JesusFollowerForever said:

Judas made his choice the wrong choice, he betrayed the son of GOD knowing very well who Jesus was.

will you also claim that satan will be saved?

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We would first need to define who or what Satan is. That would take awhile, a very long while.

So here is my exceedingly condensed thinking on the subject, without details:

I believe Satan to be the ordained adversary and accuser of the soul (Job chapters 1-2), who is providentially used by God for testing His creation through which His creation was subjected to vanity, in Hope (ie: Christ), (Rom 8:20-8:21).

I believe Satan as represented in scripture is a metaphor for the mind of the flesh that wars and lusts against the mind of the spirit (Rom 8:6-8:8, Gal 5:17). The mind of the spirit being the very breath of God that gives life to all (Gen 2:7).

So, no, I don't make the claim that Satan will be saved. I believe in the final and total destruction of the flesh to the saving of the spirit. And, I believe this to be not only for the elect in this age who know they've been crucified with Christ, but for all of humanity in the resurrection, in the age of judgment to come.

HYDERABAD, India — Worship services at a church in a village in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state have been suspended since Hindu extremists attacked the congregation on June 1, sources said.

The mob of about 20 villagers led by members of the Hindu extremist Bajrang Dal intruded into the house of Pastor Madia Damor in Thuvadara village, Jabua District, disrupting the worship service and beating the 50 people gathered for fasting prayer, including women and children.

The assailants arrived at about 4 p.m., seized Bibles from children and began beating male and female members, Pastor Damor said.


“There was all chaos,” he told Morning Star News. “The children and women were crying, shouting, asking them to stop, but they forcefully dragged them out of my house,” Pastor Damor told Morning Star News. “When I tried to stop the mob from attacking the women and children, they pushed me off and threatened me that they would kill me if I conducted church prayers in the village again.”

Continued below.

The New York Times spots a religion ghost and runs away from a serious discussion​

I don’t have solid poll data backing me up on the following.

But, in my experience, if you walk up to church-going, scripture-quoting evangelical Protestants and Pentecostals and say that you are trying to think of a Bible verse defined by “6:11” many, if not most, will say, “You mean Ephesians 6:11?”

That would be the following (and I have included verses 12-13, as well):

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

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There is no mention, however, of brave believers shaking their fists and shouting, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

That said, glance through these Google search results — “Trump,” “assassination,” “Ephesians”— and read some of the chatter about Americans who truly believe they saw the hand of God in this dramatic event. Needless to say, connections of this kind showed up in this week’s “Crossroads” podcast.

Yes, the term “conspiracy theory” pops up in that Google search. I guess that’s what happens when people believe God has the ability to affect what happens in real life.

Here is one statement of this thesis. A veteran, and very media-savvy, evangelical pastor that I know (from a blue zip code) sent me an email after my Rational Sheep post about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the niche-news business models that shaped the news coverage. This pastor responded with:

Last Saturday, 6:11 PM. What happened?
To really know what happened, read Ephesians 6:11.

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Continued below.

Ana the Ist said:

People across the nation have lost jobs after posts about Trump shooting

It's not just the Tenacious D bandmate reaping the consequences for offensive jokes about the shooting. People are losing jobs for social media posts.

www.usatoday.com

So...a few "celebrities" like the half of Tenacious D that people don't know the name of have arguably lost employment. Jack Black cut that guy loose faster than you can say Kung Fu Panda 5.

Regular people have lost jobs though...and I'm not really a fan of that. I certainly don't care if anyone is fired for promoting violence. Violence (actual violence, not the kind that has been equated with not using someone's pronouns) has long been the line in the sand when it comes to free speech. Most of what was said probably isn't criminal...but there's a difference between wishing Trump died of Covid-19 (back when he caught covid in 2020) and cheering on murder attempts.

Anything short of that though...really shouldn't cost people their jobs. People have different opinions...I think we're a better society when people are free to express them. I know that I can't change what some employer does. I certainly don't have any say what is allowed on any social media platforms.

Cancel culture can broadly be described as the attempt to punish people (usually job loss) for having a different opinion than yourself. For a long time....particularly when X was Twitter...people went after people over petty things. Pronouns. Dead names. Unpopular political beliefs. People lost their jobs...over petty stuff....not supporting violence. The reality of course, is that everyone disagrees with you...on a lot of things. It's not something we should try to punish each other for. I feel sorry for anyone who didn't express any support for violence and got caught up in this anyway....I'm sure it happened some of those who lost their jobs. It shouldn't have. People need to lighten up...or understand the internet isn't really a place for them.

Thoughts?

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Their whole mantra has been based on .... hate Trump and they have been very vile in that regard. To me (am a simple person) .... was the condition of our country better under Trump or under Biden? They say Trump will do this and that ... well we do have a comparison between the two.

Under Trump ...

No wars
Near energy independent
A controlled border
Economy was reasonable shape
Housing was more affordable

just a few I can think of.

Vambram said:

Ask, and you shall receive after a 2 minute search on Google.

‘The View’ Ranks No. 1 in Households and Total Viewers Among the Network and Syndicated Daytime Talk Shows and News Programs for the Week of March 18

‘The View’ Ranks No. 1 in Households and Total Viewers Among the Network and Syndicated Daytime Talk Shows and News Programs for the Week of March 18

www.dgepress.com

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Most people under a certain age aren’t watching network or even cable tv anymore.

HIM said:

If we are not sinning through Christ. But if we are then the Law is for us. For the Law is for the sinner.

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When was the last time you sinned?

Whoopi is one angry lady looking for a argument where there isn't one.

Bhutan​

Pray for a Release International partner as he oversees the only theological seminary in Bhutan. His focus is to offer discipleship and biblical training in order to see a new generation of Christian leaders equipped to serve the church.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Though small numbers of Bibles are allowed into the nation legally, the Government continues to restrict widespread distribution. Most copies must be smuggled in. Pray for successful Bible distributions.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Converts to Christianity endure threats and pressures from local community leaders and Buddhist religious leaders. Christians have lost jobs or have been unable to find employment because of their faith. Ask the Lord to provide for them.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

It is extremely difficult for Christians to meet publicly in Bhutan and church buildings are illegal. Pray for Christians who are forced to practise their faith at home or in secret.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Christians are often viewed as followers of a foreign, Western religion and can be subject to various forms of discrimination. Buddhists who become Christians can even lose their citizenship. Pray that Christians would be able to stand firm in their faith and multiply.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Bhutan’s constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, in practice, evangelistic work that seeks the conversion of Buddhists is illegal. Pray that Bhutan would open its doors to a vibrant Christian witness.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Burkina Faso​

Pray for those being recruited into terrorist and criminal gangs; that God would call them out to a different life and provide them with honest ways to make a living.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Sign up for email prayer alerts​

To lift up persecuted Christians in your prayers and see God at work in their lives
SUBSCRIBE

Children’s Prayer Sheet​

It’s not only adults who can pray for our persecuted family. Every month we produce a prayer sheet aimed specifically for children. Each sheet has specific activities and prayers which will help children learn more about how persecution affects children in other countries.
You can visit our Children’s Prayer Sheet page here.

This is one of my most favorite songs by Phil Wickham. I praise the Lord for this song and all of the blessings He gives to me through the power of the lyrics and music of this song.
THIS IS OUR GOD
THIS IS WHO HE IS
HE LOVES US
THIS IS OUR GOD
THIS IS WHAT HE DOES
HE SAVES US

Thank you for posting this powerful song, and I praise the Lord for Who He is and for His Grace, His Love, His Mercy, and His Blessings!!!

Col 4:

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

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Near the end of Paul's letter to the Colossians, he mentioned Demas positively along with Luke.

Phm 1:

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

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Paul considered Demas as a fellow worker. Demas probably had the Paraclete dwelling in him at this time.

But a few years later, 2Tm 4:

9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, 10 because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11a Only Luke is with me.

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Paul was disappointed that Dema didn't stay with him. At this point, did Demas still have the Paraclete dwelling in him?

I don't know.

Was Demas truly born again?

I think so, at least at the time of Phm 1.

See also Can we lose our salvation?

Last year’s military coup has added to the growing hostility felt by many Christians across Niger.
In July 2023, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard’s unit, declared himself Niger’s new leader, prompting concerns that this will open the country up to further attacks from Islamic extremists.
In areas under militant control, church services and other events are carried out under the shadow of potential violence or physical attack. The instability in the Sahel region only adds to this vulnerability.
Those who leave Islam to follow Jesus face the additional challenge of pressure from their own families to renounce their new faith. Pressure also comes from the authorities, and this could likely increase in the near future. Believers can also face discrimination in the public sector workplace; they seldom secure jobs within local government services, and promotions are frequently denied.

Meet Halima​

“I would like you to pray for me. Currently, I live with a Christian family and I’m well nourished. I’m well protected in this Christian family. But I would like you to pray for me so that my faith will not grow cold, and that my mom will give her life to Christ.”
Halima (name changed), who has been persecuted by her mother because of her faith.

What does Open Doors do to help?​

Open Doors works through partners in Niger to strengthen persecuted Christians through economic empowerment programmes, leadership and discipleship training, persecution survival training and pastoral care for new believers.

Please pray​

• Pray for stability following the military coup, and that the influence of extremist groups wouldn’t grow.
• Pray for the protection of Christians living under the threat of violence from Islamic militants.
• Pray that believers from Muslim backgrounds will find fellowship with other believers.

TL/DR

The GOP is again connecting with working- and middle-class people

I’ve been watching the Republican National Convention. Political conventions are not new to me. I got into this stuff as a 16-year-old when I became involved in Ronald Reagan’s 1976 insurgent campaign. So, I’ve seen my share of conventions.

There’s a palpable difference this year. You could hear that in J.D. Vance’s speech.

Some may claim the party is a “cult of personality.” Others have complained that “traditional conservatism” is under assault. Well, yes, now conservatism is different. Tonight, I watched an Arizona rancher and his wife talk about the drug couriers crossing their land. I watched 13 family members relate the loss of their children during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. I watched a 98-year-old World War II veteran tell us he’d fight all over again for “his country.” Perhaps we’ve forgotten there are still Americans who think of the United States as “their country” – and stand up for it. Perhaps we’ve forgotten that most Americans hope that politics is so out of their lives that they can just tend their farm or ranch.

Continued below.

PesachPup said:

Yes

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See If you think that by "all" in 2Co 5::10, Paul included both believers and unbelievers and wish to wager on it, and follow up there.

DIFFICULT MORAL QUESTIONS: How can my spouse and I deal properly with the challenges we face practicing NFP?

Q. We are a Catholic couple married for more than 10 years, practicing natural family planning for health reasons without using contraception. My husband’s frustration with our abstinence periods has led to marital tension and his occasional use of porn, and he has grown resentful of the “Catholic rules” about sexual pleasure and marital intercourse. Though he still agrees with avoiding contraception, he believes mutual manual stimulation during abstinence is legitimate if the purpose of the acts is to foster intimacy between us and make the whole home and family more harmonious. I struggle to find clear guidance in the Catechism on this issue and feel compelled to comply to preserve our marriage and reduce his temptation, despite concerns about its morality. — Anonymous Catholic Woman



A. I admire your faithfulness in following the Church’s teaching for the past 16 years. I also admire your solicitude in seeking advice on a very sensitive topic.

Continued below.

The Supreme Court made the meaning of the First Amendment "Separation of Church and State" in Everson v. Board of Education, 1947. Before 1947, the meaning of the First Amendment was "In a Free and Fair Debate, the Truth Will Win," (as Jesus Christ is Lord); (This is a definition of Denominationalism. That's right, the First Amendment is an expression of Denominationalism - and the Amendment is a basis for Americans to seek truth, not a method to keep their mouths shut about God). The Supreme Court used a definition of Separation of Church and State that never existed in history, and it established Secular Humanism as our national religion, setting out a revised history as the basis. Yes, that history in the court case is not how it happened, but the Court made a special version. They were able to do this, as Americans no longer kept up with the true historical basis of the Amendment and had no idea what was going on; and in fact, most Christians in America have no idea what denominationalism is or how historically it brought peace and unity to all Christianity. The true basis of the Amendment began with the huge debate between William Tyndale and Sir Thomas Moore on the right of any person to own a bible, with Tyndale setting out the principles of democracy upon which our country was founded. It appears Tyndale's sister was a direct descendant of James Madison, the architect of the Constitution. But in general the political ideas of the Amendment came about during the English Reformation and were carried over to America. The Court made no reference at all to the true history of the Amendment and never addressed how it is an expression of denominationalism. Some people are setting out the truth about the basis of the Amendment, but it is a huge undertaking, so much propaganda abounding.

This is a discussion that could go on forever. For a good introduction to the truth of the matter, see From Tyndale to Madison, How the Death of an English Martyr Led to the American Bill of Rights, by Michael Farris.

​

However saddened, perplexed or angry we may be about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, we shouldn’t lose sight of the larger lesson that life can end at any minute.

The news media’s on-site coverage of the July 13 attempted assassination of Donald Trump produced a host of enduring images.

The most iconic of all was The Associated Press’ almost cinematic photograph of Secret Service agents with the former president — bloodied but defiant, his fist raised — exiting the stage with an American flag rippling in the background.

But there is a different, widely viewed image that speaks to the broader reality of what happened that day in rural Butler, Pennsylvania.

It’s a computer-generated animation showing the trajectory of the would-be assassin’s bullet as it whizzed past Trump, just nicking his ear. Had he not turned his head at the last possible instant, it seems probable he would have died on the spot.

Continued below.

Lukaris said:

Israel must cease to exist. Got it.

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Well, they could start with not having their dogs maul a man with down syndrome and letting him die in the street like a dog. There's all kinds of things that they could stop.

COMMENTARY: The implications of the assassination attempt will present a challenge for Christians to read the signs of the times.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump embraces the firefighter uniform of Corey Comperatore (the misspelling on the jacket was an error made years ago, according to the Buffalo Twp Vol Fire Co. Events Facebook page, which explained that ‘the spelling on his jacket was in error years ago and it was left that way by Corey. Corey did not change it and we will keep it as it was.’) as he speaks on stage on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18 in Milwaukee. (photo: Joe Raedle / Getty)


Editor’s Note: The caption was updated to explain the background of the misspelling on the uniform jacket shown in the photo.

The attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump Saturday has far-reaching personal and political consequences. Many commentators took it as a worrying indicator of the state of U.S. culture, or at least political culture.
Yet beyond the personal, political and cultural, there were also notable Christian dimensions to that terrible evening in Butler, Pennsylvania. Four are worth noting.

Reading Providence​

Continued below.

Peace in Christ.

The Son of God comes to give us an understanding so that we may know Him who is true….the true God ….the true Judge. He comes to open up our minds to the Scriptures…with the opening up of the Scripture of Truth. To fear God (fear God and keep His commandments) is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 .

We are to hear and believe and respond with His righteousness (producing the fruit of the Spirit) and not respond with wrath, envy, strife, contentions etc (the works of darkness) in defense of our churches’ handwritings of ordinances/dogmas which are “idols”…images.

1Jn 5:20-21
(20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life (age-lasting life).

We …who are born of God (little children)… are to hear and keep ourselves from “idols” ….that is, images….which are the church handwritings of church ordinances/dogmas. We are to flee from them and not be found by Him defending them when we hear His voice.

We are to hear and not respond with defending our “works of righteousness” which are by the church handwritings.

This is the summation of what the sin that leads toward death is: idols (images) of which we are not to be found defending in the face of the Word of Truth.

(21) Little children, keep yourselves from THE idols (the IMAGES). Amen.

1Jn 5:16-17 KJV
(16) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
(17) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Jeremiah was told by God not to pray for the people 3 times ( Jeremiah 7:16, 11:14; 14:11 ) who did not hear His voice and continued to walk after their idols…their other “gods”.

The church handwritings of ordinances/dogmas are other “gods”….other judges…as people use them to judge themselves and others with. We have only One Judge…and only One Lawgiver. Who are we to judge another based on church handwritings (idols/images)? We are not judges for God who is the only One Judge of another and our church handwritings are not the Lawgiver.

Paul/Saul did not go about defending his own righteousness (which is of the Law) but did count all of those “religious” things as a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.

We must not also be found of Him trying to defend our own church denominational handwritings…our own so-called “works of righteousness” which are by the handwriting of ordinances/dogmas. We must depart from the idols….the church scribes’ handwritings.

Php 3:8-9 KJV
(8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
(9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

We are to turn to God and away from idols (images). We are to hear His voice and turn to God….to serve the LIVING and TRUE God (the true Judge) whose commandments are within us.

1Th 1:
(9) For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God;

We then are able to wait for His Son from Heaven. We have an age-lasting life in this earth while we wait for Him. We are delivered from the wrath to come….our mortal death…as we have an age-lasting life as promised us.

(10) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

The church handwritings of ordinances/dogmas are not our judges (other “gods”) nor are they “living” and true.

They are lying “idols” or images. The church scribes’ handwritings are “graven images” that do not profit us. They are lies that written down by those who made them. Their idols/images have no age-lasting life in the keeping of them.

Hab 2:18 KJV
(18) What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Their “molten images” are beautified among those who had made them according to their own understanding. They are the work of the craftsmen…the work of the church scribes. They sacrifice unto them…praising their works…praising their handwritings of ordinances.

Hos 13:2 KJV
(2) And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

They are a “Baal”….which means “owner, lord, master, husband”….as many subject themselves to the church handwritings of ordinances which are the works of craftsman (the church scribes) according to their own understanding but that really do not know anything and their works…their handwritings…are all lies in which there is no life.

Why be willingly subject to the ordinances/dogmas…the handwriting of the commandments and doctrines of men? They are a “Baal” that we must not make a lord over us.

We are dead with Christ from the “rudiments”…the founding principles contained in governmental handwritings…of the world. They have no power over us as we are dead to them in Christ who is Head over us and we are complete in Him.

Why willingly and voluntarily go to a “church” that is built and organized by their handwritings and make yourself submit to them…to their “Baal”? Why go and worship a “Baal”?

Col 2:20-23 KJV
(20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
(22) Which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
(23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

By the Law is the knowledge of sin. It is used “lawfully” by using it to show the lawless and disobedient their sin.

1Ti 1:8-10 KJV
(8) But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
(9) Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
(10) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

You shall NOT make unto yourselves “idols” nor grave images….church handwritings of ordinances/dogmas. They are not to be established in our churches…a “standing image”. We are not to make them to bow down to for the LORD is our “God”…that is, our JUDGE.

Lev 26:1 KJV
(1) Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.

Next Sunday, July 28, presidential elections will be held in Venezuela. Various candidates are vying for victory, but according to the Voice of America, several pollsters point out that two in particular seem to have the lead: current president Nicolás Maduro and Edmundo González Urrutia.

With a little over a week until the elections, Venezuelan Catholics must take a much closer look into which option best represents their moral and religious convictions.

Various activists and organizations inside and outside the country, such as the International Crisis Group, have charged that in Venezuela the elections will not be completely free or fair, since in recent months, Maduro’s forces have been arresting opposition leaders and closing businesses and establishments that have provided any type of logistical support to González.

Continued below.

The upcoming 2024 National Conference for Single Catholics promises to embolden the faith of participants who, as single people, seek to discover through fellowship a deepened relationship with Christ the bridegroom — and perhaps even a like-minded spouse.

Anastasia Northrop, who started the annual event more than 20 years ago, told CNA that it provides practical aids for growing in faith and forming lasting relationships.

This year, the conference will be held Aug. 16–18 in Las Vegas and feature opportunities for worship, prayer, and sacraments but also dancing, socials, and exhibits.

There was a template for dating in my grandparents’ time, but now there isn’t because of the hookup culture and everything. So good Catholics ask, ‘How do I date? How do I have a relationship?’ They want a practical instruction manual about how to go about it,” Northrop said.

Featured speakers for the conference this year are Christin Jezak, Matt Ingold, and Marilyn Sherman.

Jezak is an actress, producer, and playwright featured in “Confessions of a Catholic Single” — a recorded comedy podcast — and produced the “For the Sake of the Gospel” TV program for EWTN.


Ingold graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served two overseas tours with the Marine Corps. He co-hosts Catholic Coaching Podcasts and co-founded Metanoia Catholic to lead Catholics in team building and a greater purpose and meaning with God.

Sherman is the author of motivational books such as “Why Settle for the Balcony: How to Get a Front-Row Seat in Life” and a frequent keynote speaker.

Previous speakers have included Preacher of the Papal Household Father Raniero Cantalamessa, co-founder of the Theology of the Body Institute Dr. Christopher West,author/motivational speaker Matthew Kelly, and Father Thomas Loya, a priest of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio, and proponent of the theology of the body propagated by St. John Paul II. Eminent churchmen including Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap, archbishop emeritus of Philadelphia; Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez; and Archbishop William Skurla of the Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) Metropolitan Church are supporters of the conference.

Continued below.

Clare73 said:

Make what?

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Thanks. I just got an idea for a post.

FireDragon76 said:

He's a scholar of patristics and world religions, and is worth following.

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I want to thank you, most emphatically, for recommending David Bentley Hart in your post last month. (I see, from a quick CF search, that you've recommended him in other threads as well.) I am now a couple of chapters into his book That All Shall Be Saved, and I find it so refreshing that he's engaging -- with an appropriately emphatic moral awareness -- eschatological questions that have tormented me for forty-plus years. I can't assess his arguments until I've read further into the book (and any detailed assessment would have to happen in the Controversial Christian Theology forum, I think), but the early chapters are promising.

I'm also encouraged that he's Eastern Orthodox, formerly Episcopalian. He's a person who is rooted in Christian Tradition, and thus is standing in a stronger place to criticize part of Christian Tradition. (He's not a "tradition-is-just-the-words-of-men" kind of person.)

Thank you again. I'm in your debt.