Current Events Archives

Are “Thoughts & Prayers” Enough?

Do you get the feeling that we’ve crossed a line in this country?

I do.

As I mentioned yesterday, the most recent outburst of bloodshed and mayhem – the tragic gunning down of twenty-six worshipers at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas – has left most of us breathless and reeling.

It’s dawning on us that, somehow or other, senseless violence has become the “new norm” in America.

Again and again celebrities, news anchors, and politicians have responded to this unthinkable situation with a familiar refrain:

“We’re sending thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.”

Most of us appreciate their sentiments.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, faith November 8, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tears in Texas

Not again.

That was my first thought Sunday when I learned about the tragic shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

As you know by now, 26 people were killed when a gunman burst into the 11 A.M service of the small congregation and opened fire.

The youngest victim was a pre-born child. The oldest was 77. The church pastor’s 14-year-old daughter was also murdered.

Additionally, 20 congregants were wounded.

Reports today suggest the gunman was deeply disturbed and motivated by a dispute with his ex-wife’s family.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, news, pastors November 7, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Hear from the Coach who was Fired for Praying Silently

In August, I wrote about a Washington State high school football coach named Joe Kennedy who was fired for praying silently, after the game, on the field’s 50-yard-line.

At the time, I was incredulous.

As a former teenage boy who was once helped by a man in the mold of Coach Kennedy, I suggested we need more men like him.

Instead of firing him, school officials should be feting him!

In the months since I first spoke up in his defense, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know this good man personally.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, religious liberty November 6, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Save the Adoption Tax Credit!

Yesterday’s release of the Republican’s “Tax Cuts and Job Act” fulfills a long-anticipated campaign promise dating back to 2016. At 429 pages, the proposed legislation is still being carefully reviewed and assessed, but we’ve learned enough about it to offer an initial reaction.

First, I’m grateful for tax reform and tax cuts for the middle class. In the current proposal, the Child Tax Credit will go to $1600 from $1000, plus an additional $300 credit for each parent and non-child dependent.

Topics: Current Events Tags: adoption, policy November 3, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Amazing Stories About Persecuted Christians

Pastor Farid ministers in war-torn – and predominantly Muslim – Syria. Death threats against him are so common he can’t track them all. Except for the one instance that he was able to count them. Thirty. He knew that because they were spray painted and numbered on the front of his home.

Number one, this is how we’re going to kill you. Number two, this is how we’re going to kill your wife. Number three, this is how we’re going to kill your children.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, religious liberty November 3, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Three Thoughts about the New York City Terror Attack

Terror made its way to American streets again this week in New York City.

The weapon? A rented pickup truck.

The result? Six innocent people died instantly. Two additional people died later from the injuries they received.

The suspect is a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan claiming the Muslim faith who was “radicalized domestically” according to authorities. He became sympathetic to ISIS and learned about the terror group’s tactics right here on our shores. Although he acted alone, he left a note in his truck saying he committed the barbaric attack in the name of ISIS.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news November 1, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Remember the 500 Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with’“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’ (VIDEO)

It was 500 years ago today that Martin Luther was famously reported to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of a Wittenberg church.

At the time, Luther only wanted to talk about his opposition to the sale of indulgences to absolve sin; he never thought his call for debate would lead to changing the religious and cultural history of the world.

But that was, of course, what happened – and Protestant Christianity was born.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith October 31, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Jane Doe’s Legal Battle to Abort Exposes Reality of Legalized Abortion

It’s a story that’s intertwining two contentious issues of our day: abortion and immigration.

I’m talking, of course, of the case out of Texas involving a pregnant 17-year-old girl being held in a federal detention center since crossing the border illegally in September. This unaccompanied minor, “Jane Doe,” is 15 weeks pregnant and is trying to get an abortion.

Her case ended up in the court system, with the government arguing in court that it does not have a duty to “facilitate” an abortion.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy, pro-life October 25, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Friendship that Changed a Neo-Nazi’s Heart

Anyone who looked at Michael Kent a few years ago would have been forgiven for thinking he was beyond hope.

He was in jail, and his body bore various tattoos that gave witness to his Neo-Nazi beliefs, including a large swastika on his chest. He was also part of a violent skinhead group.

There’s no way that guy’s ever going to change, right?

Well, not so fast.

Turns out the Michael Kent of today is very different – and it’s all thanks to his friendship with an African-American woman, Tiffany Whittier.

Topics: Current Events Tags: friendship, news October 20, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Three Things Martin Luther Teaches Us about Marriage

The 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is fast approaching. On Reformation Day, we remember how Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his 95 Theses on the door of a Wittenberg church on Oct. 31, 1517.

But while Martin Luther is closely associated with his opposition to selling indulgences – monetary payments to receive forgiveness for sin – fewer people today know he was also instrumental in helping change the way Christians look at marriage.

Before the Reformation took place, celibate service to God was often seen as the highest calling.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, marriage October 18, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura