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

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Why the Bible Needs a Place in Modern American Society: Ironic Lessons from the Huffington Post and Keith Burton

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Why the Bible Needs a Place in Modern American Society: Ironic Lessons from the Huffington Post and Keith Burton

Huffington Post Religion recently published a piece entitled "The Bible Has No Place in Modern American Society: Sobering Lessons from Donald Trump and Kim Burrell". But as the author, Keith Burton, attempts to argue why the Bible is a "dangerous book" that needs to be "delegitimized" in America, he inadvertently makes a case for the VERY reason the Bible is so necessary for us today. Read on as I highlight the various follies and ironies that Burton (and the Huffington Post) present to (unintentionally) undermine their own case.   

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God Trumps Man: Why Donald Trump is Perfect for America

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God Trumps Man: Why Donald Trump is Perfect for America

Despite what many may think, Donald Trump is uniquely qualified to represent America at such a time as this. Here's why I believe he is God's perfect choice to make our nation great again.  

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Positive Thinking is False Thinking...and a Few Thoughts on Joel Osteen's Latest Book

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Positive Thinking is False Thinking...and a Few Thoughts on Joel Osteen's Latest Book

The power of "positive thinking" is a popular concept, and it seems to fit right at home in the Church. This is perhaps why some many mega pastors have authored best-selling books and preached international sermons on the topic.  But my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ need to know that the concept of "positive thinking" is hogwash that cannot be entertained by disciples of Jesus Christ!  (I mean that with as much sugar as my personality will allow.)  Joel Osteen preaches it. Joyce Meyer preaches it. I've heard several other heavy hitters in the faith community preach it, and while it sounds great,  positive thinking is false thinking.  It isn't of God and there's nothing Biblical about it. 

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.