Events in Mideast Won't Quicken Christ's Return; Christians Spreading Faith May Speed Up Return

U.S. Protestant pastors are closely monitoring the recent events in the Middle East, but many don't  believe they will influence the return of  Christ, the CBN website reports today (January 15, 2020).

A new study from Lifeway Research reveals that most pastors believe the return of Christ will come about by Christians spreading their faith, rather than because of certain geopolitical changes.

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research said, "While Scripture specifically says we cannot know the day or the hour of Jesus Christ's return, we were interested in pastors' views on whether Christians can play a role in bringing about that return any sooner."

The study shows that one in eight Protestant pastors agree that Christians can speed up the second coming of Christ by supporting geopolitical changes mentioned in the Bible.

Trump Tweets Pelosi in Islam Garb,Miffs Arabs; Muslims View It as Ignorant Anti-Islam Bigotry

Muslim groups in the U.S. have condemned Donald Trump for tweeting a fake image yesterday showing leading Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer wearing traditional Islamic clothing and standing in front of the Iranian flag, The Guardian website reports today (January 14, 2020).

"The image is a hodgepodge of anti-Muslim tropes and garb from many traditions including some that are frequently used to stereotype and attack Muslims," Madihha Ahussain, special counsel for Muslim Advocates, a not-for-profit group, said in a statement.

He added, "It's disappointing, but not surprising that the president would use his massive Twitter platform to spread this kind of harmful, ignorant, anti-Muslim bigotry."

Trump tweeted the image amid continuing controversy and international fallout over his recent  approval of the drone strike assassination of Gen. Qassem Suleiman, a top Iranian leader.

Women Solons Push Bill to OK Prostitution in Vt.; State OKing It, Offers Prostitutes Police Protection

A bill to legalize adult prostitution in Vermont was recently introduced by female lawmakers in the state's legislature, the Breitbart website reports today (January 12, 2020).

One of the bill's sponsors, Rep.Selene Colburn, said she believed decriminalizing so-called "sex work" would offer prostitutes more safety and improve their health.

She also stated that if prostitution were not considered illegal in the state, charges would not be brought against the sex worker or the buyer.

"By driving sex workers underground, we're creating much more dangerous conditions for sex workers. They should feel they have the protection of police if they need it," Colburn added.

TX Is First State to Reject Refugee Resettlement; Gov.: TX Lacks Resources to Deal with Refugees

Texas governor Greg Abbott (R.) yesterday told the State Department that his state will become the first state in the nation to refuse federal refugee resettlement, the Washington Free Beacon website reports today (January 11, 2020).

In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Abbott wrote that in the wake of the border crisis that rocked the state in 2019, Texas lacks the state and private capacity to deal with  even more demand on its humanitarian resources.

"At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless -- indeed, all Texans," Abbott wrote.

He added, "As a result, Texas cannot consent to initial refugee resettlement for FY2020."

Pregnancy Pro-Life Resource Helpline Launched; Many People Helping Others to Better Their Lives

Abby Johnson -- a strong advocate of pro-life causes -- recently launched a new ministry called LoveLine, a dedicated central database of public assistance programs and 24/7 helpline for women facing unplanned pregnancies, the Christian Headlines website reports today (January 10, 2020).

Since its launch, generous donors have provided over $22,000 in household and material goods for 43 women and 66 children.

Several women have also received over $4,000 in college tuition and over $18,000 in financial assistance for rent and utilities.

"We've tapped into a deep need for people to help others, to feel like they are doing something to make a positive difference in another's life," said Pamela Whitehead, director of ProLove Ministries and LoveLine.

College Prof Fired for His Humor on Violence; Said Iranian Leader Should Bomb 52 US Sites

An adjunct professor has been fired by Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. after he described as a "bad attempt at humor" in a Facebook post, in which he said Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamene "should tweet a list of 52 sites of beloved American cultural heritage that he would bomb," The Daily Beast website reports today (January 9, 2020).

The since-deleted Facebook post by Babson's director of sustainability Asheen Phansey had been widely circulated on  social media.

The Wellesley business school said in a statement today that Phansey is no longer employed at the college.

Phansey told local news outlets he regretted making his "attempt at humor," which was an apparent response to a tweet from President Donald Trump last week warning that if Iran attacked an American site, it would face attacks from the U.S. on 52 Iranian sites.

Trump Vows to Return Prayer to Public Schools; Says "A Society without Religion Cannot Prosper"

U.S. President Donald Trump on January 3 said his Democratic opponents would tear down crosses, but he pledged to bring prayer to public schools at a re-election rally to shore up evangelical support, the Reuters website reports today (January 8, 2020).

Trump made the statements while speaking on the outskirts of Miami at the King Jesus International Ministry, a "prosperity gospel" church.

"We are defending religion itself; it's under siege," Trump said.

More than 80% of white evangelicals voted for Trump in the 2016 election.