The persecution blog posted a nice consideration of the distinctions between Islamic jihad and the Crusades. I have included the following paragraph to give you an idea of the thrust of the post: Nor were the Crusades "thoughtless explosions of barbarism," as Riley-Smith accurately characterizes their reputation today. They had a sophisticated underlying rationale, elaborated... Continue Reading →
Clear as Mud
Our moral outlook is clear as mud, generally speaking. The whole Ft. Hood terror attack (and that is what it was) is the latest evidence of our incompetence when speaking on moral issues. Unbelievably, Major Hassan is being portrayed as a victim, when he is the guy who killed 14 innocent people (yes, 14. A... Continue Reading →
Christian Persecution Close to Home
Last week, the warning was sounded that President Obama and the Democratic House and Senate had attached the "hate crimes" legislation to a defense appropriations bill. President Obama signed it. Now, it is time to start considering whether we, as Christians, will be silent regarding the truth of sin and redemption. Over the pond in... Continue Reading →
Out of the Mouth of Babes
I have a video linked here which demonstrates that the Lord establishes strength out of the mouth of babes and infants. This little girl, Hannah, speaks the truth. She also displays the fruit of a family which has reared this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I post this video today because it... Continue Reading →
Higher Entertainment
I have never watched Stephen Colbert and barely know who he is. However, I was recently sent this video clip from an interview that he did with Bart Ehrman. This is so funny. Colbert is obviously quick-witted. Colbert appears to hand Ehrman his head on a platter.
Women of Faith
Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. When she left his presence, she was alive, excited, and very interested in calling others to "come see a man." Jesus had a number of women who were among his first, faithful followers. All in all, Christ pointed the way to upholding the dignity and honor... Continue Reading →
Homosexual Christians
Obviously, we live in an age of sexual infatuation. I will be lecturing next week at Southern on the topic of homosexuality. Please pray for me because this issue is obviously one that sparks many emotions. Probably, we have all had to deal with folks struggling with homosexuality. If not with particular members in our... Continue Reading →
Entanglement
There are so many stories out there right now concerning church-state relations. This story from GetReligion speaks of the entanglement of law and religion in the matter of faith healing when children die. In the past, other couples have been convicted of reckless homicide for not seeking the aid of a doctor. While I certainly... Continue Reading →
Must We Forgive?
Must all Christians forgive all the time? Is forgiveness a mandatory action for Christians, or is it conditional? Chris Brauns, a pastor, has spent quite a bit of time unpacking what it means to forgive in a Christian sense of the word. It seems that we are expected to forgive unconditionally ("forgive, and you will... Continue Reading →
Human Rights Laws
Funny thing about human rights--rights must be guaranteed by an authority capable of bestowing them. In the U.S., the authority has historically been assumed to be the God of the Bible ("all men are created by God with certain inalienable rights..."). Human rights in other countries rely on other authorities. This story from Baptist Press... Continue Reading →
Persecution or Murder or Both?
One week after she was killed, Pastor Carol Davis' murder is still a horrible mystery. She served as pastor of a small, pentecostal church in Oklahoma. According to this story, her murder is shrouded with bizarre details, such as her being found in a crucifix position. The details do not make clear the motive. On the surface, it... Continue Reading →
Help Others, Go to Prison
From China Aid, Christians Li Mingshun and Zhang Yonghu were indicted by the Erlianhaote City People's Procuratorate on July 31, 2009, for aiding North Korean refugees fleeing to South Korea through China. Li and Zhang were among several Christians helping to provide food, shelter, and transportation for the 61 refugees crossing Northern Chinese provinces into... Continue Reading →
Rifqa Update
In case you haven't been following the Rifqa Bary story, here is the latest report, which says that she has been granted a reprieve which will allow her to stay in Florida for now. This 17 year old convert to Christianity has caused quite a stir in the media. We all still await the outcome... Continue Reading →
Remember China Tonight
For any SoCal friends out there, I have an update from Bob Fu which might interest you. He is president of China Aid and actively supports Christians suffering persecution in China. He will be holding a prayer vigil in L.A. at 8:00. He also will speak at the event, which is being held at the... Continue Reading →
Yet Another Sad Day
I am sure you have seen this story by now concerning the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). They have gone the course of the world, abandoning the clear teaching of Scripture concerning homosexuality. The most grievous aspect of this is probably the illusion it fosters of tolerance and a large-embracing love. It surely is not... Continue Reading →
Gregory C. Cochran 