The Vatican Says No to Evangelizing Jews

Bernard Howard has written a helpful article reviewing the recent (and misguided) assertion of the Vatican that evangelism of the Jewish people will no longer be conducted or supported.  Howard rightly reaffirms the basic biblical teaching that faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is necessary for salvation for Jews and for everyone else.

Trump's Christianity?

A thoughtful word from Michael Brown in connection with the concerns voiced by the Pope regarding Donald Trump's Christianity.

Update:  see also Max Lucado's post about Trump and decency.

The Old Testament and Homosexuality

What are we to make of the Old Testament stipulation that homosexual activity is a capital offense (e.g., Leviticus 20:13)?  John Piper offers a tremendously helpful summary of reasons why Christians believe that homosexuals should NOT be killed for their conduct. 

Muslim Leaders Speak Out for Religious Freedom

More than 250 Muslim religious leaders from over 120 countries met in Morocco last month, and they released the Marrakesh Declaration calling for religious freedom for non-Muslims in Muslim-majority countries.  Their contention is that it is in keeping with Islam and the writings of the Prophet Muhammad (in his Charter of Medina) to protect religious minorities. Christianity Today reports on this extraordinary summit. Even though there is a long distance between these lofty words and corresponding constructive actions in Muslim-majority nations (Ayman S. Ibrahim is not optimistic that change will come), it is surely positive that such a conversation is even taking place in this day when conflict and war and terror abound.