The Crosstalk Blog » Religion

Manhattan Declaration: Religious Leaders Unite on Political Issues

Randy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:36:01 +0000

They say they also want to speak to younger Christians who have become engaged in issues like climate change and global poverty, and who are more accepting of homosexuality than their elders. They say they want to remind them that abortion, homosexuality and religious freedom are still paramount issues.

“We argue that there is a hierarchy of issues,” said Charles Colson, a prominent evangelical who founded Prison Fellowship after serving time in prison for his role in the Watergate scandal. “A lot of the younger evangelicals say they’re all alike. We’re hoping to educate them that these are the three most important issues.”

What is so provocative within this Manhattan Declaration?

“We will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other antilife act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent.”

“The first year of global governance”

Randy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:36:47 +0000

With the capitulation of the Czech Prime Minister to the European Union globalists, the Lisbon Treaty is in place, and with it a permanent office of head of the European Union:

“2009 is also the first year of global governance, with the establishment of the G20 in the middle of the financial crisis. The climate conference in Copenhagen is another step towards the global management of our planet.”

Is this the man predicted by Daniel 7 to lead a Revived Roman Empire?

Buddhists at Bethel University – Crosstalk Thursday

Ingrid Schlueter — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:25:27 +0000

What were Buddhists doing at Bethel University? Why did a professor from Bethel, the only Christian on the symposium panel, say that he uses Zen-style meditation that he learned in Japan? The questions will be explored with Pastor Bob DeWaay, someone who attended the event, on Thursday’s edition of Crosstalk, 2pm Central.

UN Resolution Would Criminalize Christianity

Ingrid Schlueter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:56:15 +0000

Attorney Jay Sekulow from the American Center for Law and Justice reports on the UN Resolution that would outlaw Christian expression worldwide according to International Law. Islam is on the march. Here’s the video.

Crosstalk: Britain’s War Against Christianity

Ingrid Schlueter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:13:48 +0000

Today’s Crosstalk at 2pm Central will feature a representative from the UK’s Christian Legal Centre in London. It is hard to believe that the nation that produced some of the greatest Christian preachers and missionaries is now openly warring against the public expression of the Christian faith. Watch this short video from CBN News to see just how bad things are getting in the land of Spurgeon. It is already happening here in America.

150 Show Up for Church With Ted Haggard

Ingrid Schlueter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:18:54 +0000

Much refreshed after his gay hooker/drug scandal, the problem he publicly lied about having, Ted Haggard is already drawing a crowd in his new church ministry effort. 150 souls showed up for the privilege of hearing from Pastor Ted. These days, a gay hooker/drug scandal just makes a pastor seem more real, more authentic. Who needs someone who has all the answers, who has been faithful to the Bible and to his wife and family as a pastor? Apparently, not the 150 people showing up to learn from Mr. Haggard. To say the bar has been lowered in pastoral ministry seems a bit of an understatement these days. Here’s more from Colorado Spring’s Channel 9 News.

Joel Rosenberg, Frank Peretti to Appear with New Ager Sympathizers

Ingrid Schlueter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:28:14 +0000

Lighthouse Trails Publishing asks why Joel Rosenberg and Frank Peretti would appear at an upcoming conference with known New Age sympathizers? Maybe it’s because they have no problem with the New Spirituality. An explanation is in order.

Carrie Prejean, Sexting and a Lost Generation

Ingrid Schlueter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:28:58 +0000

Rebecca Hagelin has written a fine column on Carrie Prejean and the release of her new book. (The new book has Prejean doing the media rounds.) Hagelin gives credit where it is due, but points out the obvious—that you can’t tell the world that your goal is to be a Victoria’s Secret angel and hope to have credibility when you proclaim your Christian faith.

The issue for Carrie is not so much the past as it is the present. As I have repeatedly stated on Crosstalk as late as last week, you cannot profess to be a Christian and demand respect for your supposedly pro-family views when you’ve been cavorting in a naked fashion in front of millions of men. Breast-enhancement surgery for purposes of engendering male lust is no way to represent Jesus Christ.

Pro-family leaders (primarily male) made fools of themselves by publicly championing Carrie as the new face (and body) of conservative values. This was clearly a mistake. Featuring Carrie at the Values Voter Summit just before the sex tape announcement was rather ironic. “Nothing is private,” complained Carrie in a TV interview last week. No, Carrie, not even privates are private.

For the sake of Carrie’s soul, somebody needs to explain the rudiments of the biblical gospel to her. (Family values are not the gospel.) Her mentor can move on from there to help her understand biblical modesty and decency. Christ has been mocked and shamed, not because Carrie stood up for traditional marriage, but because she did so in a barely-there bikini.

*Update – Todd Rhoades of the Monday Morning Insight ministry blog evidently didn’t like my quote below that surgical breast enhancement is not a good way to represent Jesus Christ so he tweeted a snarky tweet on Twitter. So does Mr. Rhoades feel that surgical breast enhancement for the purpose of male is a good way to represent Jesus Christ? I’m interested in that line of thought. Does he have a wife? Does she know what her husband is saying on Twitter? Is she OK with that tweet? Do the “ministry” guys who follow Mr. Rhoades also follow the breast enhancement ministry line of thought? Just asking. (Todd has been a long time critic, for those who wonder.)*

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Case on Christian Speech

The Crosstalk Team — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:02:39 +0000

The US Supreme Court has refused to hear a free speech case involving a Christian valedictorian who had her microphone shut off while mentioning her faith at her tax-funded high school graduation. The warning of the British barrister posted earlier this morning on the Crosstalk Blog has a basis in fact. Christian speech in America is fast being outlawed. The Rutherford Institute put out this statement.

Bible Bee Fills Young Minds with Scripture

The Crosstalk Team — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:57:36 +0000

The first Bible Bee competition made the Washington Post, believe it or not. 17,000 young people were involved in Scripture memory and the mastery of 6 books of the Bible. This excellent project had children across America memorizing and storing God’s Word in their hearts. Even though only one took first prize at the competition, everyone ends up being a winner by possessing the treasure of God’s Word.