by Chris Doyle | Nov 9, 2018
Greetings!
It’s been a few days, but I think the mid-term elections that happened earlier this week are still a major topic of conversation.
This week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen gives commentary relating to both state and national election issues.
- Questioning ‘How to Vote’
I don’t get it. Why do Christian writers/leaders downplay the issue of abortion in America? Jonathan Leeman wrote a good pre-election piece “How to Vote Today.” Scroll down to his third point “Vote Strategically,” where he wrote “American Christians today have their own baby dilemma. One party claims to care for babies in the womb. Another party claims to care about babies at the border.”
He compared the issue of abortion to the confusing condition involving children of immigrants. Am I wrong, or does it sound like he thinks abortion is a negotiable issue? As a conservative Christian, I don’t think there are any exceptions to the horrible practice of abortion in America, especially considering the thousands of unborn babies that are aborted by Planned Parenthood.
Leeman presents liberals supporting abortion practices is equal to the loose interpretation of what has been reported of children being separated by their immigrant parents at the borders.
I do care about those children and wish the border conditions could improve, while also making sure our country is safe. I would challenge Leeman or anybody else defending those who claim to “care about babies at the border” to ask their defendants what they think about the unborn and would they give up supporting abortion. Abortion and immigration are not on the same plane when it comes to critical priority.
Even Russell Moore, who demonstrates sympathy toward those involved in immigration, has said he hopes abortion will one day become unthinkable.
- How to respond
Dan Darling wrote a great piece on Lifeway Voices website titled “4 Ways Christians Should Respond to the Elections.” I appreciate all four of Darling’s points.
“There is much to lament about America’s growing incivility and it could lead, in the future, to increasing instability,” Darling wrote. “When Christians engage in tribal partisanship, it damages our Christian witness. But we should be thankful for the privilege of free elections and the stewardship God has granted us to use our influence to shape the governments who lead us.”
- Oklahoma Governor race
In last week’s DHD, I predicted that Drew Edmondson would be the next governor of Oklahoma. Not only was I wrong, I was way off. In spite of my failure to prognosticate, I am thankful.
I voted for Kevin Stitt because I knew he was a pro-life candidate, and that’s most important. Edmondson not only was for abortion, but he was not a good fit for Oklahoma right now. His intention to raise taxes could have been a disaster for the state’s economy.
What this also means is I’m looking forward to the next Rose Day on the first Wednesday of February. Stitt will be invited to speak, and I’m predicting he will receive a roaring welcome at the rally in the State House.
- Education and the election
Education was a major factor for many with the Oklahoma elections. Many candidates won because of the dissatisfaction of the educational system in the state.
One state question on this year’s ballot involved funding for education. SQ 801 would have allowed local control of funds for districts and allowed districts to use ad valorem for any purpose, not just building and maintenance. This includes increased teacher pay and increased classroom funding.
However, despite all the clamor for increased educational funding and increased teachers’ pay, SQ 801 did not pass. After all the demonstrations at the State Capitol, after all the emotions expressed on social media and in the news, after all the reminders of “Remember in November,” when a tangible process is proposed through a state ballot, this gets rejected.
Thanks to my friend Christi Roselle, here is the response from Oklahoma Education Association:
“We are pleased Oklahoma voters rejected SQ 801. They want to continue directly ad valorem property tax dollars to school maintenance, repairs, upkeep and construction of school district facilities and property. SQ 801 would have caused an even greater financial gap between wealthy and poor school districts, and it would have shifted the responsibility of funding teacher salaries to local school boards instead of keeping it where it belongs — the responsibility of the Oklahoma Legislature.”
OEA was a major instigator in the ruckus last spring. They are not about solutions. If they were, they would have supported the state question, which would have allowed districts to decide what to do for their educational systems. They do not want school boards to be in charge of their teachers. OEA wants to decide for all districts and wants to continue to breed class warfare.
Teachers, if you really want things to improve, weaken the power and the negative influence of the OEA.
- Steve Russell
One of the biggest surprises, if not the biggest, that happened on Election Night in Oklahoma is U.S. Congressman Steve Russell losing to Kendra Horn.
I feel bad for Russell, but in hindsight, there appears to be three factors for why he lost:
- Passive campaigning. Horn went on the major attack, especially late, on Russell. Unfortunately, Russell did not respond aggressively. In fact, he was barely visible in the final days leading to Nov. 6.
- Out-financed. It appears that Horn received significant campaign funding from out-of-state sources. Russell, reportedly, did not put much money into his campaign. Perhaps he thought he did not have to do so in order to win – and considering a Republican has won District 5 the last 40-plus years, you can’t entirely blame him – but Russell definitely was behind in visibility apparently because of low financing.
- Changing demographics. It appears NW OKC has become less conservative recently. If you look at the state map of the governor’s race, Stitt won the majority of the counties, except for the north and central part of OKC. This may need to be considered in future elections, if a conservative candidate runs for office representing this area.
- Future elections
Here’s my weekly Al Mohler reference. He gave a lot of analysis related to the elections this week in “The Briefing”. In his Thursday edition, he addressed the 2020 presidential election.
“Welcome to the 2020 presidential election political cycle, because it’s here,” he said. “And we’re going to be watching which Democrats actually gain some traction as they try to advance towards the Democratic presidential nomination. Huge issues here and those who are thinking in worldview analysis will understand that the eventual nominee will represent the worldview that will shape the Democratic Party towards the future.”
He points out how the Democratic Party is obviously favoring the extreme liberal philosophy. “That party has been surging to the left, lurching, lunging to the left over the course of the last couple of years and there is no indication as of Tuesday’s election that there is anything likely to even slow down that process,” he said.
This causes me to wonder about how Christians continue to express support or even sympathy for the Dems, if they continue down this path. I am not an aggressive promoter of the GOP, and I do realize the Republicans have flaws of their own. But there doesn’t seem to be justification in my mind to even entertain a favorable nod to anything the Democrats want to accomplish.
But as Mohler points out, 2020 elections have begun!
by Michael Foust | Nov 9, 2018
The animated movie “The Grinch” (PG) opens in theaters this weekend, giving us what our reviewer says is close to being the perfect family-friendly film.
He hates snowmen. He despises upbeat music. He even wears “Mold Spice” body spray. And the welcome mat outside his home? It reads, “Seriously, Go Away!”
He is the infamous Mr. Grinch – the green creature who loathes anything filled with joy and who lives in a mountaintop abode, overlooking the happy-go-lucky people of Whoville.
If Mr. Grinch had his way, he would never encounter the citizens of this lovely village. But he has no choice, as Whoville is home to the region’s only grocery store, and he’s running low on food.
Thus, Mr. Grinch descends the mountain during one cold December day to purchase a few provisions he hopes will last him until spring. While there, he sees everything he detests: Christmas carolers, colorful lights and laughing children. He also bumps into a friendly citizen who tells him that Whoville’s mayor wants this year’s Christmas to be three times bigger than it’s ever been.
Once back at his home, Mr. Grinch decides he’s had enough of happiness, and thus begins plotting to stop Whoville’s Christmas celebration. He will dress like Santa, sneak into the city on Christmas Eve and take everything related to the holiday, including the lights, decorations and gifts.
“I’m going to steal their Christmas,” he tells his trusty dog, Max.
Will his plan work?
The animated movie The Grinch (PG) opens in theaters this weekend, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) as Mr. Grinch, actor and composer Pharrell Williams as the narrator, Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) as Donna Who, and Cameron Seely (The Greatest Showman) as Cindy Lou Who.
It is based on the children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel and is the second big-screen adaptation of the story, following the 2000 live-action movie starring Jim Carrey.
The newest film largely follows the book and tells how Cindy Lou Who and the citizens of Whoville helped change Mr. Grinch’s outlook on life. Indeed, his heart grows three sizes at the end of the movie. The film also fills in the gaps by answering a few questions not addressed in the Dr. Seuss book, such as: Why was Mr. Grinch’s heart too small in the first place?
The Grinch is a funny and charming family-friendly movie that is full of the same positive lessons seen in the book. It also includes a few Christ-centric Christmas songs that take center stage. Minus a couple of moments of rude humor, it could be rated G.
Warning: minor/moderate spoilers!
(Scale key: none, minimal, moderate, extreme)
Violence/Disturbing
Minimal. The Grinch destroys a boy’s snowman, and then throws a snowball at him. Slapstick humor is used occasionally; the Grinch gets accidentally slingshot from his mountaintop perch into a huge tree. Later, he is sledding down a hill when he runs headfirst into a tree.
Sexuality/Sensuality/Nudity
None. We see the Grinch getting ready in the morning in his underwear. He exercises in a speedo-like outfit. A boy’s Santa-like clothes are ripped off by a robotic contraption; he covers himself with a cookie (This likely is what prevented the movie from being rated G).
Coarse Language
None. One “geez” and one or two variations of “stupid.”
Other Positive Elements
Donna Who is a hard-working single mom who works all night and then takes care of her children during the day. As Cindy Lou Who says, it’s “not fair.” Cindy Lou Who decides to ask Santa to help make her mom happy. In fact, it’s her only request to him.
The song God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is sung by carolers, and we hear several times the lyric “Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day.” Later, a family sings Silent Night as they gather in their home.
For the most part, children in the movie obey their parents.
Life Lessons
The Grinch is full of positive messages, led by Cindy Lou’s selflessness and Whoville’s display of joy despite their gifts and decorations being stolen. When you combine those messages, you get a powerful refutation of our society’s selfish and materialistic view of Christmas (“He didn’t steal Christmas. He just stole stuff. … Christmas is in here,” Donna Who says, pointing to her heart). Even though we never hear that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” it’s nevertheless great fodder for a post-movie discussion with the family.
The movie also has a loud message about caring for others and reaching out to people in need. The Grinch hates Christmas because he is lonely. He’s lonely because he grew up an orphan and never received love (or gifts) at Christmas. He subsequently turned bitter.
Worldview/Application
I grew up reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I know the story by heart. Yet as I sat in the theater and watched the big-screen adaptation, I began viewing it as a modern-day parable – that is, a story with a moral lesson. The lesson(s): Stop worrying about the “stuff” that too often distracts us. Live an unselfish life. Care for those who are lonely and in need.
How many people around us are like the Grinch? They’re scarred and hurting due to something in their past. They need love. They need Jesus.
True, The Grinch isn’t a Christian story in the traditional sense, but its positive themes have their basis in Scripture.
Jesus said it best: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
What I Liked
The animation. The humor. The script. It’s close to being a perfect children’s film.
What I Didn’t Like
The potty humor isn’t over the top, but why include it? This movie was so close to gaining a “G” rating.
Discussion Questions
- Why was the Grinch the way he was? What caused him to change from his evil ways?
- Do you know someone who is lonely? How could you help bring him/her joy?
- What does the movie teach us about Christmas gifts and decorations? Are they bad?
- What can you do to keep the focus on Christ this Christmas?
Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Rated PG for brief rude humor.
by Hannah Hanzel | Nov 8, 2018
I sat with my sister in our floor seats in the Oklahoma City Civic Center. She was tickled to death to be there, and I was prouder than ever, having supplied our tickets to this live performance. Hello Dolly had been a favorite show of ours for years, thanks to Barbara Streisand’s stunning performance in the 1969 film. Soon the lights dimmed, the conductor tapped his baton, and we were transported to the colorful life of New York City in the early 1900s.
Not long into the musical, Mr. Horace Vandergelder seized the stage with a posse of men. The chorus of their hit number flowed from the orchestra seats back to where we sat, “Yes, it takes a woman, a dainty woman, a sweetheart, a mistress, a wife!” They went on to list a woman’s role in the household, like joyously cleaning out the drain in the sink and dumping the ashes. Even for an early 20th century woman, the song would have been slightly patronizing and demeaning.
It called for a good belly laugh as the song permeated the historic theater’s cheery atmosphere. But a woman like myself had to have left the theater thinking of what has changed for women since that time period. Is there still a mentality of silent women in silent homes, silently completing chores?
I should say not… for better or for worse, who knows? Women now can be assertive, meek, bold, shy, fat, skinny, lazy, or active. In short, we have freedom. We have “the vote”! We have a voice. We have representatives in entertainment, politics, religion, pop culture, the news, sports, the home, education and more! There seems to be no limit for a bright and driven woman these days.
And yet, we do have limits. We have weaknesses as well as strengths. For a Christian woman, our identity is continually under attack. Our attackers vary from leaders in religious organizations to liberal feminists; from ex-boyfriends to college professors. Our assailants come from every direction, ever compelling us to surrender to their ideas of who we are and what our role is.
But what does God say about women?
As He is my Creator, His opinion matters very much to me. His voice should be louder than feminists and fundamentalists combined! But we don’t talk about God’s opinion. We talk about our own, and we talk about others’. This blog is not to share my feelings or express my frustration as a woman, but it is to discuss and provide truth. The only truth comes from God’s Word.
Listed below are three key things that God, through the power of His authors and Holy Spirit, spoke of women and their role in Holy Scripture. We will observe what this means for both men and women:
- God lets women lead men. This may quickly become the most argued point in my blog. Recall that we are using Scripture as our plumb line. Judges 4 tells part of the story of an amazing prophetess named Deborah. In this passage Barak surrenders his right as leader, in order to see victory through Deborah.
- What this means for Men: Barach was not willing to trust God for the victory in his leadership role. Before assuming any authority, Deborah made clear that if she were to go with him, Barach would not receive any praise or personal victory. When men will not lead, God will rise up women to lead in their place. Men, remember that God is not limited to using one gender to bring about His victory. Recognize the abilities of the women around you and do not assume you deserve the right to lead.
- What this means for Women: Deborah did not pursue the opportunity to lead. She did not kick able-bodied men out of the way to assert herself. Likewise, if the Lord should call a women to lead, we must be willing to humble ourselves and recognize God’s power. Women, follow the men God has placed in authority, but be prepared spiritually should the Lord ever call you to lead as well.
- God equally respects and equips women. In John 4, Jesus Christ stops at a well to interact with a woman. He does not patronize her. He does not comment on her looks or abilities. He seeks her soul and reveals her value in Him. He equips her as He did His disciples and as He equips us even now… with Living Water. The amazing thing about the Living Water is that He has not poured more into a man’s cup than into a woman’s cup. Rather, the Living Water is poured into each cup in equal amounts.
- What this means for Men: Jesus not only stopped to speak plainly and intelligently with a woman, but He also did not even justify that being an unusual thing for the time. The disciples desired to question his actions in talking with the woman (John 4:27), but even they did not question Him. Men, respect and recognize where you are equal with women. They are not intellectually weaker or less spiritually equipped than you.
- What this means for Women: Do not believe the lie that women are “less than” or that women are “more than.” Do not let a man belittle you, but do not rob a man of the opportunity to exercise his respect for you.
- God made women. First Corinthians 11 addresses women’s and men’s role in life very explicitly. Something that often gets misconstrued in this passage is where women come from – man or God? Let’s be clear on this basic truth. Women were created by God out of man. God created man, so there is no room for boasting on the man’s part when it comes to the woman’s being.
- What this means for Men: You only have the authority that has been given to you by God, the Creator. Do you use your authority over women to assert yourself or to demean them? Or do you see the authority as a gracious gift to exercise for God’s glory? How you answer these questions will reveal much of who you are as a man… let alone a man of God.
- What this means for Women. You are first and foremost under God’s authority. He directs your paths and plans your steps. If His plan involves a man in authority over you, you must see it as an opportunity to be loved well and to glorify God. Do not see it as a place of slavery or injustice.
There are about a million and one things we could cover based on what Scripture says about the relationship between men and women. These are three that I chose to address as they are of great importance to me.
The value of women in the Church, workplace, home, politics, classroom and so many other places should never be overlooked. The value of men in the Church, workplace, home, politics, classroom, and so many other places should never be overlooked. God is not restricted in His love nor in His ability to use a person with a willing heart, whatever gender. Let us reflect our Blessed Redeemer in this.
by Andy Peck | Nov 7, 2018
“Only you can waste your time” my pastor Mike Burt said as he mentored me during my college years. Pastor Burt said that he never left home without his Bible and a good book. He would read while getting his oil changed, study Scripture while waiting for food at a restaurant and finish off his favorite novel while in the waiting room at the doctor’s office.
As a person from the newly designated “Xennial” Generation, I came from the time of typewriters and being in awe at my stepmom’s “car phone” that was literally bolted into her car. I listened to the sound of my stepdad’s 28.8 modem and was impressed when AOL loaded that much faster when we upgraded to the 56k.
But regarding handheld devices, I was an early adopter. I used a version of the Palm Pilot, starting early in my college career, and upgrading to a smart phone upon the encouragement of my buddy who was always on the cusp of new technology.
I was blessed with a generous church just after seminary, and they provided iPhones for all of us pastors, I’ve never gone back.
I’m writing today about a time-saving, knowledge-increasing, life and ministry blessing feature that is available at our finger tips in this era of smart phones. I’m talking about audio books, and because my mom taught me to be a thrift-aholic, specifically FREE audio books, I’m referring to Hoopla and OverDrive.
I discovered Audible (a pay service) in March 2017 when I completed a 2,400 mile round trip drive to Alabama for some Air Force training. Every few states I’d complete another book, and I found myself shelling out $15 each time zone I hit.
Audible is a well-developed service, and you can get the audio version of books almost as soon as they hit the shelves. But for most books, especially Christian classics, novels that are a few years old, and other great titles, they are available for FREE on Hoopla and OverDrive.
For simplicity, I will focus the rest of the article on Hoopla since that is what I have the most experience with, but both are great. Head to the app store on your Apple or Android device, and download the app for free. Then, if you don’t have one already, go get a free membership at your local/county library. The app will ask you for your library membership number and PIN code.
Once you input that info and establish a username/password, you are good to go! Hoopla allows you to “borrow” five e-books, audio books, audio CDs, and more digital content each month. For audio books, it gives you access to them for three weeks and then auto-returns them.
If you weren’t done listening to a title, simply click “borrow” again, and it immediately restores your access and puts you right back where you were. I recently splurged for some AirPods and have thankfully found myself using them multiple times each day.
I listen to audiobooks during my ride to work each day, the entire time at the gym three times week (that’s the goal), and even while on my lunch break. I only have to use one AirPod to listen, and most people probably have no clue that I’m learning about theology, studying a new subject or taking an adventure in a classic novel.
Even when limited to paper books, my pastor’s goal in college was to read one book for pleasure and one book for knowledge/ministry per week – a goal I’ve never come close to achieving. But now with services like Hoopla and others, I’m able to finish about a book every week or two, much more than when I was limited to paper books (I’ve never been able to get into e-books).
Here’s a quick tip: listen to books on 1.25x, 1.5x, or faster to make it through them that much faster. It’s okay to slow down sometimes and just ENJOY a good novel at regular speed as well.
Consider adding Hoopla or another free audio book service to your toolkit today.
by Brian Hobbs | Nov 6, 2018
Forty years ago, the world heard about Louise Brown, the first “test-tube baby,” born by what was then a new “reproductive technology” called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Fast forward to today, and most families and communities personally know someone who has participated in IVF.
The rise and widespread practice of IVF—from Louise Brown to today—happened with relatively little discussion when compared to other issues. Yet it brings with it a whole host of ethical dilemmas and even some unintended consequences.
Consider a consequence being seen in the U.K., where according to a BBC report, the IVF rate is up while the adoption rate is down. To be specific, “In the last 40 years since the first ‘test-tube baby’ was born, adoptions in England and Wales have fallen by 62 percent. Meanwhile, IVF success rates for women under 35 have nearly tripled.”
What we see in our neighbors across the pond has implications for us in the United States, which can cause Christians to pause and reflect.
When dealing with hot topics like IVF, we must remember this is connected to couples, real women and men, who are experiencing the anguish of infertility. The infertility struggle can be devastating, affecting an estimated 10 percent of the population.
Thankfully, we serve a God who cares and sees the suffering of those who are infertile. In reading the Scriptures, we see that infertility is a topic that God cares about. Because we believe every life is sacred, we give thanks for everyone helped through infertility. Further, we give thanks for every child who has been conceived through IVF, knowing they are made in the image of God and have infinite worth and value (Gen. 1:27).
When issues surrounding infertility come up, it can be difficult for Christians to navigate. That is why I am thankful there are resources to help us, like a helpful new book, written by an Oklahoma Baptist University ethics professor Matthew Arbo. His book, Walking through Infertility: Biblical, Theological, and Moral Counsel for Those Who Are Struggling, is an ethics primer but also a pastoral guide.
Arbo’s book offers comfort and compassion for all those who struggle with infertility, providing hope and help on key issues ranging from adoption to IVF, foster care to medical treatments.
Regarding IVF, Arbo said in a recent interview, “There are a couple things I say in the book. One is for couples who are thinking about (IVF), then one for that couple that has already and who face other kinds of questions about what to do… It is important to realize that it isn’t a treatment; it is an option. We’re not treating the person; we are externalizing reproductive matter.
“There are some theological concerns about the disconnect between procreation and the sexual act between a man and a woman in a marriage covenant. It was the way it was designed by God. Although it is understandable why a couple might want to have a child of their own, it would be a mistake to pursue that course when the means of achieving it are questionable. There also is a back story to IVF. It required clinical research to refine its techniques. In refining those techniques, there was a destruction of hundreds of thousands of embryos, and that was an acceptance of the practice in order to refine the techniques of IVF.
“Another concern is enhanced risk. Any couple that procreates naturally accepts that. There are risks in that we don’t know. But with IVF there is an acceptance of an enhanced risk, with all the moving parts and the storage and personnel.
“Then lastly is the concern about unintended consequences. We don’t know sometimes what will happen. A couple could decide to have six or seven eggs fertilized in a clinic and have them stored and have a few children through that measure, then conceive naturally. They then have embryos still frozen, and they don’t know if they want to still have those children. That is an example of an unintended consequence. You can avoid that by not pursuing IVF. I have tried to do this in the right sort of tone and give a proper moral assessment. That is why I say I caution against (IVF).”
Today, as we mark the 40th anniversary of Louise Brown, let’s thank God for her life and for every single person conceived through IVF, as well as for every couple helped through infertility.
Meanwhile, we can take time to reflect further about the ethics and consequences of this reproductive technology that, four decades ago surprised the world and that is still with us every day.
by Emily Howsden | Nov 5, 2018
We are entering the season where we most often gather. Whether we gather for family functions, work parties, “friendsgivings” or any other reason to come together with loved ones, it’s a busy season of fellowship.
This just happens to be my favorite time of year. I love community and all that comes with it—the good, the bad and even the ugly.
As you enter into people’s homes, I want you to look for something. Look for any kind of décor that has to do with, or even says the word, “Gather.”
Have you noticed the recent trend of “Gather” home décor? My husband and I have a large wooden sign in our kitchen with the popular verse Matthew 18:20 printed on it which reads,
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”
This verse is one thing that I advise myself, and everyone reading, that we keep in mind this holiday season.
You see, all of the “gather” paraphernalia means nothing, in my opinion, unless when you gather you do so as if the Lord is there among us. If we aren’t gathering out of love and to lift each other up, than those words are reduced to useless décor.
When we gather as believers, we should gather with the intention that, each time we come together, we leave each other better than we were before we came.
This concept shouldn’t only be applied to holiday gatherings; rather, it should be applied to our lives as Christ-followers.
In the Bible, when Jesus traveled, He did so with the intention of sharing the Gospel. As Christians, we are to be like Christ, and proclaiming the Gospel wherever we go is the biggest and best way we can glorify Him as we gather this season.
Inevitably, you will have to tag along to a party or dinner that you hadn’t originally planned to attend, or maybe you aren’t keen on some of the people present. Consider these times your time to shine as a Christian!
Resist the urge to argue politics. Resist the urge to pick a fight with your siblings. Instead, meet every opportunity for chaos with the fruits of the spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).
Gather with purpose this holiday season. Gather as if the Lord is among you and your company.