Applied Theology
Last week, I asked if preachers ought to pick a fight with the IRS. Today, I want to revisit the issue and ask for more feedback. I have linked here an article from Baptist Press, which explains why an overwhelming majority of pastors support the IRS code forbidding pastors from endorsing candidates for political office.... Continue Reading →
The Apostle Paul once lamented the fact that he was guilty of throwing women into prison (Acts 22:4). Though it is politically incorrect to say, it is also patently obvious to see that women are, according to the Scriptures, the “weaker vessel.” As the typically more physically dominant of the two sexes, the man (again,... Continue Reading →
My posts recently have shown a growing concern for the loss of religious freedom in America. Unfortunately, the trend away from liberty is global. Since 2008, the number of countries with severe restrictions on religious liberty has increased by 23 percent, according to the extensive new study recently released by the Pew Forum on... Continue Reading →
There are two major stories whose trajectories are coalescing toward a permanent loss of religious liberty in the United States. The first story is the on-going saga known affectionately as Obamacare. The second story is more subtle, under the radar, but perhaps more damaging in its scope. It is the story of code enforcement. Let... Continue Reading →
A group of Protestant preachers appears to be picking a fight with the IRS this election cycle. According to this Fox News article, more than 1,000 preachers have pledged to participate in an October 2012 campaign sponsored by the Alliance Defending Freedom (formerly known as the Alliance Defense Fund). The aim of the Alliance’s... Continue Reading →
Earlier in the week, I noted how the largest American mosque is equivocating on free speech. Now, two more stories have erupted which keep the issue on the table of concern for anyone who cares about basic human rights. First, the U. N. Secretary General (Ban ki-moon) asserted that stringent limits should be placed on... Continue Reading →
Well it is good to hear the largest mosque in America speaking out against the violence Muslims are perpetrating around the globe. Al Qazwini, imam at the Dearborn mosque, has even stated that Muslims cannot tolerate killing. Yet, even with this ostensible condemnation of Muslim violence, Al Qazwini offers three very troubling remarks for those... Continue Reading →
Chris Stevens and three other U.S. Embassy officials are dead. Murdered. Who did it? According to most journalists, a movie did it. I’ve watched a great many “Who Done It” movies, but I think this is the first time the movie “done it.” How can a movie kill? In the twisted logic of news outlets... Continue Reading →
I will have a fuller article posted later (and maybe a podcast or video), but I felt the need to get this thought out: Films do not kill people. Why must this be said? Because article after article makes it sound as though the Muhammad Film is responsible for protests, violence, and murder. Whatever one... Continue Reading →
Are Muslims in Denver taking us back to the Reconstruction days of Plessy v. Ferguson? Americans instinctively recoil nowadays at the thought of “separate but equal” laws. How can we possibly single out a group of Americans based on their skin color, ethnic background, or religious preference? Such separation denies basic freedoms inherent in... Continue Reading →
There was a much-hyped Muslim prayer rally sanctioned and embraced by the Democrat National Convention in Charlotte. (Pre-rally hype estimated participants exceeding 20,000. Apparently, only 200 or so showed up). Muslims were invited and welcomed by the DNC. Christians were shunned. Much has been made of the difficulty the DNC has had believing in God... Continue Reading →
Reviewing the various articles about 2016: The Movie leaves one wondering what we ought to think about Dinesh D'Souza's recent portrayal of our President. NPR thinks it's the work of a Right-Wing political hack (which D'Souza is not. He is a principled conservative with a compelling argument, whether he is correct or not). ABC... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time, our laws were based on justice: “With liberty and justice for all.” Now, it seems there is a sense of “fairness” encroaching upon our liberty and overtaking justice for all. Many folks equate one term with the other, thinking that fairness and justice are equally compelling concepts of liberty, but they... Continue Reading →
Politically, it would be easy to find fault with some of the decisions being made in our foreign policy. Many politicians have in fact been critical of President Obama, calling for more serious action to be taken in Assyria (Joe Lieberman and John McCain are but two examples). Indeed, many websites are quickly seizing on... Continue Reading →
On a day when cultural crusaders are appreciating Chick-fil-A for the statement made by Dan Cathy in support of traditional marriage, other concerned Americans are heartily bemoaning the implementation of the HHS mandate in Obamacare. Whereas many see the swelling support for Chick-fil-a as a ray of hope for the future of freedom, a few... Continue Reading →
Gregory C. Cochran 