Faith, Current Events, Politics
Veritéetfeu
For I 'Resolved to Know Nothing' About ...

Until recently, I’ve opted not to speak on the Israel-Palestine conflict in any public capacity: not on any of my platforms, not on social media, not at social gatherings, and especially not at work!

While the conflict predates my existence, it’s been an especially contentious topic since October 7, 2023 - the day Hamas led a coordinated, surprise attack against Israel. As others rushed to social media and traditional media spaces to voice their take on the matter, I decided to remain silent - not because I had nothing to say, but because I doubted my ability to engage the topic competently and graciously. I also feared the backlash and “cancellation” that would surely come to me for expressing deep concerns for, as well as sharp criticisms of, parties on both sides.

Nevertheless, a recent conversation with a coworker gave me a new perspective on the topic, and it finally emboldened me to publicly speak on the matter as much as the Lord would allow. 

For I 'Resolved to Know Nothing' About Israel-Palestine
Faith, Current Events
Veritéetfeu
Should Christians "Beg Off” Alistair Begg?

With more than 50 years of faithful preaching of the Scriptures and zero public scandals, Pastor Begg had certainly earned my unofficial designation as a “solid” celebrity pastor. However, his recent handling of a cultural matter countered a Biblical worldview, and this was not at all consistent with the reputation that has long preceded him. 

Which begs the question that many have raised in recent weeks: What are we, as Believers, now to do with Alistair Begg?

Should Christians "Beg Off” Alistair Begg?
Faith, Pop Culture
Veritéetfeu
Something in the Milk Ain't Clean: Christian ...

Since publishing the original SITMAC series in 2018, I’ve received several requests to write another installment. Admittedly, I didn’t believe one would be necessary because, as my logic went, by exposing the up and coming protégés of the old guard (see Joel Osteen, TD Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, etc), it should be easy to sniff out other false and extremely problematic preachers and pastors by association. Those birds all seemed to flock together, so writing about yet another member of their coop felt redundant. 

What I didn’t consider at the time, however, was the role social media was beginning to play in platforming charlatans who don’t necessarily have ties to the old guard. I also didn’t consider how, thanks to social media, false teachers and problematic brothers (and sisters) no longer need a pulpit or a local church to sow error and confusion before a mass of God’s people.

Something in the Milk Ain't Clean: Christian Influencers to Leave in 2023
Faith, Current Events, Celebrity Conversion
Veritéetfeu
Kat Von D Got Baptized, But…

Prior to episode 902 of the Relatable Podcast with Allie Beth Stuckey, I had extremely little knowledge of Kat Von D.

I’ve certainly heard her name in passing as I’ve consumed pop culture news over the years. In recent weeks, for example, I’d seen various headlines reporting on her recent baptism into Christianity. So, indeed, I’ve definitely heard of her. 

Yet, I’m embarrassed to admit that I was so unfamiliar with her claims to fame and professional résumé that I initially confused her with the burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. In my defense, both women do have “Von” in their names; they’re both undeniably gorgeous, fair-skinned brunettes who often rock a bold, red lip; and they are both closely associated with Marilyn Manson. 

Kat Von D Got Baptized, But…
Podcast Episode, Christian Living, Relationships
Veritéetfeu
S4E1: Married Single Mothers?

In the premiere episode of Season 4 of Truth + Fire: The Podcast, host Veritéetfeu tackles "married single motherhood", a parenting phenomenon where married mothers take on the sole responsibility to care for their children. But is this practically beneficial for the mother, the father or their children? More importantly, is it Biblical?

S4E1: Married Single Mothers?

Faith

The End is Near: 5 Things You Need to Know about the Rapture

The End is Near: 5 Things You Need to Know about the Rapture

One thing that has been pressing on my heart lately is the “pre-tribulation/post-tribulation” debate that has creeped into the Church. For those who aren’t familiar with it, the “pre-trib/post-trib” debate includes opposing views on exactly when and how Jesus Christ is to return for His Bride.

Certainly, some would just plant themselves some place in the middle of these two arguments. Others would say neither argument matters – after all, as long as we’ve accepted Jesus, we’re good.  

But here’s the truth: It matters! And what you believe (or don’t) can have grave consequences. 

So, to bring you up to speed, here are 5 things you need to know and should begin to study about Jesus’ return.

 

Can You Be Separated from God's Love? YEP!

Can You Be Separated from God's Love? YEP!

Yes. You read the title of this piece correctly. One can most certainly be separated from the love of God.

You may even be prepared to quote Romans 8:38-39 to prove me wrong, but you’d be surprised to know that it is that very scripture that proves this assertion to be correct. Truth is, while God is love and God loves us all, God’s everlasting, never-ending love does not apply to everyone. Some people can become separated from God’s love. This truth is spelled out in God’s Word. The issue is most, even professed Christians, don’t venture to read it to fully understand it. So let's explore...

Ummm...That Ain't in My Bible: Stuff Lukewarm Christians Say (Part 2)

Ummm...That Ain't in My Bible: Stuff Lukewarm Christians Say (Part 2)

 

Welcome to the second installment of "Ummm...That Ain't in My Bible".  If you've had a chance to read Part 1 of this series, you know my entire goal is to examine and tear down some of the things non-believers and lukewarm Christians have been known to say when discussing or explaining matters of the Christian faith.  I was inspired to write this piece because even I uttered some of these falsities and half-truths until I grew more committed to my walk with Christ and got serious about studying God's word.

So, in an effort to begin to speak the truth (and to help us graduate from lowly lukewarm status), in this installment I'm debunking a couple of phrases that tend to misrepresent God's attributes and Jesus's purpose.

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How Jesus Wants Us to Judge Orlando and Other Tragic Events

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How Jesus Wants Us to Judge Orlando and Other Tragic Events

When tragedy strikes, judgment from outsiders usually follows. We ask ourselves why it happened, and many are tempted to offer up an explanation.  Jesus certainly says judgment is necessary in these instances. But it's important to understand whom He says we should be judging in the midst of tragedy and why. Here's how Jesus wants us to judge Orlando and other tragedies in our world. 

Jesus Said MUCH More Than You Think

Jesus Said MUCH More Than You Think

We know Jesus was born outside of Bethlehem and laid in a manger (Luke 21:4-7). He went missing in the Temple at age 12 (Luke 2:41-52). He began His Ministry at about age 30 (Luke 3:23). And we know He was was crucified around age 33. There are many gaps in the Biblical history of Jesus's life. Yet, what we do know about his ENTIRE LIFE is He did His Father's will to the letter (John 4:24; 6:38). He never stepped outside of God's will in action, nor did He speak on His own volition (John 8:28). And when He spoke, He constantly referred to what God had previously said in the Old Testament, including the things spoken through God's Prophets (Matthew 19:8; 21:16; 12:3, Mark 7:10; John 7:15..etc).

So, why are people so quick to attempt to justify their sins because, "Jesus didn't say it was a sin"? 

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God calls me "Female": A Few Strong Thoughts on Gender Identity

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God calls me "Female": A Few Strong Thoughts on Gender Identity

Cisgender: I literally JUST learned this term last week while reading an issue of Essence. In light of recent events, I've seen this term more often over the past few days. I've even used it a couple times in broader discussions on gender politics and social media debates.

But I don't self-identify with the term.

I am not “cisgender”.  I am not a "cisgender woman". I am not a "cisgender female". I am a woman. I am female. That's it.

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Christianity: The White Man's Religion...or Nah?

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Christianity: The White Man's Religion...or Nah?

Author and White Privilege Conference speaker, Paul Kivel recently argued that everything negative in American society can be traced back to Christianity – racism being chief among them.  I found it challenging to understand how he could rightly blame Christianity, in and of itself, for racism other than to characterize it as “the white man’s religion” and to bash the King James Bible as racist propaganda.  So, I sought to determine if Kivel's claims had any legitimacy.

Is Christianity the white man’s religion? And does it, through the Bible, support racism and the inhumane treatment of Blacks and other people of color? Here are my thoughts. 

 

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Questions from My Gay Friends: Part 2- What About Gay Christians?

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Questions from My Gay Friends: Part 2- What About Gay Christians?

As homosexuality and same-sex marriage are embraced in the mainstream, the question is decreasingly whether either is wrong. Instead, there is growing concern over when Christians will finally, en masse, get with the times and open the Church’s doors to same-sex wedding ceremonies and gay pastors.

In a previous post ,“Questions from my Gay Friends: Do You Eat Shellfish”, I attempted to answer one of the most most prevalent, albeit scornful, questions posed by those seeking to challenge the Christian belief that homosexuality is a sin. Thus, as a Christian AND a loud, proud shellfish connoisseur, I felt it my duty - nay, my OBLIGATION - to address that question with the utmost urgency!

I honestly enjoyed writing that piece and believe, by the grace of God, I was able to offer a thoughtful answer to one of the most infamous trump cards used in the "Homosexuality vs Christianity" debate.

But I'm also aware that some questions truly do come from a sincere place, and I believe those inquiries deserve to be directly addressed. There are LGBT-identifying Christian men and women who may feel overlooked as each side attempts to trump the other with its ideologies. I’ve decided to dedicate this post to them.

 

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I Love Le'Andria Johnson. BUT...

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I Love Le'Andria Johnson. BUT...

The much-anticipated Oxygen series, Preachers of Atlanta aired last night and judging from the Twittersphere, it was quite a roller coaster ride.  Unfortunately, I’ve not yet had the opportunity to watch it, which is ironic because I did so much cheerleading for Pastor Canton Jones, whom I interviewed in preparation for the series premiere.

But I did watch this video last night. I stumbled upon it as I was conducting research on Pastor Le’Andria Johnson. Le’Andria, of all of the Pastors from the cast, seemed to be the subject of most people’s ire. I couldn’t help but be intrigued. 

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EXCLUSIVE: Canton Jones talks faith, family and following his calling to become a 'Preacher of Atlanta'

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EXCLUSIVE: Canton Jones talks faith, family and following his calling to become a 'Preacher of Atlanta'

A few weeks ago, I was minding someone else’s business on Facebook when I stumbled upon the trailer for Oxygen’s new series, Preachers of Atlanta.  I was immediately intrigued because I watched Preachers of LA (seasons 1 AND 2) and, for the most part, I actually enjoyed the show. But, if I’m honest, some aspects of it left me a little rattled. While the rattling didn't shake my faith, I did wonder if it did more harm than good to those who might not already be believers.  If nothing else, the comments section in the blogosphere and the sentiments expressed by major faith figures like Kirk Franklin and T.D. Jakes proved that at least some in the Christian community frankly weren’t feeling 'the Preachers'.   

But my jaw dropped as one of my long-time favorite Christian hip-hop artists, Canton Jones, appeared in the trailer for Atlanta's edition. For a moment I asked Jesus to take the wheel, be a fence and hold my mule! “No! Not Canton,” I screamed internally.  “Noooo JEEBUSSSSS!” (*Cue dramatic faint*)