by Chris Doyle | Jun 29, 2018
Greetings!
Another week, another DHD! Here’s my thoughts on six timely topics!
- Sarah and the Red Hen
Last Friday, June 22, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, was planning to have dinner with friends and family at the Red Hen, a restaurant in Lexington, Va. The staff of the 26-seat eatery became alarmed when Sanders arrived after most her party were being served “cheese boards.”
The owner of the Red Hen arrived, discussed the situation with the restaurant staff and then decided to have a private talk with Sanders. According to the Washington Post, the owner asked Sanders to leave.
“That’s fine. I’ll go,” Sanders responded.
The Post reported everyone else in Sanders’ dining party was welcome to stay, but they chose to leave with Sanders and offered to pay for the cheese boards and drinks. The owner said it was on the house.
“For all the angst that evening, Wilkinson said, everything had taken place with decorum. She had been polite; Sanders had been polite; the press secretary’s family had been polite as they followed her out the door,” the Post reported.
Of course, there is more to the story, but it all comes in the aftermath of what I shared. Social media comments made this incident a major national news spectacle. Restaurant employees talked about it on Facebook and Twitter. Sanders herself tweeted about the incident after “more than a dozen reporters” contacted her about it, the Post reported.
President Trump blasted the Red Hen the following Monday. Others chimed in, saying either it was “disgraceful” what happened or they applauded the restaurant.
So here’s my take. I don’t defend what the owner did, but I do think, according to what was reported, how Sanders and her party responded Friday night was exactly the right thing to do. Be polite, respectful and leave without making a commotion. I don’t know all the details, but they could eat somewhere else.
I blame social media. I don’t know if Sanders should have tweeted what she did, but she said she did so as a response to media inquiries. I’ll let that pass. However, Trump trashing the restaurant was way too much.
And if the Red Hen was so upset about a member of Trump’s cabinet eating at their place, why fuel the fire by letting the world know about it?
Yes, our nation is divided, and social media is a major catalyst for the division. Agree, disagree with whoever involved in this restaurant incident, but the awkward moment could have been a minor “blip” in the whole realm of life. Everybody involved appeared to be professional through it all. Social media caused this brief incident to become a cultural calamity.
- Prior’s perspective on Christian Hospitality
I have heard numerous and unique reports this month about Karen Swallow Prior, who teaches English at my alma mater, Liberty University. She also is affiliated with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. ERLC President Russell Moore was asked about her at the recent SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas.
She also was hit by a bus in Nashville and has been vocal about recent issues involving former Southwestern Seminary President Paige Patterson.
So when I noticed an article posted on The Gospel Coalition website, written by Prior, I had to check it out. The article is titled “Christian Hospitality in an Age of ‘They’re Not Welcome Anymore, Anywhere.’”
After all of these interesting aspects of Prior, and especially after reading her article, I don’t know if there is anybody I could compare to Prior. Maybe the Unsinkable Molly Brown?
I appreciate Prior’s passion for the unborn. I want to know more about her involvement in connecting with LGBT people and those who struggle with same-sex attractions. If Russell Moore is willing to adamantly stand up for her and her Christian faith, then that’s enough verification for me.
Her examples of Christian hospitality are pretty bold, as is her message:
“In a free society,” Prior wrote in her Christian hospitality article, “we are called both to live peaceably with one another and to hold one another accountable for violating principles that we believe undermine a free society. As citizens, sometimes we should offer hospitality to our enemies. Other times, we must rebuke them. It takes wisdom to know which situations call for which response.”
She mentioned the Sarah Huckabee Sanders incident, but I get a feeling we observe it from different views. She didn’t seem to have the same admiration I did for Sanders politely leaving the restaurant.
I welcome feedback from others who read her article, especially about her incident with the abortion doctor in the checkout line. Personally, that’s a bit too bold.
- Curious about George
Paul George is a hot topic these days. Will he play again with the Thunder? Will he go to the Lakers?
The NBA offseason has much more appeal than the NBA Finals – which ended with ho-hum predictability. After LeBron James, George is the most popular free agent in this offseason market.
It’s almost anybody’s guess. Other teams have been mentioned as running candidates, but it seems too obvious it will come down to either OKC or L.A.
Like many Thunder fans, I remain hesitant to predict. We’ve been through this stressful waiting game before. The difference, I think, is the majority of the fan base will not be surprised if George decides to join another team. There will be sadness, disappointment but no shock.
If George does leave, I just hope he doesn’t make his announcement on July 4.
- Justice Kennedy to step down
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced this week he is going to retire. After being the “swing vote” in many controversial case rulings, Kennedy’s departure appears to be a major game-changer.
Kennedy seemed to always rule in favor of the underdog in any case he was presented. I joked with a friend of mine this week that how I think Kennedy viewed the arguments is who was “nicer” in their presentations. That could apply to recent rulings involving the Colorado baker and the California pro-life pregnancy centers. The government institutions in each case seemed to be mean is how I jokingly describe Kennedy’s conclusions.
Two of my favorite commentaries about Kennedy’s retirement announcement came from Albert Mohler in his Thursday’s edition of The Briefing and from David French in his article “Anthony Kennedy’s Retirement: Legal & Political Implications.”
- Theology means more than music
I was encouraged to read most churchgoers hold Christian beliefs more strongly than music preferences.
Baptist Press reported 54 percent of churchgoers would leave if their church changed doctrines with only five percent leaving if music style changed. The BP article has other interesting results from the churchgoers’ survey.
- Love’s gets love from ‘American Trucker’
I conclude with sharing an article about an Oklahoma businessman and a nationwide icon.
The magazine American Trucker shared Tom Love’s story about how he started his business of Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. I enjoyed reading about the 81-year-old multi-billionaire and how his business remains family-focused with his wife Judy, as they celebrated 55 years of marriage.
I see Tom and Judy often at Thunder games. They sit just courtside to the right end of the scorer’s table and faithfully cheer on the Thunder.
by Chris Doyle | Jun 22, 2018
Greetings!
Thanks for reading this week’s DHD. I comment on six more timely topics. Here we go!
- Vote next Tuesday, June 26
The Oklahoma primary is next Tuesday, June 26. Please plan to vote this day. There are many important elections to consider. I’d be happy to discuss with you individually about the candidates who will be getting my vote.
As far as State Question 788, I’ll declare publilcy, because of the moral implications. I plan to vote “No.” SQ788 involves legalizing marijuana under the guise that it only relates to medical aspects. This is a dangerous slope.
I have friends who have said they are voting “Yes” on SQ788 because they believe this will provide medical benefits. But the language of SQ788 is just too vague or inconsistent, allowing for future threats of legalizing recreational marijuana.
Other states have gone down this road and have paid dearly. Colorado has seen numerous social hazards since legalizing marijuana use in 2014, including increasing unemployment, crime rate and car wrecks. USA Today reported Colorado experienced a 145 percent increase in “fatal crashes involving marijuana-impaired drivers” between the years 2013 and 2016. This article also reported Colorado has seen an increase of youth marijuana use, emergency room visits and mental health problems.
I haven’t heard one person I respect who holds a leadership position say they support SQ788. Many reject it, including those in the business ranks, medical field, elected officials and among faith leaders.
Oklahoma friends, please remember to vote Tuesday, June 26, and I encourage you to vote “No” on SQ788.
- Current SBC status
Check out Ryan Smith’s recent blog “What’s Changing Between Southern Baptists and America?”
This is an objective piece that helps the reader evaluate what is happening among many Southern Baptists’ viewpoints as American citizens. Should we look at America as Israel (a nation blessed by God) or as Babylon (a place of exile for Christians)?
Ryan helps those of either viewpoint, especially among Southern Baptists, have a kinder understanding of the other.
- Having a prayer-minded home
Jennifer Griffin’s website “Dimples and Tangles” offers a lot of home décor ideas. This week she offered suggestions of how to make a home have a more appealing atmosphere toward prayer.
This, of course, would be more favorable for women to read, but I applaud the intention and the encouragement to be more prayer-minded in the home.
- Mohler on why language matters
Albert Mohler is an amazing man, a great Christian leader. Among SBC influencers, I say he ranks at the top.
Are you familiar with Mohler’s daily podcast “The Briefing”? You should be. I need to listen to him more frequently. I learn so much from his talks. I would compare him to a modern-day Paul Harvey with an even more in-depth Christian worldview.
Check out today’s edition of “The Briefing,” and scroll down to just the segment about why language matters in the discussion of same-sex attraction and sexual desire.
Mohler states, “…as we try our best to think compassionately and clearly about these issues, I think we have to turn to a text such as First Corinthians chapter 6, verse 11, where Paul writes: ‘And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.’”
This is excellent content when having respected discussions about those who identify as “Gay Christians.” Mohler emphasizes the past tense very well, “And such were some of you..”
- Esther study
I have to be brief as I conclude this week’s DHD. I’ll explain in the final topic.
But I want to encourage you to read Mike Cosper’s piece “The Esther Option.” He helped me see this Old Testament story in a new way. I’d love to discuss with you about it. If you do read it, share with me your comments.
- Heading to the Creek
It’s 3:55 p.m., and I need to pick up Karen at her workplace at 4:30, which means I’ve got to hurry.
We’re going to one of my happy places – Falls Creek. The youth group at my church is down there this week, including my brother (sponsor) and my niece and nephew.
Lots of great things are happening at Falls Creek this summer. With the third week of youth camp concluding, more than 1,700 students have made spiritual decisions, including 742 professions of faith in Christ.
In next week’s Baptist Messenger, Emily Howsden shares about some specific decisions and outcomes that happened during weeks two and three at Falls Creek.
It is now 4 p.m. I’m signing off!
by Chris Doyle | Jun 15, 2018
Greetings!
Are you tired of all the negativity surrounding the SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas this week? Well, I’ve got a “positive-encouraging-KLOVE” report for you.
This week’s DHD features my six favorite things about this year’s meeting. Here we go!
- Jeffrey Bingham’s report
Bravo to Interim President Jeffrey Bingham of Southwestern Seminary. As of a couple of weeks ago, I never heard of him (in fact, I had difficulties even this week remembering his name), but I thought he handled giving the seminary report in an eloquent and gracious manner.
With all the heated matters surrounding Southwestern in the past two months, Bingham stood in front of a packed Dallas Convention Center and offered encouraging words about the seminary going forward.
He said it is his priority “to create a safe environment and a campus culture that protects and cares for the victims of abuse.” Bingham also mentioned Southwestern denounces all forms of abuse and behavior that enables abuse, and he reported all faculty and staff will have retaken and completed a course on sexual abuse by July 31.
Also, he emphasized, “Some things at Southwestern cannot and will not change,” which includes the seminary’s commitment to Scripture and evangelism.
As I said, I never heard of Bingham until a few weeks ago, but after hearing him this week, I am convinced he will right Southwestern’s ship through this storm.
- IMB missionary commissioning service
Tuesday night was a great experience. David Pratt, president of the International Mission Board, led Messengers in a powerful moment of prayer.
“God, in one voice we cry out for the salvation of billions of people who have never heard the name of Jesus,” was featured in one of the many screen presentations while everyone in unison voiced prayer for the many countries and people groups around the world.
The evening session featured an IMB commissioning service or a “sending celebration,” I heard it called. Seventy-nine missionaries introduced themselves. Some were presented on the platform under dim lighting because they are going to places where Christianity is not accepted, and their full names were withheld.
One young lady will be going to Southeast Asia, and she gave a powerful testimony. “The stories we tell you are glimpses into how our churches played their role in our call to missions,” she sa
id. “I’m from a small church of 100 people, and I’m the first missionary we’ve sent out in 60 years.”
Then, Messengers participated in an awesome ceremony that resembled a presentation in an opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The commissioned missionaries scattered across the enormous arena with people holding illuminated signs that said either “Every church” or “Every nation.” Messengers were asked to go to one of the missionaries, lay hands on them and pray for God to use them where they are going.
- Oklahoma was well represented
The SBC reported 524 Messengers came from Oklahoma. Texas, of course, had the largest representation with 2,036, but only Tennessee (615) and North Carolina (540) had more Messengers than Oklahoma.
I was glad to see many of my Oklahoma friends at the Annual Meeting. There’s always a reunion-type atmosphere, and being able to connect with many whom I respect and love in one big place gives me joy.
- And my media friends!
Speaking of a reunion, I also got to connect with many friends involved in communications in other states, whether it be editors of other state papers, photographers or those with Baptist Press.
I always enjoy seeing Holly Smith from California who works the media credential/information area every year. I tell people she’s a Californian who actually likes Oklahoma. She and I are fans of Oklahoma! the musical. Holly also has a quick wit about her and knows how to respond when I make a silly, pestering remark.
And there are others – Jennifer Rash and Bob Davis from Alabama and Lonnie Wilkey from Tennessee, to name a few. And I enjoy seeing Shawn Hendricks and Art Toalston from Baptist Press, who do an excellent job editing and distributing news stories.
Also, I got to connect with Jim Veneman who is a legend in the world of photojournalism and one of the nicest guys in the universe. I first got to know Jim last year at a conference, and he led a breakout that was excellent.
And I got to meet some people for the first time. Marc Ira Hooks, whom I’ve heard of from other people, is a former IMB missionary and also an excellent photographer. I enjoyed getting to know Marc, and I hope to connect with him again soon.
- Worship through music
There were powerful moments of praise throughout my time in Dallas. A very talented youth choir from Bellevue Baptist Church, near Memphis, led the times of singing during the Annual Meeting sessions.
I was blown away by the combined choirs from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas and Shiloh Metropolitan in Jacksonville, Fla. They provided music during the Pastors’ Conference, which met Sunday and Monday this week.
Go to the 4:26 mark of this video to hear them. I don’t know if you will have the same response, but this was the first song the choirs sang at the conference. Their sound gave me chills, and their countenance made me smile.
- The best motion presented by a Messenger
Yes, there were many heated moments when Messengers spoke from the floor. It was even tense during the reports from the Seminaries. But right in the thick of it, a Messenger made a motion to turn down the AC in the events center, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
SBC President Steve Gaines responded from the platform, “Does somebody know where the thermostat is?” The place erupted with laughter, and the mood seemed lighter.
I hope you enjoyed my sharing of positive aspects from the SBC Annual Meeting.
by Chris Doyle | Jun 15, 2018
It stinks when you have superhero powers and can’t use them.
But that’s the situation that Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible), Helen Parr (Elastigirl) and their three children find themselves after they tried to catch a bank robber – the Underminer – and ended up destroying a city street instead. The bad guy got away with the cash, and the Incredibles made the front page of the newspaper for all the wrong reasons.
The money was insured, so what did they have to gain by chasing the villain?
“If you had simply done nothing,” an official says, “everything would be proceeding in an orderly fashion.”
Of course, superheroes already were banned in their world. This just made things worse.
Now living in a cheap motel, Bob and Helen Parr seem destined for a life in the real world, with a genuine job and actual responsibilities. That is, until two mysterious and wealthy people – the brother-sister tandem of Winston and Evelyn Deavor – enter their lives, promising a return to superhero fame. The Deavors blame politicians for the negative perception of superheroes. Their solution: body cameras, which will record the brave actions of superheroes. The footage then will be fed to the media, which will subsequently change the public’s perception for the better. Politicians will be forced to change the law!
It’s a good plan, but the Deavors want to test it on only one superhero: Elastigirl. This will require Mr. Incredible to be a stay-at-home dad and raise three kids: the moody Violet, the energetic Dash, and the gets-into-everything baby Jack-Jack.
Will it work?
Pixar’s Incredibles 2 (PG) opens this weekend, some 14 years after the first installment – which still ranks in the Top 20 all-time in animated film gross – opened. It stars Craig T. Nelson (Coach) as Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible, Holly Hunter (The Big Sick) as Helen Parr/Elastigirl, Sarah Vowell (This American Life) as Violet, and Huck Milner as the new voice of Dash. Samuel L. Jackson returns as Frozone.
I took my 10-year-old son with me to watch Incredibles 2, and we laughed as much during the two-hour film as we did during the first one. It’s just as funny as the original, and the family-centric message is back, too.
Still, it’s not as clean as Incredibles was, and it contains some elements that might prevent parents from taking small children.
Warning: minor spoilers!
(Scale key: Minimal, moderate, extreme)
Violence/Disturbing
Moderate. It’s bloodless animated violence, but the film contains more punching and kicking than most animated films. There also is a flashback scene in which we learn a father was shot and killed in his bedroom (We see the robbers and the gun but don’t see the bodies). Jack-Jack turns into a demonic-looking creature when angry. The film’s most disturbing moment involves a villain named Screenslaver who uses hypnosis (through television and special glasses) to turn people into his subjects. It’s eerie.
Sexuality/Sensuality/Nudity
Minimal. Violet dates a boy. Bob and Helen kiss. Everyone’s suits (as you know) are skin-tight.
Coarse Language
Minimal. About five coarse words: OMG (2), h-ll (1), d-ned (1) and misuse of “oh Lord (1). It’s jarring to hear a curse word in a kid-friendly animated film. Why include them at all, Pixar? Also: crap (1), suck (1), jeez (1) and an unfinished “what the.”
Other Positive Elements
The Incredibles, as we learned in the first film, are a close family that supports one another. That’s the case in Incredibles 2, also.
Other Stuff You Might Want To Know
Helen and Evelyn drink alcohol together. Some of the superheroes travel from dimension to dimension. As previously noted, a villain performs hypnosis.
Life Lessons
When is it OK to break an unjust law? In Incredibles 2, Helen breaks the law in hopes of changing it.
The movie also has plenty of lessons about the family. See Worldview, below.
Worldview
Theologians calls the family God’s first institution. Before He designed anything else – the church, the government – He created the family. Thus, it must be important!
And in Incredibles 2, family is preeminent. Bob and Helen love each other. They love their children. And the kids love their parents. In fact, everyone is willing to risk their own lives for everyone else.
But the bigger message in Incredibles 2 concerns parenting. It’s as important as being a superhero! Some moviegoers even may see a message about the traditional role of moms and dads. After all, Helen is great at being a superhero, but she misses her kids. Her children, in turn, miss her, too, and they want her back (Her absence means she misses a key moment in Jack-Jack’s life.) Mr. Incredible struggles mightily at being a stay-at-home dad. It’s simply not his forte.
At one point, a fellow superhero asks Helen/Elastigirl, “How do you balance superhero stuff with the life stuff?” She never answers the question, but the answer is obvious: She doesn’t balance the two. She spends 100 percent of her time in the superhero world, and her family suffers. In the end, Elastigirl learns she can’t save the world by herself, and Mr. Incredible learns to respect his wife’s motherly skills.
Incredibles 2 is filled with messages about parenting and family. Such as children need a mom and a dad. And it takes a village to raise a child (Which we see when Edna assists Mr. Incredible.) And “you don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent” – as the radio commercial puts it.
“Parenting is a heroic act,” Edna says.
Incredibles 2 teaches us a lot about the family. Not bad for an animated film.
Sponsors
McDonald’s is a leading sponsor and already has Happy Meal toys. You’ve been warned.
What Works
The humor. It’s everywhere in this film, even in the cereals the kids eat (Bob switches out Sugar Bombs for Fiber O’s).
What Doesn’t
We expect Pixar films to be 100 percent kid-friendly, but Incredibles 2 is not. The violence and disturbing elements may be too much for little ones. It’s also disappointing to hear coarse language.
Discussion Questions
- List three lessons about the family from Incredibles 2.
- Do you agree that “it takes a village to raise a child”? Why or why not?
- Why did Mr. Incredible struggle with his duties at home?
- Why do moviegoers like The Incredibles so much? Is it due to the humor, or is it something deeper?
- Who was right – Bob or Helen – in the debate over unjust laws?
Entertainment rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Family-friendly rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Incredibles 2 is rated PG for action sequences and some brief mild language.
by Chris Doyle | Jun 8, 2018
Greetings!
Here’s another addition of Doyle’s Half Dozen. Thanks for checking out my thoughts of six timely topics.
- Bible on slavery
I read a great piece that probes a popular debate involving the Bible. Many antagonists quickly spout off that the Bible favors the horrible practice of slavery.
“Slaves obey your masters” is a common command in New Testament passages. Paul mentions it twice in his epistles (Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22).
Gavin Ortland wrestles this topic of in his piece “Why It’s Wrong to Say the Bible is Pro-Slavery.” I have said before that I enjoy these apologetic-type discussions and really enjoyed Ortland’s analysis.
A key to a topic like this is making sure to have a focus on the Gospel, which is much more important than even “winning” the debate. Ortland was excellent in sharing the story in Philemon, as Paul writes to the slave owner about receiving his runaway slave as a brother in Christ. That’s a powerful example of both the Gospel as well as showing Biblical teaching does not support slavery.
- Biblical prepping for college students
There are a number of topics people use to discredit the Bible or Christian faith. And there is not a more challenging setting than on the college campus. Many high school graduates seem to have their faith crumble once they are fully involved in their college years.
Cameron Cole provides answers to six hot issues that Christian college students may face. Check out Cole’s article that helps college students be ready when asked.
- Religious liberty eats cake
This week’s started with big news from the Supreme Court. Baker Jack Phillips won a big case on behalf of religious liberty, as the highest court favored him, 7-2, after he was charged for refusing to provide a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding.
My favorite part of the ruling is Justice Anthony Kennedy coming down on the Colorado Commission for accusing Phillip’s religious liberty claims to be “despicable piece of rhetoric.” Many are scrutinizing this verdict, but I am pleased to see, as Russell Moore confidently claimed, “The Supreme Court got this one right.”
David Prince also gave a great post-ruling analysis. Read it here.
- More from Moore on religious liberty
A friend of mine shared on Facebook an article Russell Moore wrote in 2015. Check out “Debunking 4 Myths About Religious Freedom.”
All four points could relate to the SCOTUS ruling this week.
- Patterson will not preach
I just found out Paige Patterson announced to Southern Baptist President Steve Gaines he will not preach the sermon at the SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas next week. Baptist Press reported Patterson’s withdrawal.
The now-former president of Southwestern Seminary has been under a lot of heat the past few months, after reports of Patterson using poor communication about women and mishandling rape reports, and I am appreciative and relieved to hear him announce this decision.
Patterson said his decision has been done in “an effort to do what I can to contribute to harmony within the Southern Baptist Convention.”
This will not completely douse the flames heading into next week’s SBC meeting, but I pray it is a good sign that God may do a powerful work among Southern Baptists.
- Celebrities suicide
I found out this morning about Anthony Bourdain’s death from apparent suicide. This of course comes a few days after fashion designer Kate Spade took her life.
I know little about both. I know Bourdain had an international travel show on CNN, and I don’t know if I even had any familiarity about Spade. I am sorry to hear that both successful personalities chose to leave this world.
WordSlingers blogger Christi Roselle gave an excellent assessment on Thursday, regarding Spade’s suicide. May this be a sobering call to all Christians that time is fleeting. We must be diligent in sharing the Gospel.
