The Observer: Recent Episodes
Joshua Claycamp
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news, from a Biblical perspective in order to understand how Christians need to think and feel about current events.
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Trudeau makes surprise visit to Ukraine on Victory Europe Day, a date to commemorate the end of fascist and authoritarian tyranny in the defeat and unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. There was much that Trudeau said, and there were some very important things that he didn't say. Sometimes you learn more about a person based on what he doesn't say than what what he does say. As Christians, we rejoice in the gift of freedom. But what is the end for which we have been given freedom?
Trudeau says Putin responsible for 'heinous war crimes' during surprise visit to Ukraine.
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-15:20) In a bombshell dropped overnight, a draft document leaked disclosing the Supreme Court is intent on overturning Roe v. Wade and striking down the national mandate for abortion. We'll take a look at the draft decision and quote a few of Justice Alito's arguments.
Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows.
Six key passages from the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion.
Supreme Court in disarray after extraordinary breach
Part 2 (14:31-23:07) Progressives twist language to suit their purposes. Last week we were referring to "birthing persons" and "menstruators." Suddenly, the national conversation has reverted back to a conversation around "women's rights." What is at the heart at this shift in language? Are you able to spot the Argumentum Ad Misericordiam, the fallacy of the appeal to sympathy?
Part 3 (23:08-26:13) Paul's challenge to the Christians in Colosse is our challenge today: not being unduly persuaded by human philosophy and empty deciet.
Part 4 (26:14-35:30) Policy questions need to be addressed in light of the truth. What does Scripture say about conception and the beginning of life?
The Observer is a Ministry of First Baptist Church, where Christians seek to discern the news differently. For more information on First Baptist Church of Kamloops, go to firstbaptistkamloops.org. or for more information on First Baptist Classical Academy, a private school where students are educated according to a Christian worldview, just go to firstbaptistclassical.org. I’ll meet you again next time for more of The Observer.
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-14:45) The Liberals pass Motion 11 and allow for all manner of legislation to be passed in the middle of the night, effectively eliminating the official opposition. Is this moral? Doesn't the Bible endorse a system of government that divides power and employs checks and balances for protection against the abuse of that power?
Liberals proposal to allow for midnight parliamentary sittings faces pushback
Part 2 (14:46-28:06) While the conservatives were quick to condemn the Liberals for Motion 11 and eliminating a check or balance on their power, aren't the conservatives doing the exact same thing in unduly and unfairly eliminating social conservatives from running for leadership of the party?
Anti-abortion activists claim corruption after Tories bar social conservatives from leadership race
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-20:25) Why is Canada euthanizing the poor? This rather startling analysis from an Oxford scholar in the United Kingdom, cynically pointis out that while advocates of MAID suggest that the law is about ensuring Canadians human dignity and autonomy in dying, it saves the government hundreds of million dollars in long-term medical expenses whereas the cost of killing a Canadian is only $2,500. This article by Mr. Yuan Yi Zhu deserves to be read in its entirety.
Why is Canada euthanizing the poor?
Part 2 (20:26-25:43) In case you question the prevalence of the Canadian culture of death, consider this article from the Globe and Mail. As far as this author is concerned, the bad guys are not necessarily Putin or the invading Russian army. No, the real bad guys are the Polish who, despite housing, feeding and providing care for these refugees, are still restricting their access to abortion with their repressive laws protecting and upholding the sanctity of life.
For Ukraine's women refugees, Poland's strict abortion and birth-control laws hinder their next steps.
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-3:16) Ottawa now includes charitable onling crowd-sourced fundraising platforms to its tracking of financial regulations.
Ottawa Permanently Adds Crowdfunding Platforms to Anti-money Laundering Regime
Part 2 (3:17-22:00) What is the value of Crypto-Currency? One of the largest players in crypto-exchanges openly acknowledges that crypto is a ponzi scheme. The government can track it. There really is no anonymity or confidentiality in it. So what is it good for? What problem does the advent of crypto solve?
Ask the Economist: Should a Christian invest in bitcoin?
The FAQs" What you should know about bitcoin
Part 3 (22:01-26:00) Listener questions: Pastor Josh, why should we hold the government to account for invoking the Emergency Powers Act but give the government a pass for the Aga Khan scandal? Shouldn't we hold them to account for both?
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-12:43) The Conservatives are after the Prime Minister for the Aga Khan scandal once agai, but the real headline is the silliness of the "decision-making" tree that the RCMP used to decide whether or not to charge Mr. Trudeau.
Tories ask RCMP to take a fresh look at Justin Trudeau's Aga Khan vacation
Trudeau says he didn't authorize himself to take free Aga Khan trip in 2016
Part 2 (12:44-22:13) The United Church is so desperate to keep its facilities running that it has turned to a partnership with the Muslims, in which they pray together in the building. Sooner or later, the farce has to be admitted by everyone: the United Church has no faith or conviction whatsoever.
Building friendships: McDougall United Church hosts Muslim and Christian communities for prayers
Part 3 (22:14-26:14) Can godly men take a moment to watch the NFL draft? Does faith in Christ require Christians to step away from the entertainment of sports for more serious pursuits? Or is it okay to have fun once in a while?
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-19:05) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stacks the deck in his own favour in his appointment of the Commission to investigate his use of the Emergency Powers Act. Is this moral? What does the Bible tell us about morality and show partiality to anyone, including ourselves?
Competing Interests: Liberals raise security concerns with Emergency Act review
Civil liberties groups demand feds allow robust inquiry into use of Emergency Act
Part 2 (19:06-27:34) The Satanic Temple only starts after-school Satan clubs in schools where Good News clubs are actively operating. They insist that they don't actually worship Satan, they just oppose Jesus. But if it walks like an Antichrist, if it talks like an Antichrist, and it looks like an Antichrist... it's probably an Antichrist.
The Satanic Temple sues school after Satan club is rejected
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-13:32) Elon Musk buys Twitter! Some lament the privatization of such a large social media company, while others decry such enormous personal wealth. How should Christians think about Musk's ownership of Twitter?
Musk agrees to buy Twitter in $44 billion deal
Part 2 (13:33-23:59) The US Supreme Court is on the verge of ruling to defend the exercise of religion in the public square with the oral arguments of Kennedy v. Bremerton, WA High School. All of this brings us back to the Lemon Test which is supposed to guide Justices in ruling in favor of the secular. But is human secularism really neutral with regards to religious commitments? We take a deeper look.
US Supreme Court will hear arguments in WA school prayer case
Part 3 (24:00-32:24) Trudeau announced the Commissioner and the Inquiry to investigate his invocation of the Emergency Powers Act. Given the foregoing, it is imperative that Canadians hear this inquiry because Trudeau clearly violated the right to ownership of personal property and the right to freedom of worship and expression in the public square. All Canadians need to be intersted in hearing this inquiry.
Trudea announces Emergencies Act inquiry headed by judge
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Part 1 (0:00-13:07) Elections have consequences. What does the re-election of incumbent French President Emmannuel Macron tell us about the worldview of the nation of France?
French President Emmannuel Macron defeats far-right rival Marine Le Pen
Part 2 (13:07-25:30) Ukrainian Christians are angered by Russian Christians' refusal to rebuke and denounce Russia's President Putin for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some suggest that Putin is not entirely responsible for the situation in Ukraine because the West drove Putin to invade, with the expansionist policies of NATO presenting a major security concern for Russia. This is a knotty issue with many layers, but is it possible for us to come to absolute moral terms over Putin's decision to invade? The answer is, yes, we can. And we should.
How Russian Christians view the 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine
This is the Observer, a reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
PART 1 (0:00-9:51) Walt Disney just discovered that it needs Florida a lot more than Florida needs Walt Disney. What are we to make of this political backlash? Are the critics right - does the "Don't say gay" bill really exclude and isolate LGBTQ families from the public education system? Or is this more about curriculum and not teaching young students things that are harmful?
Florida passes bill to end Disney self-government in state
PART 2 (9:52-23:04) Research clearly shows that teaching LGBTQ sexuality to young students leads to extremely dangerous behaviors, gender dysphoria, and a shocking rise in suicide attempts. MLAs in BC push SOGI123 because it is believed to lead to destigmatization and better mental health outcomes. But is that true? Does the data support this conclusion?
PART 3 (23:05-27:22) The BC Chilliwack School Board continues to push for Barry Nuefeld's ouster. Love compels Christians to speak out against the harm caused by LGBTQ curriculum.
BC reviewing Chilliwack board's commitment to safety, inclusion
For further reading and documentation:
Part 1 (0:00-14:48) The destruction of Mariupol reminds us that while evil may temporarily succeed, good always triumphs! Christians need to be reminded that, in the words of Winston Churchill, the New World will fight on, and it will come to rescue and liberate the old world.
Mariupol may only have a few days or hours left
Part 2 (14:49-22:08) Ipsos poll shows British Columbians are spending well beyond their means. How can Christians weather the coming "affordability" storm?
More than half in BC already feeling the pressure of rising interest rates
Part 3 (22:08-27:20) The Disney Company has committed itself to "woke capitalism." How is this different than other companies? When Christians turn entertainment on, they need to remember not to their minds off.
Disney decides to go for woke
For further reading and documentation:
Part 1 (0:00-12:10) What does the sinking of the Moskva tell us about Putin's resolve? Perhaps to ask the question more pointedly, what does Putin's resolve tell us about the lack of morality and the prospects of nuclear war in Europe?
Russian Navy ship, Moskva, sunk by Ukrainian missiles, US Confirms
Four Russian nuclear "Bear" planes spotted in striking distance of Ukraine
Part 2 (12:11-25:00) Should the prospect of nuclear war in Europe shake a Christian's confidence? How should Christian's react to Putin's nuclear sabre rattling?
For further reading and documentation:
Part 1 (0:00-17:43) Canadians respond to polls that, among the options they were presented with, some religions are more harmful to society than beneficial. Here's a question: why wasn't secular humanism one of the options they were presented with as a potentially harmful faith?
Canadians consider certain religions damaging to society
Part 2 (17:44-26:55) Cardus Research shows that churches within Canada have an enormous economic benefit, that they are more beneficial than harmful. But this begs the question: what dollar amount does one assign to saved lives?
Valuing Toronto's faith congregations
For further reading and documentation:
Part 1 (0:00-4:29) War continues to rage in Eastern Ukraine. Why do the nations rage? And where does the spirit of war come from?
Civilians rush to flee as Russian troops mass in the East
Ukraine, Russia gear up for wars's biggest battle
Part 2 (4:29-18:18) War comes to the Russian people. Hostilities are deadliest in Ukriane, but there are hostilities taking place in Russia as well. This tells us something about the nature of dissent within the human heart.
Spurred on by Putin, Russians turne on one another over the war
Part 3 (18:19-24:26) Peace comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.
If you wonder how to cure the spirit of war, you need to first turn yourself over the the Lord who alone can bring peace.
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Further Documentation & Reading
Part 1 (0:00-10:03) What does the Federal Budget tell us about Trudeau's heart?
Jesus tells us that where we put our treasure is where our heart is. Budgets are, therefore, theological documents. So what does the Liberal budget tell us about Trudeau?
Federal Budget will include $2B for electric vehicle battery development
Feds eye growth with $32B in new spending
Part 2 (10:04-16:09) How does an environmentalist worldview differ from a Christian worldview?
What can we learn about Liberal blindspots given their radical commitment to the environment?
Part 3 (16:08-19:49) What spiritual realities is Trudeau failing to account for?
One glaring oversight is a failure to account for what is happening spiritually inside of Putin's heart. Trudeau fails to adequately fund the Canadian armed forces or to revamp NORAD.
Canadian military budget will grow by $8b as policy review seeks to reset defence vision
Part 4 (19:50-26:51) Will taxing the big financial corporations in order to give money to environmental priorities increase GDP or grow the countries wealth?
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
For further Documentation & Reading
Part 1 (0:00-2:46) Federal Government is preparing to table its budget today at 4:00PM.
Canada's 2022 federal budget will be released this week. Here's a preview of what Canadians can likely expect
Part 2 (2:47-12:19) How do you increase wealth in a nation?
Royal Bank of Canada Cheif Executive officer rightly expresses frustration with the Liberals over "idealogical differences" when it comes to expanding the economy. What does God say is the goal of our economy? What should we be doing, and how do we increase wealth?
Ahead of 2022 federal budget, corporate Canada wants Ottawa to act on economic policy --not just talk about it
Part 3 (12:20-19:27) Creating products is the way to increase wealth.
Let's take a look at what the Scripture teaches in terms of holding to a Biblical Christian work ethic, and working hard to increase wealth.
Part 4 (19:28-21:18) The Liberals under Justin Trudeau stealing from Canadian Tax.
The Liberals are spending money that doesn't exist. This is theft, and it is morally wrong. The numbers can be confusing, but if you walk all the way through it, the PBO is saying there will be inflation and interest rate hikes on everything that the government is doing.
Budget 2022 will need 'alchemy' to balance cost of living, global risks: expert
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news from a Biblical perspective in order to help Christians understand how we need to think about current events.
Further Reading & Documentation
Part 1 (0:00-16:18) Graphic footage from Ukraine reveals shocking war crimes!
What does the Scripture teach about how to wage war? Having discussed the moral reasons given in Scripture for entering into a "just war" and having elaborated on Just War Theory, we need to ask a further question: do the Scriptures tell us anything about how we are called by God to fight? And what is the end of war? When should the hostilities come to an end?
Zelenskyy shows UN graphic video highlighting 'terrible' Russia war crimes in Ukraine
Part 2 (16:19-25:13) BC to end vaccine card mandate on Friday. As Christians, we should rejoice at the relaxing of restrictions related to the vaccine passport. But we should temper our rejoicing and gratitude to the Lord with a healthy wariness about how far our obedience to the government is justified, and where Christians are called to be faithful to the Lord, despite the government's demands.
Covid-19 BC vaccine card mandate set to be dropped Friday
Part 3 (25:14-27:55) Budgets are theological documents, and the Liberal Government is about to reveal their theology on Thursday. We are reminded by the Lord to "Lay up treasure in heaven... For where a person's treasure is, there his heart will be also." This tells us that budgets are theological documents that reveal a person's heart. So what might we see regarding Trudeau's heart in the budget to be realeased on Thursday?
Canada's 2022 federal budget will be released this week. Here's a preview of what Canadians can likely expect
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news. Further Reading & Documentation
Part 1 (0:00-16:39) Where have all the old pop-spiritual leaders gone? The days of the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra seem to have faded. But what replaces the popcultural spiritual of the previous decade?
Where have all the popular spiritual leaders gone?
Part 2 (16:40-26:00) Canadians are becoming more divided over Covid-19
Polite society used to decline any conversation surrounding politics and religion. Yet these days, polite society is declining to have any further conversation around politics and Covid-19! What does the shift mean?
Canadians becoming more divided over Covid-19
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news. Further Reading & Documentation
Part 1 (0:00-14:17) Did the Pope ask for forgiveness?
Many have declared the Pope's apology on Friday to be an unambiguous declaration of remorse and a request for forgiveness. However, while the Pope expressed a desire for forgiveness from the Lord, he didn't exactly ask the delegates to forgive him.
Pope utters apology that First Nations, Inuit, and Metis 'have been longing for decades to hear'
Part 2 (14:18-19:02) Not all are satisfied with the Pope's expression
After hearing the Pope's apology, some are are not capable of forgiving. This is a spiritually dangerous place to be, and Christians must find a way to speak gently yet firmly to the need of forgiveness.
Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance say they have 'no forgiveness for the murder and attempted murder of our children'
Part 3 (19:03 - 26:08) Christians understand that Easter points to the desperate need of Forgiveness
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news. Part 1 (0:00-22:10) Ipsos Poll Reveals Canadians are looking to their Government for a Sign
Canadians are looking to the Government for a sign that they understand the financial hardship of every day, salt-of-the-earth Canadians? This Ipsos poll tells us something tragic about the current Canadian worldview and Canadians relationship to their government.
Poll: The cost of living the top priority for Canadians in 2022 federal budget
Part 2 (22:10-24:00) Insult to Injury
The government probably doesn't get it. If they did, they would not insist on implementing the Carbon Tax
The federal carbon tax is set to rise April 1.
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news.
Documentation & Further Reading
Part 1 (0:00-16:31)
If parents don't take the education of their children seriously, LGBTQ activists will! The "Don't say gay" bill endures intense criticism from LGBTQ activists and the Hollywood glitterati. In BC, SOGI 123 becomes dogma.
Businesses oppose Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' ban on discussion of LGBTQ issues in public schools
BC teacher suspended 15 days for sharing 'Stop SOGI 123' pamphlet.
Part 2 (16:32-30:34)
The Residential School scandal continues to haunt Canada as delegation makes its way to Vatican City to see the Pope. The Bible reveals the error of taking children from their parents.
Something is different about this trip to the Vatican. Phil Fontaine says it's 'hope'
Trudeau visits with BC residential school survivors, announces additional funding
Residential Schools in Canada
The Anti-Christian Theology of the Residential School System
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news. An overdose crises plagues British Columbia. But is the answer to this issue to remove stigma? What does removing the stigma around drug addiction accomplish? Documentation & Additional Reading
BC youth homelessness advocate died of accidental drug overdose
Safety Concerns cited as reason for closure at McDonald's downtown Kamloops
Statement from the Mayor of Kamloops -- Addressing social issues in Kamloops
Ottawa knows there's an overdose crises. It knows the answers. So why won't it act?
207 lives lost to illicit toxic drugs in BC in first month of 2022: coroner
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news.
The war in Ukraine has brought to our attention the advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. These new reproductive technologies must be evaluated carefully so that Christians don't divide the blessing of marriage from the blessing of children.
Further Reading & Documentation
Surrogate mothers, babies and frozen embryos trapped by Ukraine war as IVF parents watch in horror
Ukraine is a world leader in surrogacy, but babies are now stranded in a warzone
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news...
Documentation & Further Reading
Part 1 (0:00-16:48) President Biden's impromptu remarks at the end of a major foreign policy speech should remind Christians everywhere about the importance of our words.
American officials scrramble to clarify Biden's suggestion that Putin 'cannot remain in power.'
How Biden sparked a global uproar with nine ad-libbed words about Putin
Part 2 (16:48-21:00) Coming up this week on the Word & Observer:
- The First Nation Delegation to Rome
- The Surrogate Pregnancy Industry
- Progressive Compassion to supply Safe Drugs
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news, while looking to the Scriptures in order to understand how Christians need to think and feel about current events. Part 1 (0:00-6:04) Inquiries began yesterday into the Police Response to the Freedom Convoy.
The Commissioner of the Ontario Police claimed that the police department had "intelligence" an entire week before the invocation of the Emergency Act that it would pose a national security threat. Is it moral for a government to use secretive methods of intelligence gathering against its own citizens?
Ottawa convoy deemed a national security threat a week before Emergency Act
National security threat in relation to trucker convoy identified in early February
Part 2 (6:05-15:44) Looking at the Prime Ministers use of the Emergency Powers Act through the lense of Europeans.
Was the implementation of this broad and sweeping power justified? Was it necessary? If we believe it was necessary, are we correct in thinking this or are we making this determination from a place of bias and blindness?
"You are a disgrace": German MP calls out Trudeau to his face during intense speech
Part 3 (15:45-26:41)
Are notions of Liberty and Freedom merely western ideas, or do we find these concepts within the Scripture? Are we correct to criticize Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his invoking of the Emergency Powers Act and temporarily suspending Canadian liberties? Does the Bible speak to the morality of invoking the Emergency Powers Act? Does the Bible have anything to say about human freedom and individual liberty?
Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms
First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States
A Kamloops Christian’s reflection upon the news, while looking to the Scriptures in order to understand how Christians need to think and feel about current events.
What Christians Need to Know About Liberal-NDP Power Sharing Agreement (0:00-12:35)
Announced on Tuesday, two Canadian political parties form an uneasy alliance in order to further their own respective political agendas. But how uneasy of an alliance is it, really?
Legault Warns new Liberal-NDP Alliance will trigger confrontation with Provinces
What is a Biblical View of a Centralized, Government-Managed Economy? (12:38-26:00)
Both the NDP and the Liberals increasingly favor a state-managed, centralized economy. Does the Bible have anything to say about this? What does the Bible say will lead to a greater flourishing of society: government management or individual stewardship?
Under Liberal-NDP Agreement, Sign won't oppose Defence Spending in exchange for billions on Social Programs
Madeleine Albright Passes Away: "We cannot stand by and watch crimes against humanity." (26:01-30:30)
She echoed the words of the Apostle Paul, "We who are strong have an obligation to stand up for the weak." Indeed, she did just that as the first female Secretary of State. Christians should give thanks.
Madeleine Albright, first Secretary of State, dies at 84
A Kamloops Christian's reflection upon the times in which we live, while looking to the Scriptures in order to understand how, as Christians, we need to think and feel about current events.
Part 1 - The Risk of Nuclear War increases as Bombs Get Smaller
The smaller bombs become, the more tempted leaders are to use them. The Scriptures speak of the growing power of temptation in the heart. As we consider the increasing chance of nuclear war in Europe, we should pray for God to intercede. For further reading:
The Smaller Bombs That Could Turn Ukraine Into a Nuclear War Zone Part 2 - Putin Quotes Jesus to Justify Invasion of Ukraine
Among other things that are truly bizaare, Putin refferences the words of Christ to further bolster support for his war of aggression and domination in Europe. Christians can easily dismiss this rubbish. For further reading:
Putin quotes Jesus to justify invasion of Ukraine
A Kamloops Christian's reflection upon the times in which we live, while looking to the Scriptures in order to understand how, as Christians, we need to think and feel about current events.
Part 1 - In Search of a better Sexual Ethic
Christine Emba writes a very intriging opinion peice in the Washington Post documenting the many problems of "hooke-up" culture, but also describing a new phenomenon taking place known as, "consent culture." She wonders whether or not obtaining consent before sex is enoug, and whether or not there might be a better way? She touches on this rather antiquated idea of love and questions whether or not we would be better served returning to something like that. As Christians, indeed, we wonder the same thing. For more reading:
Consent is not enough. We need a new sexual ethic.
Part 2 - Russian Cosmonauts Arrive at the International Space Station
Amy Cheng draws our attention to something rather surprising: Russian Cosmonauts appear to show silent support of the Ukranian people. Is this actually the case, or is it something more routine and less inspiring? For further reading:
Russian cosmonauts don flight suits in colors similar to Ukrainian flag’s
Notes and additional reading...
Part 1: Populism vs. Globalism - What is the Christian vision for Foreign Policy?
The Trump administration seemed uncertain regarding its approach to foreign policy. At one point, it seemed very committed to abandoning foreign "adventurism" in order to focus its energy and attention at home. But at the same time, President Trump demanded the allies of NATO to increase defense spending to the required minimum of 2% GDP. It seems that the Russian Invasion of Ukraine has has resulted in a new GOP hawkishness. What does the Bible say? Are Christians to stay at home and avoid foreign entanglements? What is the Christian vision for foreign policy?
Will the Ukraine War End the Age of Populism? Part 2 - How should the Christian respond to the threat of escalation?
In a battle of wills, the use of threats of escalation signals to others a willingness to do more in order to win. Dominating the "escalation ladder" casts doubt on your adversary’s ability to follow suit. Under the right conditions, threatening enough escalation can compel an adversary to drop out of a conflict. Should Christians allow themselves to be bullied in the pursuit of justice?
The West is allowing Vladimir Putin to ‘escalate’ his way to victory
The Word & Observer is a Canadian Christian's look at the world with a consideration for how God desires His people to think and feel about the events that are happening around them.
When do Christians determine that it is time to go to war in Ukraine?
What exactly are the primary concerns behind the Christian theory of just war? What conditions need to be satisfied before Christians can support open war against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine? Destroying a theater clearly marked with the Russian word, "Children", is an atrocity that deserves an answer.
Ukrainian Officials Say Russia Bombed Mariupol Theater Sheltering 'Hundreds' Is it pleasing to God for Politicians to "pivot" to talking points when asked a direct question?
What does God think about Prime Minister Trudeau's stubborn refusal to answer reporters' questions directly, always pivoting to his own carefully prepared remarks no matter what question is asked? The biblical word for this behavior is "cunning", and to answer the question bluntly: God doesn't like it.
Matt Gurney: Trudeau has perfected the art of not answering questions Is it necessary for Christians to affirm in order to accept another individual?
There is a brewing war in Germany's Roman Catholic Church involving bishops' urging the Vatican to approve of same-sex marriages as a matter of stating that the church values the lives of those who identify as homosexual. But is it necessary for the church to affirm a lifestyle or behavior in order to love or accept individuals who identify as LGBTQ?
Germany's top Catholic bishop sees change coming for blessing same-sex unions
It can feel as though we are living in the best of times and the worst of times. We see examples of great moral courage in the form of sacrifice and service, but we also see examples of incredible selfishness.
Anatoly in Ukraine evacuates his family but chooses to stay behind in order to serve in his church's media ministry.
Claire leaves her family after twenty years in order to start looking out for number one, herself.
How are Christians to think of these things? And what does it mean for the broader society?
Links for further reading.
The women who followed Adele’s example and walked away from their families Zelenskyy says Russia wants to ‘annihilate’ Ukrainians, urges no-fly zone
Russian President Vladimir Putin often makes promises only to break them. Given what Putin has done in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, and Aleppo, the move to slaughter citizens who refuse to evacuate along "approved corridors" into waiting Russian cells and gulags is all too predicatable. His history reveals a pattern of behavior that ultimately determines his destiny. And it tells us something else about him...
This betrayal is a close comparison to what Judas Iscariot did to Jesus. As the Psalmist says in Psalm 55, "His words were as smooth as butter... but war was in his heart."
In recent news, convicted killer Alan Schoenborn of Merritt, B.C., who murdered his children in 2008, was granted unescorted leave from the psychiatric facility where he is being held. Schoenborn is soon to be granted leave for an extended period of up to twenty-eight days.
Christians have struggled with the shocking case of Alan Schoenborn in two respects. First, what are believers to make of the claim that he hears voices and that he suffers from paranoid schizophrenic delusions? Is this a case of demonic possession?
Secondly, if it is accepted that Schoenborn murdered his children as a result of either demonic deception or pscyhotic delusions, does this remove Schoenborn from moral culpability for the murder of his children?
Links for additional reading.
B.C. child killer Allan Schoenborn granted unescorted leave for up to 28 days Schoenborn was a model dad, former wife tells murder trial Child killer Allan Schoenborn approved for unescorted passes into community
What is a #Christian moral response to the BC Coroners Service Report that recommends increasing the supply of safe drugs in order to combat the overdose crises currently plaguing British Columbia? Is it right to recommend using safe drugs in order to combat the drug addiction?
An Christian analysis of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's suggestion that, rather than increasing oil production in order to offset energy requirements no longer satisfied by Russian oil as a result of economic sanctions, the nations of the world needed to further decarbonize their oil driven economies. From the Bible we learn that resource development is good, and that the lives of people who depend upon oil for heating, cooling, and other needs are sacred and therefore, worthy of cultivating this resource.
Russia suspended what vestiges of a free press remained on Friday of last week. This issue should awaken Christians to consider the need for a free press and the prize of any democracy which is the freedom of speech.
Is enough being done for Ukraine? Should Christians consider going to war against Russia in order to defend Ukraine? What is a just war, and when have the moral considerations been satisfied in order to justify the Christian going to war?