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?

Same-sex marriage

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God Wins: A Gospel-Centric "Pride Month" Series

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God Wins: A Gospel-Centric "Pride Month" Series

As most of you may be aware, June is LGBT Pride Month.  However, most may not be aware that June is also Truth + Fire’s anniversary month. (Yay! We’re turning 4 this year!)  Of course, this blog’s mission and the LGBT agenda are diametrically opposed.  Yet, I’ve decided to intersect our respective celebrations with a Pride Month series.

You read that correctly!  

From my thoughts on Caitlyn Jenner and Kim Davis to answering some of my gay friends’ most pressing questions, all of Truth + Fire’s LGBT-related content has been curated into a single collection for your reading pleasure this June.

I pray you find this series edifying, and I hope God graces you to share it (and the Gospel of Jesus Christ) with your LGBT-identifying friends and family this month and beyond.


With all the peace and love God intends,

Veriteetfeu


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What about Zac Posen?: Why Attacking Jack Phillips Isn't Fair

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What about Zac Posen?: Why Attacking Jack Phillips Isn't Fair

Many Americans are having a hard time grasping why Christian baker Jack Phillips declined to make a custom cake for a gay wedding.  One would think the conflict is obvious, but there are many who seem to be appalled, if not downright enraged, by Mr. Phillips and his position. There's been very little attempt to view his position with care and understanding. Instead, there have been tweets, Facebook posts, thought pieces and political pundits seemingly committed to dragging the man through the mud. They say Mr. Phillips wasn't motivated by sincerely-held convictions to decline to make the cake.  They say he was motivated by "bigotry"! They say he was motivated by "hate"!

I say that is malarkey.

I say, those who desire to malign Mr. Phillip’s convictions aren’t only being grossly disingenuous, they're being wholly hypocritical.

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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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Why I Love Kim Davis: Lessons in Handling Faith-Based Convictions

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Why I Love Kim Davis: Lessons in Handling Faith-Based Convictions

As a fellow Christian, I have to say, I love Kim Davis!  Watching her case has taught me so much about standing for God in today's time, and I bless God for using her to demonstrate some important lessons for me.  I've been quite fascinated with this case for weeks now. I had  plans to publish a full piece covering my specific thoughts on her case for some time,  but I find the essence of this matter to be rather open and shut.  

Questions from my Gay Friends: Part 1 - Do you eat shellfish?

Questions from my Gay Friends: Part 1 - Do you eat shellfish?

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage legal across the country, the entire debate about homosexuality, the definition of marriage and whether the U.S. is going to hell wrapped in a gasoline-soaked Confederate flag has been all the rage these days.

As one who loves a good Facebook debate, I gleaned some of my favorite questions and arguments from these various discussion and initially intended to take a take a stab at responding to each of them in one blog post. However, the piece has grown entirely too long, so I’ve decided to instead chop it up into a series entitled: Questions from my Gay Friends where in I  do my best to address issues and qualms that seem to be at the center of the Christian/LGBT debate. 

First up is the discussion surrounding homosexuality and shellfish (you read that correctly). 

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Same-Sex Marriage Legal Under U.S. Law: Why Christians Should Chill Out About It!

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Same-Sex Marriage Legal Under U.S. Law: Why Christians Should Chill Out About It!

Well…well…well!

Lookah here…lookah here!

Same-sex marriage is FINALLY legal in all 50 states and I couldn’t be experiencing more peace in my soul! Yet, my fellow Christian bretheren and sistern (is that a word?) seem to be downtrodden and rather somber about it, and I can't say I fully understand why.

From where I sit, today’s ruling made perfect practical sense and I knew it was only a matter of time.