Greetings!
It’s raining right now – hard! So I’ll take this opportunity to stay inside and share my thoughts on six timely topics.
Thank you for reading!
- Blazing about Baker
Did you watch the Cleveland Browns play the New York Jets Thursday night? I had the game on while I was doing other things, including figuring out what topics I wanted to share in this week’s DHD.
For the majority of the first half (and by “majority” I mean all but the final minute-plus), the game was dreadful. The Jets had a 14-0 lead, and the Browns offense, led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor, looked horrible. They could not move the ball at all. In most cases when I’m watching a sporting event that appears unappealing, the channel is quickly changed. However, not this time.
I had a sense, like many Sooner fans this evening, that our favorite Austin, Texas native would make an appearance in this game. Sure enough, Baker Mayfield came on the field, and what seemed to resemble a funeral dirge became a rock concert as far as how this game rapidly changed.
Mayfield brought life into that Browns offense, and I’ve never seen a rookie with no official NFL snaps perform like he did. I remember Elway and Peyton and other great quarterbacks beginning their NFL careers, and none of them were even close in comparison to what Baker pulled off.
Of course, Baker will face tougher competition. He will demonstrate that he is a rookie, and future opponents will cause him to have bad performances. I will predict sometime in the coming weeks, Baker will throw at least three interceptions in a game, or maybe two picks and a fumble.
But for now, Baker has made Cleveland a happy place.
- Kavanaugh’s Kangaroo Court
Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court has become a ridiculous mess, thanks to those in opposition. A week ago, this was a slam dunk that Kavanaugh would be approved by the U.S. Senate and on his way to sitting on the highest court in the land.
However, an accusation made by Christine Blasey Ford against Kavanaugh from their high school years has thrown a major wrench in the works. Ford alleges Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in the early 1980s.
Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, voiced his opinion about Ford’s accusation against Kavanaugh:
“Obviously, if this did happen, that would be disqualifying,” Moore said in a Sept. 18 appearance on CNN. “And obviously if this did not happen, it would be a horrible thing to wrongfully accuse someone of doing.”
Moore also said that both Ford and Kavanaugh should be respected as truth is sought. Moore is correct in how to treat both parties, but the question I have is how long do you allow for the abundance of misinformation, delays and changing demands that continue to occur?
Ford’s testimony has gaps and inconsistencies. A witness supporting Ford has changed her tune. Information has not been provided to the Judiciary Committee. It is this kind of evidence and behavior that leads to skepticism and the conclusion of just trying to delay Kavanaugh’s appointment as long as possible.
National Review’s David French has been the most sensible analyst about this mess. You should read his articles and try to find a flaw in his conclusions.
- DeYoung on Social Justice
It’s been awhile since I’ve commented on Kevin DeYoung. He is an excellent writer, especially on confusing faith issues. Check out his article “Is Social Justice a Gospel Issue?”
DeYoung explains all the details well and is objective toward both sides of how to view Social Justice from a Christian perspective.
- Conservative Christians Are ‘More Liberal’
Emily Ekins presented some interesting conclusions about conservative Christians in her New York Times’ article “The Liberalism of the Religious Right.”
“Churchgoing Trump voters have more favorable feelings toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Jews, Muslims and immigrants compared with nonreligious Trump voters,” Ekins wrote. “This holds up even while accounting for demographic factors like education and race.”
Ekins pointed out the Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution at the recent Annual Meeting in Dallas, asking President Trump to demonstrate more compassion for asylum seekers and immigrant families.
The point I would want to clarify that I think Ekins misses is most conservative Christians do have compassion for immigrants while also desiring to honor the law. Speaking for myself, I believe it is the biblical duty of the Church to care for the many in their times of need, regardless of status. I also believe it is the government’s duty to protect citizens. Both can happen.
- Mohler on Conservative Christians Article
Al Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, chimed in this week about Ekins article and an article by Ross Douthat titled “Conservatism After Christianity.”
Check out Mohler’s commentary here. You can either listen or read the transcription.
What I find interesting is why the New York Times wants to categorize conservatives. I get the feeling that the major liberal paper is seeking to divide and conquer. But Mohler’s perspective is great as always, and I think it is great to bring Christianity into the light of the matter because, conservative or not, the most important issue is not politics but the Gospel.
- Allbury on Same-Sex Relationships
I got to hear Sam Allbury at a conference about five years ago. He is an ordained minister in the Church of England. A single man, Allbury also claims to struggle with same-sex attraction.
I learned a lot about how to discuss issues of homosexuality from Allbury. He is an intelligent speaker who gives clear biblical instruction and demonstrates compassion toward those who deal with homosexuality.
Check out his article “Same Sex Relationships: Should We Just Agree to Disagree?” I hope you find it helpful.