Jane Chastain : Politically Direct

Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

Christians and Government

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“Let every person be in subjection to governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”  Roman 13:1

A pastor of a very large church recently chastised his congregation for its preoccupation with and involvement in the affairs of government.  He said that politics is a Christian “brain cramp.”

Using the text of Romans 13:1 and I Peter 2: 13-17, he told the people in his flock that if they failed to submit to any governmental authority they were in rebellion against God. Read the rest of this entry »

Written by Jane Chastain

May 15th, 2009 at 4:10 pm

Is the U.S. A Christian Nation?

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On Monday, Barack Obama’s U.S. apology tour, stopped in Turkey where he caused quite a stir.  In a press conference, in a shaky attempt to be all things to all people, he said this:  “Although we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.” Read the rest of this entry »

Written by Jane Chastain

April 9th, 2009 at 12:00 am

Posted in Faith,Obama

Flight 1549: When Greed Replaces Gratitude

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On January 15, the world watched in awe as all 155 passengers and crew from a downed US Airways jet were rescued from the Hudson River in New York in record time.  One passenger was briefly hospitalized with two broken legs but, miraculously, there were no serious injuries.

It was a great cause for celebration.  However, this celebration may be short lived.

While most of the passengers are grateful just to be alive and will greet each new day with the kind of appreciation that only comes from having lived through a harrowing experience, others are looking to “cash in.” Read the rest of this entry »

Written by Jane Chastain

January 29th, 2009 at 12:00 am

Posted in Faith

Bah, Humbug!

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What’s so special about Christmas?

What is the big deal about the birth of Jesus Christ? He was crucified with common criminals and he’s been dead for two thousand years. If Jesus was God, or the son of God as some claim, why couldn’t he save himself?

Why make such a big fuss over this holiday?

If that is how you feel, then this is for you. Read the rest of this entry »

Written by Jane Chastain

December 25th, 2008 at 12:00 am

Posted in Christmas,Faith

The Gospel According to Newsweek

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Christians believe that the Bible is “God-breathed,” handed down, unchanged throughout the ages by the Creator himself.

Then, along comes Newsweek. In next week’s cover story, “Our Mutual Joy,” Lisa Miller advocates for gay marriage and tells us that God really didn’t mean all those explicit pronouncements against homosexuality in his holy Word. Read the rest of this entry »

Written by Jane Chastain

December 11th, 2008 at 12:00 am