Faith Makes a Comeback in America

In both President Donald Trump's inauguration speech and his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump spoke openly, bluntly, boldly about the need for America to get back in the faith -- to reclaim the greatness of our country that comes from the Creator, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 27, 2025).  

And after four long years of having the previous administration  push transgender rights, gay rights, and all things secular -- all while hanging the rainbow flag from the White House -- having a president who actively and unabashedly embraces God is not only refreshing; it's a bright shiny ray of sunshine on America's future.

 God--given rights and liberties are the basic building blocks of American Exceptionalism. 

Thankfully, faith seems to be surging in America right now , and that all bodes well for the fate of American individualism. 

Lent Campaign Encourages People to Give Back, Not Just Give Up

 This Lent season, Christian Charity Stewardship is relaunching its generosity challenge , 40 acts, in partnership with Gospel Entrepreneurs,, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 25, 2025). 

Following a brief hiatus, 40 acts returns an award--winning initiative that has grown into a movement of over 100,000 individuals dedicated to transforming their communities through acts of far--reaching generosity.

Leaders from Stewardship and the Sanctuary Foundation say that 40 acts is not merely a temporary commitment during Lent, but a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to actively give to others rather than simply giving up personal indulgences.

It serves as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to sharing the grace believers have received from Jesus, while also fostering meaningful conversations about faith by highlighting the deeper motivations behind this radical generosity.

Janie Oliver, CEO of Stewardship, said she hoped it would inspire "a way of life that will embrace living generously: acts of kindness and caring that will transform our lives and lives of those we connect with."

"40 acts was much--loved because it brought so much joy to so many. It flips the traditional Lent mindset of giving stuff up to one of giving stuff away and that stuff includes your time, talent, and resources , not just your money," she said. 

"Jesus said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" -- our prayer is that many will know the joy of that blessing this Lent, thanks to 40 acts. 

Southern Baptist Church Declares "No Tolerance" for Sexual Abuse

 Sexual abuse is a "serious and real problem" alongside the "explosion of child pornography," said Jedd Lorg, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee (EC), in a speech to EC delegates, the Christian Daily website reports today (Feb. 24, 2025). 

Reminding attendees that Southern Baptists remain a "force for good," Lorg stressed the importance of sex abuse prevention and appropriate responses by the  SBC churches. 

Lorg made the remarks Feb. 17 during a plenary session held at the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal in Nashville, Tennessee by Baptist Press. 

Lorg highlighted that thousands of Southern Baptist Churches are already implementing safety measures. "The executive committee is taking measured, intentional, proactive steps toward establishing sexual abuse prevention and response as a ministry responsibility," Lorg said. 

Part of defining the nature of this response is understanding the scope of the problem among Southern Baptists. 

"Sexual abuse is a serious and real problem," Lorg said. "When it happens, it is devastating for the survivors, the church, the community, and every person involved. One case is too many." 

"We are committed to these standards at the executive committee. No tolerance for abuse and every church a safe place for the vulnerable," he added. 

The Role of Faith in Modern Society

Faith has played a significant role in shaping human culture throughout history, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 22, 2025).

In modern society , religion continues to influence social values, ethics, and community life .

While some may argue that secularism is on the rise, the impact of faith remains evident in various aspects of daily life, from moral decision--making to cultural traditions.

Understanding the role of faith in modern society helps us appreciate its contributions and challenges as communities navigate an ever--changing world. 

Religious beliefs often serve as the foundation of social values, guiding individuals' behavior and shaping collective norms . Concepts, such as compassion, honesty, and justice  are deeply rooted in many religious teachings and continue to influence how societies define right and wrong. For example, charitable organizations, inspired by religious principles, play a vital role in addressing social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and healthcare. These values foster a sense of responsibility, and empathy, promoting social cohesion and mutual support. 

Faith plays a crucial role in shaping ethical and moral decision--making. Many people turn to their religious beliefs when faced with moral dilemmas, seking guidance on issues such as honesty, fairness, and compassion. This influence extends to broader societal debates, including those related to human rights, environmental stewardship, and social justice. By promoting ethical behavior, faith contributes to the development of a more just and compassionate society.  

Divorce and Remarriage: What Does the Bible Say?

Divorce and remarriage remain some of the most challenging and sensitive topics within the Church, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 21, 2025).

While modern culture has become increasingly permissive regarding the dissolution of marriage, Scripture upholds a high view of the marriage covenant. 

We are conditioned to view marriage as disposable. We receive these messages through public figures such as popular actors and actresses, celebrities, and even politicians. However, Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:18 provides a sobering warning: "Everyone who

 divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."

These words underscore the permanence of marriage and rebuke the widespread misinterpretation of God's law by the Pharisees. To fully understand what Scripture teaches about divorce and remarriage, we must examine the historical context , the biblical framework, and the theological implications of Jesus' words. 

During Jesus'ministry, the Pharisees had established themselves as interpreters and enforcers of Mosaic Law. However, they often distorted the law to fit their own desires. In many ways, the Pharisees revised the law of God to be reshaped in their image. The issue of divorce was no exception. They had developed an overly permissive view that allowed men to divorce their wives for nearly any reason. Their misinterpretation was based on a skewed reading of Deuteronomy 24:1 --4, which they used to justify easy divorce. 

Marriage is foundational to God's creation order. In Genesis 2:24, we see the first divine institution of marriage.:

"Therefore a man shall leave his farther and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

From the beginning, marriage was intended to be a permanent, covenantal union. This covenant reflects God's own faithfulness and love, particularly as it relates to Christ's relationship with the Church. Jesus affirms this divine institution in Matthew 19:4--6 ,  stating,  "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." This statement directly contradicts the Pharisees' approach to divorce and underscores the seriousness of breaking the marriage bond.                                                                                                                                   

Delta Plane Flips after Crash--Landing in Toronto

All 80 passengers survived after a jet flipped onto its back  after a fiery crash--landing yesterday (Feb. 18, 2025) at Toronto's Pearson Airport, the USA Today website reports. Delta Flight 4819 took off  in Minneapolis at 11:47 a.m. local time and flew for an hour and 29 minutes before trying to land in Toronto around 2:15 p.m. local time. 

The plane can be seen coming for a landing at a snowy airport before impacting, igniting , and rolling onto its starboard side. 

According to Flight Radar 24, an airport weather report indicated a gusting crosswind and blowing snow at the time of the accident. "Winds were out of the west at 270 degrees at 28 knots , gusting to 35 knots. Visibility was 6 miles with a runway visual range of 3,000 -- 6,000 feet with an improving trend. 

Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation , praised first responders at the airport. "They were immediately dousing the aircraft with fire--resistant foam," he said.  "The Toronto airport is known for being on top of these emergency--type situations."

Najm Meshkati, professor of engineering and expert of aviation safety at the University of Southern California, told USA Today the speedy evacuation led by the cabin crew may have saved lives . Videos show passengers exiting the emergency doors as firefighters coated the flaming aircraft in foam.

Pope in "Good Spirits" Despite Poor Health

 The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will need to remain in a hospital due to his "complex clinical picture," the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 18, 2025). 

The pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14 due to issues with bronchitis. The Vatican said that medical tests had revealed  polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, leading to a change in the pope's medical treatment plan. 

As a result of the pope's condition, his weekly General Audience has been cancelled this week. 

Despite his hospitalization, the pope is in "good spirits" and has continued trying to minister to Catholics in extremely difficult situations. 

The pope called parishioners of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, which is headed by an Egyptian --born , Father Gabriel Romanelli. who like the pope himself, was born in Argentina. 

Father Romanelli said during this week's call from the pope, "We heard his voice. It is true. He is more tired. He himself said, 'I have to take care of myself. But you could hear the clear  voice. He listened to us well.'" 

Pope Francis, 88, has led the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, following the surprise resignation  of  his  predecessor, Benedict XVI.

Pope in "Good Spirits" Despite Poor Health

The Most Misunderstod Doctrine in the Bible

 The Biblical doctrine of election (predestination) is perhaps the most misunderstood and neglected doctrine in the  entire Bible, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 16, 2025). 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Ephesus, " In Christ we were also chosen , having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." 

And when addressing all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints, Paul wrote, " we know that in all things  God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son... those He predestined , He also called, those He called, He also justified, those He justified, He also glorified. " 

The key to accepting and appreciating the doctrine of election, or predestination, is to rely completely upon Scripture, rather than allowing our human reason to dictate the terms of the biblical doctrine. 

Scripture makes it abundantly clear that if someone goes to Heaven, God deserves all the credit. But if someone goes to Hell, the individual is to blame. 

Thankfully, God does not predestine people to eternal punishment in Hell. "God wants everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth." The Apostle Peter wrote , "God is patient with you, not wanting  anyone to perish , but everyone to come to repentance."

White House Fires Thousands of Federal Workers

Thousands of recently hired federal workers were fired February 13 and 14, as  Donald Trump and top White House official Elon Musk escalated efforts to purge the federal workforce, the USA Today website reports today (Feb. 15, 2025). 

The cuts targeted probationary workers across all departments. Federal employees in probationary status have typically been hired in the past year. Probationary workers are easier to fire, because they lack the bargaining rights  that career employees have to appeal their terminations. 

Terminations were government--wide: from the Dept. of Education and Small Business Administration to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and the agency that oversees the nation 's fleet of nuclear weapons. 

The Office of Personnel Management declined to provide USA Today total or estimate of how many workers had been laid off. About 220,000 federal workers -- out of a workforce of 2.3 million -- had less than one year of experience as of March 2024, according to the most recently publicly available date from OPM. 

The firings intensified after Trump's buyout offer expired Feb. 12 night. That offer, given most people in the  federal workforce , extended federal employees eight months of pay and benefits through September in exchange for their immediate resignations. About 75,000 federal workers accepted the buyouts, about 3.3 % of the workforce, below the White House goal of 5% to 10 % of workers taking the deal. 

Trump Pledges to End Antri--Christian Bias

 Donald Trump said that he will be creating a White House task force charged with destroying anti--Christian bias within the federal government, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 13, 2025). 

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump said,  "The mission of this task force will be to immediately hold all forms of anti--Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government, including at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible, the IRS, the FBI, and other agencies. "

The new task force will be headed by  Pam Bondi, the attorney general , and will work to "fully prosecute anti-- Christian violence and to move heaven and earth to defend the rights of Christians and religious believers nationwide."

Trump also spoke of the work of Elon Musk and his Dept. of  Government Efficiency (DOGE) in removing "woke" policies, positions, and funding within the federal government. 

Of more political interest are the savings by doing away with "woke" DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) projects and revelations about spending in the U.S. Agency for International Development. (AID).

Trump Orders Treasury Secretary to Stop Minting Pennies

 President Donald Trump has ordered the Treasury Dept. to stop minting 1--cent coins , the USA Today website reports today (Feb. 11, 2025). 

USA Today spoke with more than a dozen people today, most of whom suggested the 233--year--old coin is a relic of the past better remembered in places like the Smithsonian Institute, than at the bottom of their junk drawers and purses. 

The U.S. Mint spent $3.69 to produce and distribute each penny last year, resulting in $85.3 million over three billion new pennies. 

The one--cent coin accounts for more than half of all U.S. coin production despite having about 250 billion pieces already in circulation. Canada, Australia, and several other countries have eliminated their lowest --denomination coins citing costs over recent decades. 

Trump Delights Pro--Lifers by Limiting Abortion

 Pro--life groups across the world have been celebrating during the first days of the second presidency of Donald Trump after the number of significant victories to the cause  of the unborn in the U.S., the Christian Today website reports  today (Feb. 9, 2025). 

Trump has ordered several legislative actions to restrict abortion and to permit the prosecution of peaceful pro--life activists in their attempts to reduce the number of babies being killed. 

Trump has also made a number of legislative changes: signing an executive order to limit gender ideology ,that states human life begins at conception, and signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which states there is no right to abortion. He has endorsed the congressional Born Alive Bill which protects babies who are still holding on to life after an abortion. And he has enforced the "Hyde Amendment" -- which the Biden adminisrtration had bypassed, which prevents U.S. tax dollars being used to fund abortions.  

Study: Most Democrats, Republicans Agree Cost of Living Is Big Challenge

 The results of the recently released American Family Survey show that, for the first time in the last decade, most Democrats and Republicans agree that the cost of living is one  of the most important issues facing American families today (Feb. 7, 2025), the Christian Post website reports. 

Family structure concerns are driven mainly by Americans worried about "parents not teaching or disciplining their children sufficiently" and have outpaced economic or cultural concerns over the last decade until last year.

"More American families now worry about economic issues." the researchers wrote. "In 2015, just over half of survey respondents chose an item in that category. But economic stresses steadily increased in the ensuing decade. "

"In 2024, for the first time ever, majorities of both parties said economic concerns are one of the most important issues facing families, " it reads. 

Some two--thirds of presidential voters in 2024 described the economy as bad, and those who felt that way voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump. 

Judge Halts Trump's Buyout Offer for Federal Workers

 A federal judge today (Feb.6, 2025) paused the Trump administration's  deadline for more than two million federal employees to decide by the end of the day whether to resign or stay in their jobs in order to allow time for labor unions to challenge the plan's legality, the USA Today website reports.

U.S.District Judge George O"Toole in Boston issued a temporary restraining order and set a hearing for Feb.10.  The Trump administration's lawyers had argued that extending the deadline on the very last day would "markedly disrupt the expectations of the federal workforce, inject tremendous uncertainty into a program that scores of federal employees have already availed themselves of, and hinder the administration's efforts to reform the federal workforce. But after the judge issued his order, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was grateful for the extension, "so more federal workers who refuse to show up for the office can take the administration up on this very generous, once--in--a--lifetime offer." 

Unions representing many of the nation's federal workers charge that the new Republican administration's  "unprecedented offer"violates the law. 

"We will continue to aggressively defend our members' rights," said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, one of the unions challenging the offer. 

Workers were given barely more than a week to accept the administration's blanket buyout, which union oficials say did not appear to have followed federal procedures for reducing the size of the workforce. 

Federal employees were told they would receive eight months of pay and benefits through September if they resign by Feb. 6. 

The administration this week warned federal employees could be furloughed if they do not accept the buyout and that "the majority of federal agencies will be downsized,"  with the Defense Department as an exception. 

About 40,000 federal workers had accepted the offer as of today, according to Reuters. That represents about 2 % of the workforce, below a goal of 5 % to 10 % the White House has targeted. 

Trump Vows U.S. to Take Over Gaza; Says He'll Make It into "the Riviera of the Middle East"

 President Donald Trump today (Feb. 4, 2025) vowed the U.S. would "take over" the Gaza Strip, reconstructing and developing the coastal enclave into "the Riveria of the Middle East," while moving part of its population to other countries, the Christian Post website reports. The comments that shattered several decade--old accepted outlines of Middle East policy, came during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House, making him the first foreign leader to visit the U. S. president since his inauguration. 

Trump began his unprecedented comments while speaking with reporters before a planned closed--door meeting reiterating that he sees the Gaza Strip as a "demolition site" that is inhaabitable at the moment. 

"There's hardly a building standing. And the ones that are, are going to collapse. You can't live in Gaza right now. I think we need another location , a location that's going to make people happy," Trump said.   

The president noted that the reality in Gaza currently is "all death...This has been happening for years." 

Trump said all of the population should be resettled  "in areas where they can live a beautiful life." They could be moved to Jordan or Egypt, or it could be other countries." he added. 

After their closed--door meeting, Trump and Netanyahu emerged for a press conference, with Trump declaring that the U.S. would "take over" the Gaza Strip for the foreseeable future. 

Trump declared it was time to "do something different -- if you go back, it's going to end up the same it has  for a hundred years." 

"I do see a long--term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East."

In his speech, following Trump's statement, Netanyahu lauded Trump's "willingness to puncture unconventional thinking." 

Netanyahu added his "goal was the removal of terrorists from Gaza, which Trump took to a much higher level. " 

Pres. Trump: "I Was Saved by God to Make America Great Again"

 President Donald Trump declared he was " saved by God to make America great  again" in his Inauguration Day speech on Jan.20, promising to bring the United States into a "golden age," the Christian Daily website reports today (Feb. 4, 2025). 

At the Inauguration Day ceremony, held at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, a newly sworn--in Trump briefly talked about the attack on his life on July 13, 2024 when 20--year--old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Trump, hitting the presidential candidate's right ear. Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service counter--sniper several minutes later. 

"An assassin's bullet ripped through my ear, but I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again." 

Trump called his inauguration "liberation day" and assured Americans "we will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution, and we will not forget our God." 

Trump Plans to Close U.S. Ed. Dept.

 President Donald Trump is considering steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, with potential executive action coming as early as this month, the USA Today website reports today (Feb. 3, 2025).

A White House official told USA Today that Trump  plans to fulfill a campaign promise by reevaluating the future of the agency. That effort includes defunding it, according to Reuters. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly pledged to completely close the department, which has been around for decades and administers billions of dollars to schools each year. 

Trump does not have the authority to abolish the agency by executive order. But experts told the USA Today he might still direct the education secretary to come up  with plans to weaken its functions. 

While the Cabinet--level position of education secretary isn't yet filled, that responsibility could fall to the acting secretary, Denise Carter, who led the Federal Student Aid office during the Biden administration. Linda McMahon, a Trump donor whom the president nominated to lead the agency he promised to close, has not secured a date for a confirmation hearing before the Senate because of delays in processing her ethics paperwork. 

The Education Department, which has no say in school curriculum, plays a major role in shielding students from discrimination. It also protects them from predatory colleges and holds higher education institutions accountable for ensuring their degrees provide a good return on investment. 

Just two weeks into the second Trump administration, the agency has already shifted directions politically in a big way. It has scrubbed references to diversity, equity, and inclusion from its websites and begun investigating high schools with gender--neutral bathrooms. It now advocates for the school choice movement and briefly frightened students around the country with the prospect of a massive freeze on federal aid. The administration has frozen a wide range of Biden--era policies, too, including regulations about student loan relief and college oversight. 

Vatican Warns of Dangers of AI

 A new Vatican missive approved by Pope Francis has warned of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also stressing that ultimately, it is human intelligence that will guide the morality of its use, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb.2, 2025). 

The result of a collaboration between the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education, and drawing on a number of recent addresses by the pontiff, Antiqua et Nova: Note on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence exhorts "those entrusted with transmitting the faith" as well as "those who share the conviction that scientific and technological advances should be directed toward serving the human person and the common good" to remain aware of the  distinction between human intelligence and AI. 

Calling AI a "part of the collaboration of man and woman with God," the missive quotes Pope Francis in warning that "the very use of the word 'intelligence' in connection to AI can prove misleading." 

"In light of this, AI should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence, but as a product of it," the document states. 

It then talks of the vast potential AI has for assisting human endeavors, but also warns of its potential for harm in the absence of moral guidance.

"As in the areas where humans are called to make decisions, the shadow of evil also looms here," it said. 

Pope Francis has been one of the most high--profile subjects of the use of AI to generate deepfake images, with images of him in a bomber jacket and resembling a rapper or locked in an embrace with U.S. celebrity Madonna going viral and generating headlines around the world. This has left him uniquely suited to speak on the threat if fake news. 

"AI--generated fake media can gradually undermine the foundations of society," the statement reads. 

"Unlike many other human inventions, AI is trained on the results of human creativity, which enables it to generate new artefacts with a skill level and speed that often rival or surpasses human capabilities, raising critical concerns about its impact on humanity"s role in the world," the pope said.