ebenezer

Obama Ducks Truth About Ayers

ebenezer — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:19:00 -0500

Hot Air catches CNN surprisingly "committing a random act of journalism" in reporting on the Obama-Ayers relationship and Obama's efforts to conceal it.

Brief Historical Comparisons of NET, NIV, ESV Bible Translations

ebenezer — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:52:00 -0500

I brought up the New English Translation (NET) of the Bible at the table this a.m. to see what colleagues knew about it. It is apparently little known in our circle as represented, and I confess that it had not entered my mind until I read a brief essay by Bible scholar Dan Wallace here. I would be interested to know your thoughts after reading the essay.

A New Type of Christianity is Coming, is Here

ebenezer — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:28:00 -0500

I read a brief essay with this title today:

Something new is coming, or perhaps is already here. It’s a new type of Christianity. It is still taking shape all around us, so it’s hard to describe. Labels won’t be any help. But one thing’s for sure. It Is The Future.

Everything changes, and everything has to be left wide open to new developments. Just because Christianity has a Bible and creeds doesn’t mean it’s impervious to taking on exciting new forms, even forms that make us re-think what Bible and creed even mean.

What will this New Type of Christianity look like? Again: too early to tell, no labels, still emerging just now. But here are three characteristics that we can already make out . . . .

Read the whole thing through to the surprise ending.

Pulpits Endorsing Candidates to Test Law

ebenezer — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:53:00 -0500

World Magazine Blog reports on an interesting test case to get underway today:

Tomorrow at least 33 pastors will be endorsing their preferred presidential candidate in the pulpit, in a nationwide movement called “Pulpit Freedom Sunday.”
Tax-exempt organizations are forbidden from endorsing political candidates under U.S. tax law. The churches could face investigations for pastors’ endorsements, but pastors say they are simply expressing their free speech.

The legal group Alliance Defense Fund is planning to represent churches who come under Internal Revenue Service investigation. . . .

Gingrich: Bush Doesn't Understand, Treasury Secretary Should Resign

ebenezer — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:31:00 -0500

Newt Gingrich is harsh in his most recent assessment according to a report in the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich, whose criticism helped spark a GOP revolt against the bail-out of Wall Street proposed by the Bush Administration, predicted Saturday that House Republicans would reluctantly support legislation that permits the federal government to purchase and isolate the tainted mortgages at the root of the current credit crisis.

But Gingrich had harsh words for President Bush, whom he said doesn’t understand the situation, and for Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, whom the former speaker said — for the first time — should resign.

The former Georgia congressman also demanded that the final version of be bill be posted on the Internet for 24 hours before Congress votes on the package. . . .

The Democratic Acorn Bailout

ebenezer — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:12:00 -0500

For some blood pressure raising insight into how the Democratic/Bush Administration proposal proposes to use taxpayer resources, don't miss Hot Air's expose. It explains why the House Republican conservatives did not want to go along.

House Republicans refused to support the Henry Paulson/Chris Dodd compromise bailout plan yesterday afternoon, even after the New York Times reported that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson got down on one knee to beg Nancy Pelosi to compromise. One of the sticking points, as Senator Lindsey Graham explained later, wasn’t a lack of begging but a poison pill that would push 20% of all profits from the bailout into the Housing Trust Fund — a boondoggle that Democrats in Congress has used to fund political-action groups like ACORN and the National Council of La Raza . . .

Read the whole thing.

Conservative Opposition to the Bailout Plan

ebenezer — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:50:00 -0500

William Kristol and Rep. Mike Pence have voiced early opposition to the nearly $1 trillion plan that Congress will hastily address this week. Hot Air provides a summary of their opposition. Check it out.

Before D.C. Gets Our Money, It Owes Us Some Answers

ebenezer — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:28:00 -0500

Former Majority Leader in Congress Newt Gingrich weighs in with some important points about the Administration's proposal to address the nation's financial crisis:

Watching Washington rush to throw taxpayer money at Wall Street has been sobering and a little frightening.

We are being told Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has a plan which will shift $700 billion in obligations from private companies to the taxpayer.

We are being warned that this $700 billion bailout is the only answer to a crisis.

We are being reassured that we can trust Secretary Paulson "because he knows what he is doing".

Congress had better ask a lot of questions before it shifts this much burden to the taxpayer and shifts this much power to a Washington bureaucracy. . . .

"Are We Fighting a Holy War?"

ebenezer — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:33:00 -0500

This famous question of Governor Palin by ABC's Charles Gibson, which had as its basis an inaccurate quotation of the governor, has become iconic for media bias and ignorance about the role of faith in the history of our public life. For a powerful video making this point go here.

McCain Sings Streisand

ebenezer — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:55:00 -0500

John McCain has found a way to get even with Streisand for all of her criticism, bad advice, and support for the other guy. Go here.

Charlie Gibson Wrong on Bush Doctrine

ebenezer — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:44:00 -0500

The "drive-by" media simply cannot get away with things these days that they once did. Case in point is Charles Krauthammer's pointing out what Charlie Gibson did not know in his questioning of Governor Palin:

The Times got it wrong. And Charlie Gibson got it wrong.There is no single meaning of the Bush doctrine. In fact, there have been four distinct meanings, each one succeeding another over the eight years of this administration -- and the one Charlie Gibson cited is not the one in common usage today. . . .

AP and Others Smear Palin Over Prayer for Troops in Iraq

ebenezer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:19:00 -0500

Beware of distorted quotation of Governor Palin in AP story reprinted here in The Christian Post of all places. Hot Air has the story about the distortion by the Associated Press as well as in an edited video of the remarks being circulated on You Tube.

Reform, Restoration at Oral Roberts University

ebenezer — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:13:00 -0500

Christianity Today online has a lengthy report about changes underway to reform and restore Oral Roberts University:

Ten months ago, Hobby Lobby heir Mart Green aroused both suspicion and relief among Oral Roberts University's faithful. The retail whiz announced that his affluent family was planning to pump $70 million into the heavily indebted, scandal-scarred liberal arts school in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In May, Green generated even more excitement on campus when he announced that student dorm rooms would be rewired. The increased amperage will allow a curling iron and a computer to be plugged in simultaneously without blowing a fuse. But Green isn't just redoing the campus electrical grid; he's rewiring ORU's body, mind, and checkbook. Currently serving as ORU board chair, Green recently said, "ORU must restore its broken trust, its battered reputation, and its beaten spirit."

A Clear and Present Danger to the American Left

ebenezer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:43:00 -0500

This is what columnist Peggy Noonan has to say about Sarah Palin from the Republican convention (scroll down to find Palin section):

Because she jumbles up so many cultural categories, because she is a feminist not in the Yale Gender Studies sense but the How Do I Reload This Thang way, because she is a woman who in style, history, moxie and femininity is exactly like a normal American feminist and not an Abstract Theory feminist; because she wears makeup and heels and eats mooseburgers and is Alaska Tough, as Time magazine put it; because she is conservative, and pro-2nd Amendment and pro-life; and because conservatives can smell this sort of thing -- who is really one of them and who is not -- and will fight to the death for one of their beleaguered own; because of all of this she is a real and present danger to the American left, and to the Obama candidacy. . . .

The Four Stages of Female Conservative Abuse

ebenezer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:43:00 -0500

This is the title of columnist Michelle Malkin's latest column.

There’s something about outspoken conservative women that drives the Left mad. It’s a peculiar pathology I’ve reported on for more than 15 years, both as a witness and a target. Thus, the onset of Palin Derangement Syndrome in the media, Democrat circles, and the cesspools of the blogosphere came as no surprise. They just can’t help themselves. . . .

And don't miss the anti-Palin lie of the morning: she "slashed" teen pregnancy funding.

The Mommy Wars

ebenezer — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:57:00 -0500

Pajamas Media reports live from the Republican National Convention:

Sarah Palin has set off a new round of political fisticuffs in the “Mommy Wars” and in the Culture Wars. How could a newcomer and her pregnant teenage daughter do all that in a mere six days on the national scene?

Read the whole thing.

Christian Homes on Fire in India

ebenezer — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:44:00 -0500

A former pastor of ours is from the Orissa region of India. He has been hearing from family and friends there about the spiral of anti-Christian violence that has cost property and lives. The latest Nazarene News features a story about what is happening:

In the early hours of August 23, a Hindu nationalist leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, was shot to death in Orissa, India. Five of his followers were also killed. Although it was allegedly an act by Marxist terrorists, many people are blaming the murder on Christians. In reaction to the killings, some have retaliated by burning down churches and homes. At least three more people have been killed following the initial attack. . . .

These brothers and sisters need our prayers and material support.

A Peek Into Obama's View of Faith

ebenezer — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:40:00 -0500

Amidst all of the political excitement of conventions and vice presidential picks, a note on Christianity Today's blog caught my attention. An Obama staff member revealed a portion of what was said at a meeting between Obama and religious leaders a few months ago:

"Franklin Graham asked him, 'Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life?'
"Sen. Obama paused and he thought. And he thought very carefully. He said, Reverend, he is my way.
"(Graham) No, no, is he THE way? Of course, the Reverend was making a point. . . .

Read the rest to see how the staff member answered for Obama.

Comparing Political Party Platforms

ebenezer — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:26:00 -0500

Christianity Today provides a comparison of Democrat and Republican party platforms on abortion, faith-based programs, religious liberty and other issues. Check it out.

Obama Campaign Seeks to Squelch Ad About Ties to William Ayers

ebenezer — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:27:00 -0500

Have you been following the Obama campaign's effort to squelch campaign ads referring to ties to William Ayers, one-time Weatherman terrorist. You can catch up with this attempt to limit conservative free speech here and see the ad in question to check if it misstates any known facts.

The Unease of Election '08

ebenezer — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:19:00 -0500

There are those who want to claim a vote against Senator Obama and his policies is the result of racism pure and simple. This notion provided a powerful undercurrent to the Democratic primary campaigns. Remember the charges about who was playing the race card. I have heard the association made much closer to home among friends.

Jay Nordlinger of National Review's The Corner illustrates the use of this assertion in the McCain-Obama race and wonders what the lasting effects will be on the American body politic:

A friend sent me a piece at Slate.com, and it is really quite explicit: “If Obama Loses,” is the title. And the subtitle: “Racism is the only reason McCain might beat him.” And explicit is good in this case, as it so often is. (To see the piece, go here.)

You might call what has been done here “laying the groundwork” – preparing for an Obama loss. If the worst should happen, and McCain wins, there will be only one explanation: racism. Everyone – at least every McCain voter – will have to wear a scarlet “R.” And so will the country at large. . . .

Don't overlook the piece referenced in Slate.com

Nancy Pelosi Does Not Know Natural Gas is a Fossil Fuel !

ebenezer — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:05:00 -0500

The ignorance of Nancy Pelosi about her church's position on abortion is no sooner revealed than comes this additional revelation about what she does not know:

As we've often said, the Democrats prey on ignorance. Often they know better and are being cynical; sometimes it's because they are ignorant themselves. A shocking example of the latter case was revealed yesterday when Nancy Pelosi appeared on Meet the Press. Mrs. Pelosi declared herself a major advocate of natural gas as an energy source, but then revealed that she is ignorant of the fact that natural gas is a fossil fuel. . . .

Reviewing What Presidential Candidates Said At Saddleback

ebenezer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:01:00 -0500

If you want to review what Senators McCain and Obama said in reply to questions posed at the historic Saddleback Church interviews, you can find videos of their responses conveniently arranged by question here.

Nancy Pelosi Misstates Catholic Position on Abortion

ebenezer — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:26:00 -0500

Hot Air reports, complete with video:

I’m always astounded as to the extent of deception in which pro-choice Catholics indulge themselves, both inwardly and outwardly, to justify their positions. Perhaps there is no balder example of this than Nancy Pelosi attempting to spin the Catholic doctrine on human life today on Meet the Press. Pelosi argues that the Catholic position on human life only developed in the last 50 years and that it doesn’t impact abortion in any case . . . .

Read the whole thing to find out why a leading figure in Congress is so wrong about an issue central to her own stated faith!

The Shack--Reading in Good Faith

ebenezer — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:40:00 -0500

Christianity Today reviews the runaway Christian best seller The Shack in more positive terms than the previous review posted here:

The Shack's most prominent critics see troubling theological claims inherent in the story. Some argue, for example, that its Trinity is modalistic, others that the book is anti-church.

If charitably conducted, this type of conversation can be helpful. Theologians' sensibilities are fine-tuned by close listening, especially to works that don't always strike the right note. Christian orthodoxy was born of attention to small but crucial differences, yea, even jots and tittles.

Yet in order to give a work a fair hearing, we have an obligation to engage it on its own terms. A "good faith" reading of The Shack involves, among other things, attending to Young's reasons for writing, his intended audience, and its particular literary form. . . .

Read the whole thing to find out why this reviewer is willing to look past the theological critique for other redeeming features. Christianity Today has a new Bible study for readers of The Shack. It's introduction provides the rationale for why this work of fiction should be accompanied by a Bible study:

William Young’s bestseller The Shack has riveted many readers even as his controversial characterization of the Trinity has concerned some theologians. One seminary president said “this troubling book” contains “undiluted heresy.” Exploring the mysteries of God through the crucible of pain can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. But we must always be careful to test our thoughts by the standard of Scripture.

New Independent Feature Film to Tell Story of John Wesley

ebenezer — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:32:00 -0500

Word is out about a new film to be released in October:

A perilous adventure on the high seas, a star-crossed love affair, mob violence, rioting, attempted assassination—not the elements one might expect in a film about the founder of Methodism.

The director and producer of "Wesley" believes, however, that the dramatic and often surprising story of John Wesley will attract moviegoers of all faiths, as well as warm their hearts.

"I’m hoping that we’re going to hit a crossover audience, that this isn’t just going to be of interest to Methodists," said John Jackman, whose films include "Passing Moment," "Windsor Knot" and "An Uncommon Union."

The independent feature film traces the life of Wesley as an outwardly religious young man who undergoes a spiritual renewal that leads to a revolutionary ministry. It is scheduled for release as early as October. . . .

You can check out the trailer here.

Obama the Postmodernist

ebenezer — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:42:00 -0500

This item from USA Today was mentioned at the table this a.m.:

Asked to define sin, Barack Obama replied that sin is "being out of alignment with my values." Statements such as this have caused many people to wonder whether Obama has a God complex or is hopelessly arrogant. For the record, sin isn't being out of alignment with your own values (if it were, Hannibal Lecter wouldn't be a sinner because his values hold that it's OK to eat people) nor is it being out of alignment with Obama's — unless he really is our Savior.

There is, however, a third possibility. Obama is a postmodernist. . . .

The Audacity of Socialism

ebenezer — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:09:00 -0500

This is the title of a series of editorials on the life and ideas of Barack Obama running in Investor's Business Daily:

Barack Obama has styled himself a centrist, but does his record support that claim?

In this series, we examine Senator Obama's past, his voting record and the people who've served as his advisers and mentors over the years. We'll show how the facts of Obama's actions and associations reveal a far more left-leaning tilt to his background — and to his politics. . . .

You can access the entire series through the link above.

Is Liberal Christian Group's TV Ad Suggesting McCain is an Adulterer?

ebenezer — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:27:00 -0500

The potential for this was a subject at the table this week. Now The Matthew 25 Network, a liberal Christian group, is running an ad in support of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, that seems to be obliquely raising the issue of Sen. John McCain’s infidelities during his first marriage. You can view the ad here. ABC News commentary on the ad can be found here, and Hot Air's analysis is here.

Pastor Rick Warren Hopes to Redefine Presidential Politics

ebenezer — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:16:00 -0500

This is what the Orange County Register is reporting:

Barack Obama won't be asked whether he's patriotic. John McCain won't be asked about his Paris Hilton commercial. They won't be asked how to lower gas prices, either.

When the two presumptive presidential nominees visit Saddleback Church this week, they can expect a very different conversation, one led by pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren.

The candidates will be Warren's guests Aug. 16 at the two-hour Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion – their first and only confirmed joint appearance before the party conventions. . . .

This will undoubtedly be one of the more interesting events in the current presidential campaign, so you may want to get it on your viewing schedule. Hat tip to Larry Brown.

American reporters sample Beijing delicacies

ebenezer — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:44:00 -0500

Before you get immersed in the Olympic athletic events, sample some of the cultural exchange relayed in this story of unusual restaurant offerings. Stick with it to the end for a surprising conclusion.

Hat tip to Hot Air.

Republican Energy Fumble

ebenezer — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:19:00 -0500

Here we go again, Republican Senators letting Democrats off the hook:

Politics has its puzzling moments. John McCain and most of the GOP experienced one late last week. That was when five of their own set about dismantling the best issue Republicans have in the upcoming election. . . .

National Review Interviews Phill Kline

ebenezer — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:57:00 -0500

You are no doubt aware that the Republican primary for Johnson County District Attorney is of national interest. Kathryn Lopez editor of National Review Online interviews Phill Kline here.

My Redeemer Lives

ebenezer — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:48:00 -0500

Watch the incredible video about a father's love for his son here.

Billy Graham Movie Prepares for October Release

ebenezer — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:47:00 -0500

The Christian Post carries this news:

In only a few months, people across the nation will get the unique opportunity to peer into the life of evangelist Billy Graham before his rise to prominence as one of the most influential and admired religious leaders in the world.

The highly anticipated film, “Billy: The Early Years,” is set to release in theaters across the country on Oct. 10 - less than one month before Graham’s 90th birthday. With 21-year-old actor Armie Hammer playing the part of Graham, the movie captures the essence of Graham’s journey from a young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt to ultimately facing the moment of decision that gave way to one of history’s most influential evangelists.. . .

Check out the movie trailer here. Hat tip to Larry.

Baby Boomers Become the Forgotten Consumer

ebenezer — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:21:00 -0500

This interesting article by reporter Jennifer Mann on the front page of the Star this am provided material for much of our discussion:

There are almost 100 million consumers in the United States who are age 50-plus.

They control more than $8 trillion in assets, more than 70 percent of the disposable dollars in the U.S.

Yet they barely get passing notice from American advertisers. . . .

Our discussion explored other institutions that seem to neglect the over 50 crowd.

Virginia is Sitting on the Energy Mother Lode

ebenezer — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:13:00 -0500

The Wall Street Journal reports on another major energy deposit in this nation, but the question remains do we have the will to exploit it:

Amid the rolling hills and verdant pastures of south central Virginia an unlikely new front in the battle over nuclear energy is opening.
In Pittsylvania County, just north of the North Carolina border, the largest undeveloped uranium deposit in the United States -- and the seventh largest in the world, according to industry monitor UX Consulting -- sits on land owned by neighbors Henry Bowen and Walter Coles. Large uranium deposits close to the surface are virtually unknown in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. And that may be the problem.

Virginia is one of just four states that ban uranium mining. The ban was put in place in 1984, to calm fears that had been sparked by the partial meltdown of a nuclear reactor on Three Mile Island outside of Harrisburg, Pa. in 1979. . . .

Rebel With A Cause: Bobby Jindal's Spiritual Journey

ebenezer — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:04:00 -0500

Read about it in the Wall Street Journal.

Congressional Hearing Called "Demented"

ebenezer — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:18:00 -0500

The House Judiciary Committee was thus characterized by one law professor:

"I am really astonished at the mood in this room," commented one witness, George Mason University School of Law professor Jeremy Rabkin.

"The tone of these deliberations is slightly demented," Rabkin said. "You should all remind yourselves that the rest of the country is not necessarily in this same bubble in which people think it is reasonable to describe the president as if he were Caligula."

The World is Powering Up While the U.S. Powers Down

ebenezer — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:20:00 -0500

The Heritage Foundation reports on the basics concerning energy plans in the rest of the world and the purposeful neglect pursued by the party in power and its associated interest groups in the United States:

The rest of the world knows that green sources of energy are inadequate to keep their people out of poverty. That is why around the world, from Europe to South America to Asia, countries are building coal and nuclear power plants at a dizzying pace while also drilling for oil wherever they can find it. Meanwhile, the United States, crippled by an out-of-control environmental movement, is refusing to develop needed energy sources. . . .

Read the whole thing to understand just how dysfunctional current energy policy is.

"Gang of Ten" in Senate Fights for More Drilling

ebenezer — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:08:00 -0500

A Politico report says:

Democratic leaders, caught off guard by a swing in public opinion and undermined by some of their own members, are scrambling to run down the clock on calls to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling.

Tuesday evening, five Democratic senators met with five of their Republican colleagues to hash out a plan that would include far more drilling — from the land and from the sea — than would be allowed under any current Democratic proposal. . . .

There is also exciting news of new oil discoveries deep in the Gulf of Mexico:

An oil discovery by Chevron Corp. has bolstered prospects that petroleum companies will be able to tap giant reserves that lie far beneath the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Oil analysts and company executives said newly released test results from a well 175 miles off the coast of Louisiana indicate that the oil industry will be able to recover well more than 3 billion barrels, and perhaps as much as 15 billion barrels, of oil from a geological area known as the lower tertiary trend, making it the biggest addition to U.S. petroleum reserves in decades. The upper end of the estimate could boost U.S. reserves by 50 percent. . . .

The big question is will the momentum to exploit U.S. fossil fuels reserves overcome the Democratic leadership's and the environmentalists' preference that we not do so?

Blowing the Whistle on Global Warming

ebenezer — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:33:00 -0500

If you have been paying attention to the news you know the vaunted scientific "consensus" behind the claim of human induced global warming has been crumbling. Power Line looks at a new Australian report that continues the trend:

David Evans was a consultant to the "Australian Greenhouse Office" from 1999 to 2005. He is a former global warming alarmist; however, he is also a scientist who goes where the evidence leads him. In this important article in The Australian, he blows the whistle on the fraud that many of the world's governments are in the midst of perpetrating . . . .

How Would God Vote? Why God Commands You To Be A Conservative

ebenezer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:58:00 -0500

This is the title of a book by David Klinghoffer for the election season upon us. Klinghoffer is a Jew, a senior fellow in the Discovery Institute’s program in Religion, Liberty, and Public Life and a columnist for the Jewish Forward. He is the author of The Lord Will Gather Me In, Why the Jews Rejected Jesus, and Shattered Tablets. The publisher's blurb says,

With liberals and conservatives alike claiming the authority of the Bible as support for their views on social and moral issues, the need to understand what the Bible actually says has never been more pressing. In How Would God Vote?, journalist and scholar David Klinghoffer illuminates the worldview set forth in the Scriptures and argues that, with some exceptions, the God of the Bible would overwhelmingly support traditionally conservative principles and policies. . . .

See here for an interesting debate about the issues raised in the book between Klinghoffer and liberal Jim Wallis.

The Shack by William P. Young

ebenezer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:47:00 -0500

This theological novel was the subject of some discussion at the table this a.m. prompted by one of our number who is reading the book. I looked around for a review by one who is articulate about the theological issues involved and came up with a lengthy review by Tim Challies. It is interesting to read the reactions to his review as well.

For an uncritical television interview and recommendation on CBN see here. A Google search of "The Shack" will turn up a multitude of other sources about the book and its author.

Global Governance Vs. The Liberal Democratic Nation State

ebenezer — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:09:00 -0500

If you are a conservative and this ideological struggle has not registered as a concern worthy of your attention, read the essay by this title. The introduction makes clear what is at stake:

In the coming years of the twenty-first century the ideology, institutions, and forces of “global governance” will directly challenge the legitimacy and authority of the liberal democratic nationstate and American constitutional sovereignty. What is this ideology, what are these institutions and forces, and how do they challenge liberal democracy and American sovereignty?

The conclusion makes clear that this is more than an academic debate.

In summation, the perennial question of politics (who shall govern and in what regime?) remains contested at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The liberal democratic nation-state in general and American constitutionalism in particular will confront what is perhaps the greatest challenge ever to their moral authority and legitimacy from the ideology and forces of global governance. This challenge is “existential” because it challenges the existence of the American constitutional democratic regime. It is formidable because it comes from within Enlightenment thought and Western civilization. It will be the great challenge of the twenty-first century.

Barack Obama's Patriotism and Knowledge of History

ebenezer — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:26:00 -0500

Presidential candidate Obama was in our area yesterday talking about his notion of patriotism. He has shown a penchant for getting his own history on the issues wrong in these kinds of speeches as well as the broader history of his country. The fellows at Power Line have been particularly good at pointing out these lapses that the main stream media ignore.

Barack Obama gave a speech on patriotism today in Missouri. As always when Obama waxes "eloquent," the media swooned. And, as always, the speech raised interesting questions if you actually read it.

The implicit premise of the speech was that Obama's patriotism is being widely questioned. As far as I've seen, that isn't true. What has happened is that Obama's judgment and political ideology have been questioned because he has chosen to associate himself closely with people who manifestly are not patriotic, like Bill Ayers and Jeremiah Wright. . . .

Finally, Obama's surprising ignorance of American history, on which we have commented a number of times, was again on display. . . .

Check out the whole thing for specifics.

Sex, Sin and Surveys

ebenezer — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:17:00 -0500

Religion reporter Terry Mattingly examines recent opinion surveys to find out what doctrininal issues are at stake:

It's becoming more and more dangerous for preachers to use the words "sex" and "sin" in the same sentence.

Consider this question: Is sex outside of marriage a sin?

Say "yes" and millions of believers who are sitting in pews will say "amen." But that same affirmation of centuries of doctrine will offend just as many believers and nonbelievers, giving them an easy excuse to avoid congregations they believe are old fashioned and intolerant. . . .

Read the whole thing to consider how the church challenges, or fails to, the culture.

Confidence in Congress Lowest Ever for Any U.S. Institution

ebenezer — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:17:00 -0500

Gallup reports:

Gallup's annual update on confidence in institutions finds just 12% of Americans expressing confidence in Congress, the lowest of the 16 institutions tested this year, and the worst rating Gallup has measured for any institution in the 35-year history of this question. . . .

Read the whole thing to see how other U.S. institutions fare.

Evangelical Anglicans Meet to Reclaim Orthodoxy

ebenezer — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:01:00 -0500

One thousand conservative Anglicans from around the world are gathering in Jerusalem for the Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON). This event was organized quickly after leading conservatives decided not to attend Lambeth, the once-a-decade gathering of the 900-plus Anglican bishops. Many conservatives pulled out of Lambeth in the ongoing dispute over homosexual ordination and same-sex blessings. Christianity Today interviews one of the organizers here. Live and recorded video from the conference and more information about the meeting can be found at GAFCON's official site.

Evangelicals Battle Oprah

ebenezer — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:30:00 -0500

This is the title of a story in the Star this morning by the excellent religion reporter Helen Gray:

Oprah Winfrey has offended evangelical Christians, and they are fighting back. For the first time, 23 Christian newspapers across the country united for a joint investigative project. Their aim was to explore the spiritual beliefs of the popular entertainment mogul. . . .

Read the whole thing to find out what this is about.

Evangelical concerns stem partly from Oprah's latest spiritual mentor, Eckhart Tolle, whose newest book, A New Earth, has been featured on her television program and in her publications. To the Source has a critique of Tolle's ideas and why at their core they are anti-Christian. Read the whole thing to find out how and why,

Tolle is out to destroy Christianity by coopting it, by reforming Christ in Tolle's image. The difficulty is that those who swallow Tolle's books also ingest his false presentation of Jesus as cheerfully compatible with Buddhism, and in so doing, will likewise lose their grip on common sense.