Day of Mourning

Today is a day of mourning, after the US Senate refused to protect babies born alive after failed abortions:  44 senators gave their approval for leaving these little ones to die--babies who have been born, are alive, are outside the womb... yet may be left to die, gasping for breath.  In other words, 44 US senators gave their approval for infanticide.  Talk that this legislation would have actually clashed with existing abortion law was utterly unfounded and incorrect--sheer deception and falsehood (see text of bill).

Author of the bill, Senator Ben Sasse (pictured), discusses the sad fact that 44 senators could not bring themselves to actually stand up for the weak, the vulnerable, the defenseless.  Their rejection of this legislation calls into question the genuineness of so many of the 44 who claim to advocates for the disadvantaged and exploited and for those who are discriminated against.  If a desperate newborn lying on a table is not a classic example of such voiceless and vulnerable people, who is?  Note also Sasse's speech prior to the vote.

I do want to acknowledge the courage and conviction of three Democratic senators who defied the majority in their party and stood up for the weak and defenseless, and who thus caused the support for this bill to be truly bi-partisan:  Bob Casey (PA), Joe Manchin (WV), and Doug Jones (AL).  

Pride of Cowardice

Pondering John Piper's remarks about pride--how it not only takes the form of boasting but also cowardice.  So helpful as a word of challenge to all who follow Jesus, and especially to all who are leaders.

Finding Fault to the Left and to the Right

Plenty of fault to go around for the political "rot" of these times--as Rod Dreher points out.

"ON THE ANTI-GOSPEL OF ALT-RIGHT WHITE SUPREMACY"

The Southern Baptist Convention's important 2017 resolution on this topic is posted here.

Secularism and the Ongoing Culture Wars

Peter Beinart writes at The Atlantic about "Breaking Faith: The culture war over religious morality has faded; in its place is something much worse."  The hunch that reduced attendance of organized religious services would lead toward a truce in the culture wars was naive.  Religiously unaffiliated Americans to the right and the left are not paving the way toward a tolerant, inclusive, and harmonious society.

In conclusion Beinart muses, "Maybe it’s the values of hierarchy, authority, and tradition that churches instill. Maybe religion builds habits and networks that help people better weather national traumas, and thus retain their faith that the system works. For whatever reason, secularization isn’t easing political conflict. It’s making American politics even more convulsive and zero-sum."

Losing Focus?

Is the rush of breaking news and counter-claims and 24/7-commentary tempting Christians to lose their focus on the Gospel?  And what's more, is our way of handling the current-events-mania causing unnecessary divisions within the church?  Erik Raymond has a very helpful warning along these lines:  "Keep Your Eye on the Ball."

Post-Election Action

Nicholas Kristof at the NYT offers some food for thought encouraging Americans to resist the pull of both gloating and despair now that the election is over.

A Third Party in American Politics?

David Brooks makes the case for a third party here in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election.  No doubt it would (will?) be difficult for a third party to get serious traction in an American election, but the potential advantages for the nation would be very great.

"Think It Not Strange"

The team at Desiring God has released a collection of essays on "navigating trials in the New America."  John Piper's introductory video is brief but very helpful as we seek to understand the changing cultural landscape and the place of the church in the West.  The title echoes 1 Peter 4:12, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."
 

Reflections on Trump-Clinton Debate

Reflections on the first presidential debate from Russell Moore--thoughts worth pondering.

Tim Kaine's Careless Hermeneutics

Trevin Wax responds to Tim Kaine's reckless reading of the Bible.  Kaine's approach provides a classic illustration of how not to read--not just how not to read the Bible, but how not to read, or even to think.  No doubt Kaine would cry foul if anyone handled his words in this kind of sloppy, manipulative way.

Russia Muzzles Church

"Under the guise of implementing “anti-terrorism” measures, Russia has adopted new laws that restrict religious freedom and criminalize missionary activities."  See Joe Carter's article on this chilling development.  And pray for the advance of the Gospel despite all obstacles.

Hillary Clinton and the Question of Intent

Andrew McCarthy makes an important claim about how the question of Hillary Clinton's intent is neither here nor there when it comes to whether charges should be brought against her or not.  He contends that the FBI has effectively rewritten federal law so as to let Clinton off the hook.

Oh Canada

A car dealer in Minneapolis may have captured our national angst this campaign season!

Questions about Transgender Theories

Trevin Wax is asking important questions about transgender theories and their implications.  See here and here.

Sobering Reflections on Politics and Civilization

I appreciate Matthew Lee Anderson's strong words (here and here) regarding the disintegrating Republican Party and the corresponding sad partisan captivity of the Religious Right:  serious considerations in connection with the rise of Trump.

Christian Nation?

Is America a Christian nation?  Depends on what you mean.  Russell Moore offers helpful input on this topic.

Trump's Theology

Michael Horton has a terrific and important article on "The Theology of Donald Trump" at Christianity Today.

Who Left Whom?

Helpful reflections from Trevin Wax on the sense of dismay many church-going evangelical Christians currently have:  "I don't feel at home in the Republican Party anymore."  About this feeling, Wax adds, "Maybe that's a good thing."

Defense against a Demagogue?

Ross Douthat at the NYT reflects on the crisis of identity and the potential crisis of decision faced by the GOP.