Gene Edward Veith Jr.'s Blog, page 71
June 14, 2017
Hell
One of the best comments about Bernie Sanders’ opposition to a nominee’s confirmation because he didn’t believe Muslims are saved comes from Michael Gerson: “It is apparently not enough for some of the liberal-minded to help those on Medicare and Social Security; now people must be guaranteed eligibility for heaven as well.” See also Lutheran Satire’s [Read More...]
Court upholds right of church to fire gay employee
The music director of Holy Family Catholic Church in Chicago announced his engagement to another man, so the church fired him. He sued the church for discrimination, demanding reinstatement and damages. But the U.S. District Court ruled in favor of the church, citing the First Amendment and the Supreme Court precedent in the church-hiring case Hosanna-Tabor [Read More...]
The new mideast crisis over Qatar
The Middle East is embroiled in a new crisis, and it has nothing to do with Israel. Nine Arab nations have cut off all diplomatic and economic ties with the oil-rich emirate of Qatar and are expelling Qatari citizens. Bahrain has made it a crime, punishable by 5 years in prison and a fine, for [Read More...]
June 13, 2017
Shakespeare is pro-Caesar
New York’s summertime staple “Shakespeare in the Park” is performing the bard’s great tragedy Julius Caesar. The production is in modern dress, and someone had the bright idea to portray the Roman strongman in a blonde wig, so that he looks like Donald Trump. And (spoiler alert, as if anyone didn’t know) Caesar gets [Read More...]
Southern Baptist Numbers Are Shrinking
Why are conservative churches growing over all, but some are not?
Southern Baptist numbers are shrinking
Southern Baptists are holding their annual meeting in Phoenix today and tomorrow. And this largest Protestant denomination in America is having to face up to the fact that their numbers are dwindling. From 16.3 million members in 2003, the church body is down in members (to 15.2 million), worship attendance, and baptisms of new converts. This [Read More...]
Elections bring chaos to UK, unity to France
Two European nations, the United Kingdom and France, held parliamentary elections, with radically different results. The United Kingdom has a real political mess on its hands. Whereas France has come together in a nearly unprecedented vote of national unity. In the UK, the Conservative Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Theresa May was riding high [Read More...]
June 12, 2017
Chesterton on the Trinity
Yesterday was Trinity Sunday, following close upon Ascension (the incarnate Son taking His place in the Godhead) and Pentecost (the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Church). Do you want to know a good Scripture verse to prove the doctrine of the Trinity? “God is love” (1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16). Love is a [Read More...]
Puerto Rico votes to become the 51st state
Puerto Rico held a referendum on whether the U.S. Territory should apply for statehood. Voters overwhelmingly voted “yes.” A half million voted for statehood, with 7,600 wanting independence and 6,700 wanting to stay a territory. Three earlier referendums failed to reach any kind of majority, but that was before the severe economic crisis that Puerto [Read More...]
Wonder Woman
We saw Wonder Woman over the weekend, which may be the summer’s biggest box office hit. I thought it was a good movie, a far better than usual comic book flick. Growing up, I was a D.C. fan, as opposed to Marvel. One difference is that D.C. heroes are much more awe-inspiring than Marvel’s angst-ridden [Read More...]
