Wednesday Worldview reader: Reading the headlines through a Gospel lens | October 13, 2020
Bringing the mind of Christ to bear on the headline news of the day is the responsibility of every Christian. I’ve curated a few headlines for your consideration today as you seek to walk by faith in the world that God so loves in ways that honor Jesus. – Carmen
For those interested, there’s a unique drama playing out right now between Christianity and the 2020 U.S. Presidential election
- Appealing to Evangelicals, Trump uses religious words and references to God at a higher rate than previous presidents – TheConversation.com
- Related: Trump hasn’t ‘saved’ Christianity and Christians shouldn’t save his presidency – USA Tod
- Related: Christians form super PAC to oppose Trump –
As we approach all hallows’ eve and all saints day, its prime time to revisit the conversation about saints, questions of idolatry, superstition and spiritual forces of the evil one.
Two headlines caught my attention on the topic of saints – and reminded me that not everyone thinks particularly Biblically about the subject. Addison Bevere’s book, Saints, is very good. ICYMI, here’s my conversation with him a few months back.
As you read these articles ask yourself: What does the practice of praying to or through a dead person, like Carlo Acutis, say about the intercession of Jesus who the Bible says stands right now at the right hand of the Father interceding for us? Do I need someone in addition to Jesus to intercede? Do I need another intermediary or is Jesus all-sufficient?
- Carlo Acutis: Italian teenager could be first millennial saint
- As Pandemic rages, Mexicans pray to ‘death’ saint
As you read these two articles, ask yourself: How is my worship of Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, different than the divination of a person like the Thai king? And, what does the Bible say about the power to bless and the power to curse? Do I believe objects can be invested with such powers? Do I have anything in my house right now that might have been cursed or invested with spiritual forces of the evil one (dream catchers, runes, crystals, pagan masks/head dresses, animistic tokens from foreign countries, Ouija board, goddess altars, tokens of witchcraft or things that pay homage to dark arts). Never thought about it? Maybe its time to consider unseen things – without giving them more power than they’re due.
- The World’s richest king, his fortunes and demands for transparency (this led me to review Dr. Albert Mohler’s Briefing from 2017: https://albertmohler.com/2017/10/26/briefing-10-26-17 second segment)
- Tourist returns stolen artifacts to Pompeii after suffering ‘curse’ for 15 years
The Senate confirmation hearings are underway for Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.
Several themes have emerged but don’t miss the appreciation she showed in her opening statement for the personal nature of the universe, her husband, children and teachers, the law, and the power of prayer.
- Senator Ben Sasse: We don’t have religious tests
- Women of faith emerge as voices in the Amy Coney Barrett protests, on both sides
- If Amy Coney Barrett were Muslim
The headlines are full of evidence of ways the world seeks to redefine God’s good design.
This is complicated mess of a story but one we should plan to follow as it continues to unfold. Couple barred from fostering their 1 year old great-granddaughter because of their opposition to homosexuality and gender transitioning. Yes, really. And yes, in America.
The corporate placation of the sexual revolutionaries continues. This time, its the cookie: Oreo debuts limited edition rainbow cookies in support of LGBTQ community
So, want to know how to walk by faith in the world today? Here’s some help:
Seen the signs in yards near you? How have you responded to neighbors who post a seemingly post-Christian creed? What if we saw it as an invitation to conversation and not a declaration of political opposition? Brett McCracken joins me on 10/14 to discuss his article, Your Neighbors New Creed: In this house, we believe…
I thought this interview with Bruce Ashford about How to be faithful and flexible in politics on the Christ & Culture podcast was really helpful.
Finally, journalists have a bible too. It’s called the AP Stylebook and it’s just been edited in a way that should make us sit up and take note.
https://www.rt.com/op-ed/502288-ap-stylebook-riot-orwellian/
Okay, one more thing, “take care of my mother.”