DHD: 3 Mohler topics, Journalists & abortion, God Who asks, God & weather

by Chris Doyle | Aug 9, 2019

Greetings!

Al Mohler’s “The Briefing” podcast is back, after taking the month of July off. The president of Southern Seminary has tackled some serious cultural issues in these early days of August. For this week’s DHD I’ll highlight some of Mohler’s commentary from The Briefing but also from a fascinating article he wrote, mentioning one of my favorite political commentators.

1. Mohler on Religious Liberty

I start with Mohler’s article “Is Religious Liberty Truly In Peril?” He addresses a published debate recently provided by the Wall Street Journal. The debate features law professor Marci Hamilton and David French, whom I greatly appreciate.

Both French and Hamilton discuss the status of religious iberty in our country. As Mohler describes, Hamilton depleting religious liberty as merely “your individual, private thoughts,” which cease to be protected “once those thoughts enter the public square.”

French points out that religious liberty has been in peril for years, and Christian leaders have known about legal activists at all levels of government who have been expanding “their regulatory and ideological attacks on religious liberty.”

The most fascinating take on the exchange between French and Hamilton involves the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993, which was greatly supported by President Bill Clinton as well as other Democrat leaders in Congress. Now, Hamilton states RFRA is legislating an “extreme” new understanding of religious freedom.

Mohler’s commentary on this is excellent and should not be missed:

“What changed in the last 25 years? The culture changed. The culture that once honored religious liberty and respected it as a bedrock freedom for civil society—that culture is no more. Religious liberty now attracts the glare of the cultural left who see religious liberty as an obstacle in the path of their social transformation. They view this freedom as a socially-constructed institution of bigotry from which we must liberate ourselves. Moreover, the rise of the LGBTQ movement now pits religious liberty against the newly constructed sexual liberty—these are two, incompatible freedoms that necessarily collide. The sexual revolution believes it’s time for religious freedom to give way to its higher, newer, morally coercive ‘rights.’”

Mohler concluded his article giving warning about the current Democratic presidential candidates who if any of them would get elected will undoubtedly “dismantle religious liberty, with even greater hostility and ferocity.”

2. Mohler on California school curriculum

The next two topics baffle my mind. Check out Tuesday, Aug. 6 edition of The Briefing and hear Mohler report on the State of California’s new Ethnic Studies for high schools.

I’m actually impressed that Mohler was willing to read the entire curriculum. His conclusion was this new Ethnic Studies that will be taught in the highest populated state in America is “an absolute agenda for transforming the United States of America into a very different country, a very different culture.”

I’m also impressed on how well Mohler pronounced a few of the original terms with rather unique spellings found in this curriculum.

Here’s my favorite takeaway from Mohler’s assessment of California’s Ethnic Studies:

“We’re living in a post-modern world in which people can come up with their own truth and demand that that truth be respected in almost any circumstance, now even including spelling. The State Board there in California is coming up with its new spellings requiring its new glossary. Why would students not be able to do the very same thing?”

By the way, even the Los Angeles Times found this new study to be ridiculous.

3. Mohler on personal pronouns

Last Friday, Aug. 2, Mohler addressed other recent unconventional approaches to the English language. I’m not going to mention all that he covers because the grammar enthusiast in me gets too aggravated when even thinking about it.

Mohler reports that a New York Times columnist wants to do away with gendered singular personal pronouns and only use “They” to modify both singular and plural nouns. I did enjoy reading the explanation, even though I found it totally ridiculous.

“Our responsibility, according to the Christian worldview, is to order our language so as most faithfully to correspond to the reality that God has created,” Mohler said. “This is a moral responsibility. It’s a theological responsibility. It’s also just a natural impulse because human beings, made in the image of God, given the gift of consciousness, given the gift of language, we desperately do want our language to make sense and to be communicable, one to the other, understandable to those to whom we speak or write or communicate. If our language, if our vocabulary becomes detached from reality, it becomes not only less linguistically useful, it becomes subversive of the very idea of communication.”

I will say this Briefing is one of Mohler’s all-time best.

4. Journalists and abortion

Peggy Wehmeyer gives an excellent commentary in the Dallas Morning News on journalists covering abortion issues with impartiality.

I enjoyed reading the whole article, but here’s my favorite part:

“If evangelicals heard their moral angst over abortion clearly articulated in the media, I’m convinced they’d be far less likely to consider journalists their enemies.”

Thanks Peggy! I hope your message doesn’t fall entirely on deaf ears.

5. Importance of asking questions

Another good, thought-provoking article I read this week is by Helena Sorenson, “The God Who Asks.”

I’m still mulling through some of the contents of Sorenson’s article, but for the most part, I like how she presents God wanting to be relational and His method of asking questions.

“Isn’t it fascinating that an omniscient God, the God who knows us inside and out, should be so determined to ask questions? Turn to any passage of Scripture, Old Testament or New, and there’s a good chance you’ll catch Him in the act. In the Gospels, for example, Jesus is always walking up to someone with an obvious malady, an obvious need, and asking, “What do you want?” He makes no assumptions. Whatever information He’s gained through observation or revelation, He never misses an opportunity to ask a good question. Jesus honors the suffering people He encounters by allowing them to voice their feelings and desires. In person. Face to face. He is relentless in His pursuit of genuine relationship.”

6. God and weather

As I was trying to come up with my final topic, I turned to what was a rather unexpected rain shower this morning, which came right in the middle of a stretch of hot 100-degree days.

It made me think of Jerry Bridges’ book “Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts” and his chapter “God’s Power Over Nature.”

Here’s a challenging quote from Bridges:

“Complaining about the weather seems to be a favorite American pastime. Sadly, we Christians often get caught up in this ungodly habit of our society. But when we complain about the weather, we are actually complaining against God who sent us our weather. We are, in fact, sinning against God (See Numbers 11:1). Not only do we sin against God when we complain about the weather, we also deprive ourselves of the peace that comes from recognizing our heavenly Father is in control of it.”

DHD: Border wall & PP, Keith Swezey, French on Harris, Water & Spirit, Wilken’s dating advice, Finding a ‘black friend’

by Chris Doyle | Aug 2, 2019

Greetings!

Another week, another DHD! Thanks for reading!

1. Comparing border wall to Planned Parenthood

I read a peculiar article on the Christianity Today website. Titled “Are We Morally Distressed By What Is Taking Place at the Border?” the article’s author Sam Kim gives a rather intriguing comparison when writing his view about those coming across the southern U.S. border.

Kim wrote, “(Evangelicals supporting) …funding for a wall is the moral equivalent of those on the left who are advocating Planned Parenthood. Both policies are catalysts for the loss of life that Scripture commands us to protect. The unborn and those seeking asylum have an equal right to life. What is the moral difference between killing and letting die, when the ultimate outcome is the same?”

Speaking frankly, this comparison is too drastic and flawed. There is enough support demonstrated at the border to disqualify his conclusion of letting someone die who is near the border. It is possible to favor a border wall AND offer care to those seeking asylum. There is no care of the unborn when it comes to the abortion practices of Planned Parenthood.

I offer my own PP comparison involving Kim’s article. Just like PP, the world’s largest abortion provider, never acknowledges the life of the unborn baby, Kim never acknowledges the practices of exploitation of children and families of the Cartels at the border.

I welcome Kim and others who share a similar view to read my DHD from last week, regarding the border crisis. Yes, the church should provide care and support for those in need, especially those seeking asylum, under the purpose of advancing the Gospel and furthering God’s Kingdom, but the government should provide protection for citizens and maintain order. These purposes of the church and the government can be practiced with no discord.

2. Swezey’s stand

A well-known broadcast leader in the Oklahoma City community died earlier this week. Keith Swezey passed away on July 29 at the age of 67.

He is remembered by many in the broadcast journalism business. I read many fond comments about Keith on Facebook. He also was honored by news anchor Kerry Ogle on CBS affiliate KWTV News 9 in Ogle’s news commentary “My 2 Cents.”

“A lot of broadcast journalists have lost a mentor, but more than that Oklahoma lost a good man,” Ogle said in his introduction.

Ogle also mentioned that Keith stood “firm in his faith when given an ultimatum, knowing that it would cost him his job as news director.”

To elaborate on what happened, in 1988, Keith was working at WKY Radio when pari-mutuel gambling was on the rise with the addition of the Remington Park horse track on the east side of Oklahoma City. WKY was given the broadcast rights to cover the races and to promote the gambling wages at Remington Park. As the news director, Keith was told by the station’s management that he would be in charge of these reports. Keith refused to do these duties, and WKY let him go.

The Baptist Messenger reported Keith’s departure at WKY in the June 30, 1988 edition.

Keith went on to teach at University of Central Oklahoma, training broadcasting students. God bless Keith with the opportunity to influence others.

I have known the Swezey family for years, as we are members of the same church. I lift up Keith’s wife Dixie and his family during this time of loss.

3. French on Harris

I got to be quick for the remainder of my topics.

Check out David French’s article, responding to the Josh Harris’ fallout with Christianity. I was impressed to see French share a powerful Gospel message on the National Review website.

“The indescribably good news is that from the moment of the confession of faith, believers are not defined by their sin. They’re not defined even by their own meager virtues. They’re defined by Christ,” French wrote.

Please read the entire article and be blessed!

4. Born of water and spirit

One of my favorite Bible passages in John 3, when Nicodemus and Jesus meet. Don Carson wrote a great commentary on one of the most challenging verses in the passage.

Check out Carson’s article “What Does ‘Born of Water and the Spirit’ mean in John 3:5?”

5. Wilken on daughters and suitors

Jen Wilken is a popular Bible teacher. Her article “On Daughters and Dating: How to Intimidate Suitors” is a great read. Check it out!

6. Finding a ‘black friend’

The last article I share tells an encouraging story about Mack Bronson and Sammy Little, two Texas pastors who are a great example of racial reconciliation

 Check out “Checklist sparks friendship, opens ministry doors” and see how Little’s pursuit to find a black friend in 1995 led to him befriending Bronson and making an impact in southeast Texas.

DHD: 6 takeaways from Lankford’s speech on border crisis

by Chris Doyle | Jul 26, 2019

Greetings!

Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford reported from the floor of the Senate chambers this week about his recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border. I appreciate Sen. Lankford’s willingness to make this trek, and because he is somebody I trust (in fact, there’s nobody in current politics I trust more than James Lankford), I believe what he shared about the conditions of the border, the facilities conditions and operations of the Customs and Border Protection, as well as the operations of the cartels which involve child exploitation.

Here is a video of Lankford’s floor speech, and for this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen, I will give you my takeaways:

1. Lots of TV watching and video games playing

I start my DHD with a light-hearted take. You’ll notice at different times during Lankford’s speech, he shows pictures of the children in border agents’ custody playing video games and watching television.

I don’t know why but I chuckled a little bit when Lankford said, “You can see him playing a little Paw Patrol back at the station,” referring to the three-year-old boy whom the agents found abandoned by human smugglers.

I wouldn’t know for sure, but that may have been the first time Paw Patrol has been mentioned from the U.S. Senate.

Later, Lankford shows a photo of young people in a detention facility watching TV. “They’re sitting there watching actually Puss in Boots on the TV,” Lankford said.

So Paw Patrol and Puss in Boots are both discussed in the congressional chambers of the U.S. Government. At least I can appreciate that dogs and cats are equally represented.

2. Roles of government and church differ

On a more serious note, I would like my fellow evangelical Christian friends to understand the differences in the roles of the church and the government.

It is the role of the government to protect and support citizens. We want a strong military and police force. We must be careful about who comes to our country, especially when they take illegal measures, and because the threat of terrorism is ever present. This is the priority of the government, and everybody including evangelical Christians should value and appreciate the government’s protection.

It is the role of the church, first and foremost, to advance the Gospel and further God’s Kingdom. In doing so, the church should be caring for those in distress or times of need (James 1:27) and showing hospitality to strangers (Heb. 13:2). There are many verses in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy about respecting and caring for “foreigners.”

In 2014, Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptists’ Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, made this comment:

“The Gospel doesn’t fill in for us on the details on how we can simultaneously balance border security and respect for human life in this case. But the Gospel does tell us that our instinct ought to be one of compassion toward those in need, not disgust or anger.

“The border crisis will take careful work by government leaders. And it will take a church willing to pray and to love. Our answer to the border crisis cannot be quick and easy. But, for the people of God, our consciences must be informed by a Kingdom much more ancient and more permanent than the United States.”

Again, Moore made this statement in 2014. Who was the U.S. president in 2014? I’ll get to that in my next point.

Notice, though, the emphasis Moore made on balancing border security and respect for human life. He said the border crisis, which even existed five years ago, “will take careful work by government leaders.” He then emphasized the church separately, saying the consciences of the people of God “must be informed by (God’s Kingdom).”

It is important for Christians to understand the differences in the roles of the Church and the government when it comes to border security.

I welcome you to read a great commentary from former executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Anthony Jordan.

In 2014, in his column titled “Our primary effort,” Jordan emphatically explained the role of the church.

“We have declared our desire to show compassion on everyone, whether legal or illegal,” he wrote. “Our churches have not and do not stop people at the door and inquire as to their legal status.”

He also said churches should never violate the law in regard to immigrants.

Please note how different both church and government should be when it comes to handling the border crisis.

3. President Obama’s involvement

So, as I pointed out, the border crisis has existed well before President Trump was in office. Lankford also mentioned this in his speech, and he specifically calls out President Obama and his administration in response to the recent blame given to Trump:

“You see, the famous ‘kids in cages’ facility that President Trump has taken so much heat for is actually a facility in McAllen, Texas, they call the central processing facility. It was stood up in 2014 and 2015 when President Obama was facing a rush of children coming across the border with no place to put them. And so President Obama’s team, Jeh Johnson as the Secretary of DHS, built a facility in McAllen to be able to hold children there. That’s the facility that President Trump is getting blamed for—President Obama and his team actually designed and built. Now, is it a great facility for children? No. I don’t think it is. Nor is it the fault of Border Patrol, though, that it’s a bad facility. They’re using what they have to be able to manage the crisis that’s happening in front of them. But I’m tired of hearing people say that President Trump is trying to be able to throw all these kids out and treat them so miserable when that is not the case.”

Yes, Senator, I’m tired of hearing it too.

I have said in previous DHDs I’m not an avid Trump supporter. I even mentioned I did not vote for Trump in the previous election. I left that portion of the ballot blank, offering an anti-vote. But I want people to present the facts honestly.

If you are on a crusade on the border crisis and are blaming President Trump, why were you not shouting from your stump during the Obama years? It makes your actions appear more politically enticed.

4. Cartel’s involvement

To those who genuinely have concern for those who are crossing the border illegally—seeing these people wanting asylum and desiring to live in America for a better life—your intentions are noble.

However, as Lankford pointed out, be aware of how the cartel (criminal organization) is using people, especially young children, to cross the border for their financial gain.

“Cartels are making millions and millions of dollars exploiting children,” Lankford said. “They are smuggling children and families across the border. If you’re an individual, a single individual, it costs $8,000 now to be able to cross the border, and you pay a toll to the cartels, both to the traffickers and smugglers that are moving people, that $8,000, and then an additional fee to actually physically cross the border at the time of the cartel’s choosing in that area. But if you bring a child with you, it’s half price; it’s $4,000. The incentive now is: it is cheaper to be able to cross this area if you bring a child because the cartel knows, ‘I don’t have to sneak you over the wall. All I have to do is be able to get you to the border and drop you off.’”

Lankford pointed out the cartel used to use 10-, 11-, 12-year-olds, but because these children are able to tell the border agents who they are, the cartel are now using three-year-olds.

Are there innocent people genuinely seeking asylum and a better life? Yes, but the business of the cartels has been happening since the 1980s, and they are playing the system while exploiting children and families for their financial gain. Please don’t discredit this and understand how difficult it can be to handle this border crisis.

5. False reporting

Lankford also debunked the false accusations of the treatment of immigrants in the border facilities.

“One of the things that I’ve heard so many times is ‘these kids can’t even brush their teeth because Americans are so mean and because the Border Patrol are so ruthless to them.’ I went to five different facilities, and every facility I asked to see their supply room,” Lankford said. He mentioned he saw 87,000 toothbrushes as well as other hygiene products, along with many snacks and supplies.

Lankford pointed out the border agents are personally paying for clothing and other materials to provide for children.

“Are facilities overcrowded? Absolutely there are. The people that struggle with that the most are actually members of the Border Patrol because they have been exceptionally frustrated that they’re not getting more support and more ability to be able to transition people out of their facilities into actual detention facilities,” Lankford said.

6. ‘Go with the angel every time’

I conclude with sharing Lankford’s closing comments:

“I will never forget last year sitting with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, and as we discussed solutions to immigration, one of my Democratic colleagues said out loud, ‘I haven’t decided what I want to do on this yet. There’s an angel on one shoulder saying this problem needs to be solved, and there’s a devil on my other shoulder saying, this is the greatest political weapon I have against the President. Why would I give it up? And I haven’t decided which way I’m going to go yet’. I looked at them and said, ‘Here’s a basic rule of thumb I try to live by: when there’s an angel and a devil talking to you, go with the angel every time.’ This is something we should do, and we should stop playing political games and trying to hurt the President and ignore the obvious solutions that we all should see. This is not a partisan issue. This is a humanity issue. Let’s go solve it together.”

DHD: Moon communion, SBU, PP, Thunder, 13 Reasons Why, MedAdvance

by Chris Doyle | Jul 19, 2019

Greetings!

I am taking some time to do this week’s DHD while I’m covering the MedAdvance Conference at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. I’ll give a report in one of my talking points.

1. Moon landing communion

Tomorrow, July 20, will be the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission landing on the moon. I was all of nine months when this occurred, but it is a fascinating occurrence of man walking on the moon.

Joe Carter offers an excellent explainer about a great observance by Buzz Aldrin who had communion (Lord’s Supper) while on the moon.

A couple of takeaways from Carter’s article:

• Aldrin was quoted in 1970: “One of the principal symbols is that God reveals himself in the common elements of everyday life.”
• The communion observance was kept low key in order not to draw controversy, such as the lawsuit in response to the reading of the Book of Genesis during the Apollo 8 mission.
• The church that supported Aldrin commemorates the moon communion service every year.

2. Mo. SBC-affiliated university challenged

The Statement of Faith of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. was reported by Baptist Press to be under investigation by a peer assessment committee.

The reports seem positive, though SBU doctrinal position “appeared to be ambiguous.”

This caught my eye due to the fact many institutions of higher education that have Christian affiliations have appeared to veer away from foundations of the faith, including Scriptural instruction.

I pray SBU responds properly and will stand strong in the faith.

3. Planned Parenthood leadership change

Something that flew under the radar this week is a rather quick change in leadership with Planned Parenthood.

Baptist Press reported Leana Wen has been removed as president of the world’s largest abortion provider. You should check out this BP article because it shares information that may not be found in other news sources.

BP reported that Wen was removed from her position “10 days after she wrote for The Washington Post about her miscarriage in June. She did not indicate any change of heart on abortion when she said the experience has made her ‘commitment to women’s health even stronger.’”

I also appreciate Abby Johnson’s comment of compassion for Wen. A former Planned Parenthood clinic director, Johnson tweeted for “Pro-lifers” to “to reach out to (Wen) in love. Let us also remember that she is a woman grieving the loss of a miscarried child. Let us treat her with care, not callousness.”

It is a shame Al Mohler is not giving Briefing reports in July. I would be curious to know if he would have offered a take on this PP leadership change.

4. Netflix cuts suicide scene from ’13 Reasons Why’

Another BP story reported this week that Netflix cut a graphic suicide scene from its streaming of the series 13 Reasons Why.

Many organizations applauded the move by Netflix including Parents Television Council (PTC) and American Council for Suicide Prevention (ACSP).

“Netflix has finally acknowledged the harmful impact that explicit content, such as the graphic suicide scene in 13 Reasons Why is capable of inflicting on children,” PTC said. “While we applaud Netflix for making this responsible decision, we call on the company to redouble its efforts to protect children from harmful content.”

“If the vulnerable individual sees a fictional character struggling and then dying by suicide,” AFSP said, “the vulnerable viewer can become more at risk of imitating this suicidal behavior.”

I know many who have spoken against this popular show. I pray this could only be the beginning of the entertainment industry being held responsible for its productions and offering better, constructive, life-encouraging content.

5. Thunder thoughts

People are wondering what are my thoughts about the recent, drastic changes that have happened with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When the Paul George trade happened I was floored, just like everybody else.

Since then, I’ve just been in “wait-and-see” mode. I’ve had some various ideas on how the Thunder would continue through this offseason, but I’m not going to hold my breath. Obviously, though, it is apparent they are hitting the reset and basically starting over.

Expectations are low, and that’s OK. I’m never one to go major “gloom and doom” when it comes to the Thunder.  It means we have to look at the Thunder a little differently this season.

The good news is, my second favorite Thunder person is still in charge. Sam Presti fascinates me. His job is hard, and it appears to have gotten harder, especially with many fans spewing negative venom his way. However, I am confident that Sam is the man!

My first favorite Thunder person is no longer with the Thunder. I will miss my fist bump buddy, Russell Westbrook. It will be hard to see him playing for the Rockets, but I don’t have any ill feelings for him. Hopefully, when the Rockets come to town, he will make one more visit down the scorer’s table.

6. MedAdvance

Real quick, let me tell you about this conference I am currently attending. MedAdvance is an International Missions Board annual event, and it is making its first appearance in Oklahoma.

Many medical missionaries from around the world are here to share their stories and to network with others in the medical profession.

I’ll be doing a story for the Baptist Messenger about MedAdvance, but the stories I hear and the camaraderie and fellowship I have witnessed are encouraging.

Also, it has been reported this is the largest attendance for MedAdvance. God is doing great work through doctors, nurses and other medical professionals!