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 →
Another ‘Honor’ Killing
No one assumes that every Muslim is violent. Few are asserting that the religion itself is inherently violent. Nevertheless, the appearance to those of us outside of Islam is that it breeds violence. The founder of the religion was himself sometimes violent, and the most vocal adherents of the religion are violent. The tragedy at... Continue Reading →
Today’s Maine Event
There is a big vote in Maine today concerning the nature of marriage. If the measure fails, then Maine will have become the first state to actually vote in gay marriage. As you know the other states had gay marriage more or less imposed on them by judicial fiat. This story from Baptist Press offers a glimmer... Continue Reading →
Hate Speech Exhibit
We have been talking about hate speech lately (since Obama has signed this atrocious piece of specious bile into law), and we are expecting some of it with regard to speaking the truth about homosexuality to a gender confused culture. The Discovery Institute has been in the thick of hate speech charges for years now. ... 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 →
Costly Free Speech
Looks like the day has finally come. The U.S. Senate has approved federal "Hate Crimes" legislation and sent it on to the President, who has pledged to sign the bill into law. There are so many problems with this bill, not the least of which is the cowardly, specious manner in which it was passed as... Continue Reading →
Crushed Legs, Free Spirit
October 5, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC--To celebrate his heroic dedication and perseverance, former Tiananmen Square student leaders will be joining re-enabled Chinese athlete Fang Zheng in a celebration of his receiving new legs, and to witness this human rights hero's stand for freedom. The event will be held in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room HVC-215,... Continue Reading →
Rifqa Update
Rifqa--the young Muslim from Ohio who fled to Florida because of fears of being killed by her family--is now in a much more precarious situation than before. She is in danger of being deported back to Sri Lanka; it appears that her parents were living here illegally for the past 5 years. The story linked... Continue Reading →
Negotiating Persecution
September 22, 2009 SHANXI--Late on Saturday night, September 19, 2009, local security officials cornered six Fushan Church leaders and brought them to a secret meeting place for negotiations with 20 government officials. Singled out for their influence, the negotiating party included the wife of the Fushan Church pastor. Under pressure from the Central Government, the... 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 →
Religious Refugees
CNN calls them religious refugees, but they are persecuted Christians. CNN gets credit for covering this very sad story from Pakistan concerning the persecution of Christians there. They have lost their homes and are now in grave danger of losing their health. Take a moment to watch this video of what is happening to our... 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 →
Gregory C. Cochran 