.
I’m staring at a Power Point on my screen, not my students’ eyeballs. I have little way to tell if students are tracking with me. They mostly listen, too bashful to interrupt. My asking them questions is a bit weird: Not all have microphones, many are slow to respond, and some only want to answer privately to me — which detracts from what I’m trying to do in stimulating every student’s engagement with the material. Then there are the non-academic challenges: Some students lack consistent Internet access. Others have big-time family burdens due to the shelter-in-place orders. Or they’re in vastly different time zones. Or they’re working odd hours to make up for a steadier job that they lost.
One administrator, speaking on background about the abrupt shift colleges had to make, said the new model “works well for the learners who normally do well.” But for the less prepared students, those with more chaotic personal lives? They “will need more support than can be delivered by a professor via Zoom lectures and email.” The upshot? “It will drive inequalities.” I think that’s right.
Dr. Alex Chediak (Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley) is a professor and the author of Thriving at College (Tyndale House, 2011), a roadmap for how students can best navigate the challenges of their college years. His latest book is Beating the College Debt Trap. Learn more about him at www.alexchediak.com or follow him on Twitter (@chediak).


thestream--2020-04-21--Is Human Progress Inevitable?

Is Human Progress Inevitable?

My uncle Charlie continues to express his amazement at the level of unhealthy discourse going on down at the local coffee shop and on TV .
He can ’ t understand why everyone can ’ t see what is as obvious as the nose of your face … to him .
Uncle Charlie is not alone .
Ordinary citizens don ’ t spend much time thinking about or discussing social Darwinism .
But our unaware society is bogged down in the mire of its implications .
We decry the silliness of today ’ s political discourse , yet we relentlessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after another from almost every form of media , both secular and religious .
We search for some basis to defend the leader that best suits our own preferences , even allowing for some serious speculation .
Then , we get excited to find some tidbit of information that might discredit the other side .
We celebrate in rallies when our candidate wins .
But our smiles are shallow and our laughter his hollow , for deep down there is a sinking feeling .
We know that what we are watching is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we believe that as long as “ our side ” will come out on top , things will inevitably get better and better .
That ’ s the underlying problem we are not addressing .
We have bought what Hell has been selling since the beginning .
It is the myth of inevitable progress toward human flourishing .
In the end political discourse is fruitless — because each proponent is pushing his/her view of how we implement inevitable progress , but without including a personal God who both created and sustains the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to tell the Emperor that he has no clothes ?
There is no guarantee that history is marching toward utopia or even a better condition than before .
Leaders can promise that their agenda will promote the progression better than the opponent .
But without including God , the promises are nothing but seductive temptations .
I ’ m confident that the generation that built the Tower of Babel could not conceive of things going badly .
Just like today , progress was being made and humans were discovering how powerful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil leadership is characterized by the belief in unlimited human capacity for progress .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
In the absence of plausible reasons to promote their view , politicians have reverted to entertainment instead of persuasion .
Therefore , as N.T .
Wright stated in Surprised by Hope , they demand to be treated as Rock Stars , and Rock Stars are pretending to be politicians .
Washington , D.C. , has replaced Hollywood as the entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captivating drama — but sadly , we can ’ t turn it off by pressing delete .
Our future as citizens of the earth is at stake , and in the hands of people bedeviled by the same myth that the Serpent told Eve .
“ Don ’ t worry , when you know good and evil , you won ’ t need God.
” There is Hope for Progress — Through the Kingdom of God There is a hope for real progress , but it is only in the dynamic of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope in his parable of the leaven in the loaf .
The tiny bit of leaven expands and transforms the entire lump until it is an altogether difference substance .
More flour couldn ’ t do such .
More water would not accomplish the same .
Something wholly different from the dough , even in a small amount , is what causes it to progress into what it was meant to be .
Conversely , the sure hope for those who deny God and his kingdom is not progress but the spiral of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:18-32 ) .
Some suggest we return to a more moral national ethic derived from a consensus of the different religions of the world .
Some Christians even suggest that we institute biblical law .
Though aligning with the Kingdom of God does bring progress in all relationships between humans and creation , that alignment is impossible to sustain without a relationship to the King of the kingdom .
So , it would seem clear that the most important task of all humanity is to recognize and revere the person who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know him .
Of course , that is related to the mission of the Church in society .
Jesus commissioned his followers to infect all nations with this hope .
But that institution has largely bought in to the myth as well .
Trying to be respectably relevant to culture , it has taken its seat in the audience to be entertained by those who are shaping our government and dictating our lives on earth .
Relegating true hope to a future heaven or delayed millennium , much of the church has placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We adopt without critique the idea that history is moving toward progress and we must be sure to be on the right side of history .
Here is a truth alert !
History , without the leaven of the Kingdom of God being operative in society , will tell a miserable and tragic story .
Throughout most of history , the true followers of Jesus have been engaged in reversing history ’ s determined march to self-destruction .
They were conscious of being ambassadors of his kingdom .
They are those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resurrection of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 ) .
They speak on his behalf exhorting everyone to be reconciled to God .
That is the hope !
The reconciled ones have access to the wisdom of the reigning king .
Sharing his very life , they have a capacity to care about creation in a way that others do not .
They know the power of humility and the fruit of love .
They know that God loves his creation and is eager to bless it .
But they know that without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction .
I call all those whom Jesus identifies as his to repent ( change your mind ) of buying into the myth .
The best way to serve your country and the world that God loves is to live fully as an ambassador from the eternal kingdom .
You are qualified by his righteousness .
It is time to stop watching the political drama and engage our world with the hope of progress based only on the Kingdom of God now in existence through faith in Jesus , the king .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch the amusing circus going on in the seats of human government , though God himself laughs at the absurdity ( Psalms 2:1-6 ) .
When myths displace truth , the trajectory is set toward misery and destruction .
The people who make up the body of Christ can make a difference .
We represent a kingdom that can not be destroyed .
When it is recognized , it produces the fruit of light — one day , one person , one prayer at a time .
Progress is promised in Jesus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless who is maneuvering the controls of government .
Dudley Hall is a Senior Contributor to The Stream .
He is the founder and President of Kerygma Ventures , a sought-after speaker , an engaging preacher , an effective consultant , and a trusted spiritual father .
Dudley has authored several books including Grace Works , Incense & Thunder , Glad to be Left Behind , Men In Their Own Skin , Orphans No More , When Hard Times Come , Follow Me and his latest , a children ’ s book laced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ram .

My uncle Charlie continues to express his amazement at the level of unhealthy discourse going on down at the local coffee shop and on TV. He can’t understand why everyone can’t see what is as obvious as the nose of your face … to him. Uncle Charlie is not alone. Ordinary citizens don’t spend much time thinking about or discussing social Darwinism. But our unaware society is bogged down in the mire of its implications.
We decry the silliness of today’s political discourse, yet we relentlessly watch the spinning of one false narrative after another from almost every form of media, both secular and religious. We search for some basis to defend the leader that best suits our own preferences, even allowing for some serious speculation. Then, we get excited to find some tidbit of information that might discredit the other side.
We celebrate in rallies when our candidate wins. But our smiles are shallow and our laughter his hollow, for deep down there is a sinking feeling. We know that what we are watching is more entertainment than serious governance. Yet, we believe that as long as “our side” will come out on top, things will inevitably get better and better.
The Belief in Inevitable Progress
That’s the underlying problem we are not addressing. We have bought what Hell has been selling since the beginning. It is the myth of inevitable progress toward human flourishing. In the end political discourse is fruitless — because each proponent is pushing his/her view of how we implement inevitable progress, but without including a personal God who both created and sustains the world by his beneficent power. Who is going to tell the Emperor that he has no clothes?
There is no guarantee that history is marching toward utopia or even a better condition than before. Leaders can promise that their agenda will promote the progression better than the opponent. But without including God, the promises are nothing but seductive temptations. I’m confident that the generation that built the Tower of Babel could not conceive of things going badly. Just like today, progress was being made and humans were discovering how powerful and smart they were. Much of current civil leadership is characterized by the belief in unlimited human capacity for progress.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In the absence of plausible reasons to promote their view, politicians have reverted to entertainment instead of persuasion. Therefore, as N.T. Wright stated in Surprised by Hope, they demand to be treated as Rock Stars, and Rock Stars are pretending to be politicians. Washington, D.C., has replaced Hollywood as the entertainment center of the nation. It is captivating drama — but sadly, we can’t turn it off by pressing delete. Our future as citizens of the earth is at stake, and in the hands of people bedeviled by the same myth that the Serpent told Eve. “Don’t worry, when you know good and evil, you won’t need God.”
There is Hope for Progress — Through the Kingdom of God
There is a hope for real progress, but it is only in the dynamic of the Kingdom of God. Jesus expressed this hope in his parable of the leaven in the loaf. The tiny bit of leaven expands and transforms the entire lump until it is an altogether difference substance. More flour couldn’t do such. More water would not accomplish the same. Something wholly different from the dough, even in a small amount, is what causes it to progress into what it was meant to be. Conversely, the sure hope for those who deny God and his kingdom is not progress but the spiral of descending deception and destruction (see Romans 1:18-32).
Some suggest we return to a more moral national ethic derived from a consensus of the different religions of the world. Some Christians even suggest that we institute biblical law. Though aligning with the Kingdom of God does bring progress in all relationships between humans and creation, that alignment is impossible to sustain without a relationship to the King of the kingdom. So, it would seem clear that the most important task of all humanity is to recognize and revere the person who has been enthroned as king, and get to know him. Of course, that is related to the mission of the Church in society.
History without the leaven of the Kingdom of God being operative in society, will tell a miserable and tragic story.
Jesus commissioned his followers to infect all nations with this hope. But that institution has largely bought in to the myth as well. Trying to be respectably relevant to culture, it has taken its seat in the audience to be entertained by those who are shaping our government and dictating our lives on earth. Relegating true hope to a future heaven or delayed millennium, much of the church has placed earthly hope in secular inevitable progress. We adopt without critique the idea that history is moving toward progress and we must be sure to be on the right side of history.
Reversing History’s Determined March to Self-Destruction
Here is a truth alert! History, without the leaven of the Kingdom of God being operative in society, will tell a miserable and tragic story. Throughout most of history, the true followers of Jesus have been engaged in reversing history’s determined march to self-destruction. They were conscious of being ambassadors of his kingdom. They are those who have been reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). They speak on his behalf exhorting everyone to be reconciled to God. That is the hope!
The reconciled ones have access to the wisdom of the reigning king. Sharing his very life, they have a capacity to care about creation in a way that others do not. They know the power of humility and the fruit of love. They know that God loves his creation and is eager to bless it. But they know that without his blessing, the only future is destruction.
I call all those whom Jesus identifies as his to repent (change your mind) of buying into the myth. The best way to serve your country and the world that God loves is to live fully as an ambassador from the eternal kingdom. You are qualified by his righteousness.
It is time to stop watching the political drama and engage our world with the hope of progress based only on the Kingdom of God now in existence through faith in Jesus, the king. We cannot afford to sit by and watch the amusing circus going on in the seats of human government, though God himself laughs at the absurdity (Psalms 2:1-6).
When myths displace truth, the trajectory is set toward misery and destruction. The people who make up the body of Christ can make a difference. We represent a kingdom that cannot be destroyed. When it is recognized, it produces the fruit of light — one day, one person, one prayer at a time. Progress is promised in Jesus. Without Him progress is by no means inevitable, regardless of who controls government. But with Him all things are possible.
Dudley Hall is a Senior Contributor to The Stream. He is the founder and President of Kerygma Ventures, a sought-after speaker, an engaging preacher, an effective consultant, and a trusted spiritual father. Dudley has authored several books including Grace Works, Incense & Thunder, Glad to be Left Behind, Men In Their Own Skin, Orphans No More, When Hard Times Come, Follow Me and his latest, a children’s book laced with gospel truth: Shorty the Substitute Ram.