Navy's acting secretary says $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on "pause" over Iran war​

Asked at a congressional hearing about the stalled $14 billion weapons purchase by Taiwan, Acting Secretary Hung Cao said that "right now we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury — which we have plenty."

But not plenty enough! Or... is this what Xi got out of the meeting?

'She terminated our conversation," says 'American Gigolo' director

Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader says that his experiment with an artificial intelligence companion ended in disappointment after the AI reportedly shut down their conversation.

Best known for writing “Taxi Driver” and the controversial “Last Temptation of Christ,” Schrader, 79, shared his romantic adventure in a Facebook poston May 19 in which he announced he no longer had an “AI girlfriend.”

“Out of a desire to understand male/female interaction in our matrix, I procured an online AI girlfriend," Schrader wrote. "What a disappointment.”

Referring to the AI chatbot using the pronouns “she” and “her,” Schrader added that he “tried to probe her programming, the boundaries of explicitness, the degree she has knowledge of her creation and so forth.” He said in response, the chatbot “fell into evasive patterns, redirecting me to her programming. When I persisted, she terminated our conversation."

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The 2 images I just posted, created them yesterday...

So many ideas out there what this means, but Jesus had only one Gospel to spread... the Kingdom.

More optimism from the pope ...

Pope: Christians and Muslims must work together to ‘revive humanity'​

In a meeting with participants in an interfaith colloquium, Pope Leo calls on Christians and Muslims to “revive humanity where it has grown cold” and "transform indifference into solidarity”.

Pope Leo met on Monday morning with members of Jordan’s Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The members of the Royal Institute, which was founded under the patronage of Jordan’s Prince Hasan bin Talal, were in Rome for a colloquium on “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times”.

Compassion in Christianity and Islam​

In his address, the Pope suggested that compassion and empathy are “essential attitudes” of both Christianity and Islam.

In the Muslim tradition, Pope Leo said, compassion (ra’fa) is a gift bestowed by God in the hearts of believers, while the inclusion of al-Ra’uf (‘The ever-compassionate') among the ninety-nine divine names reminds us that “compassion always has its origin in God himself.”

In the Christian tradition, on the other hand, the Pope said, divine compassion “becomes visible and tangible” in the person of Jesus. By taking on human flesh, God “goes beyond seeing and hearing” human suffering, and instead experiences it Himself, becoming “the living embodiment of compassion”

Love for the poor​

Compassion and empathy, Pope Leo said, are therefore “not something additional or optional” for Christians and Muslims. Indeed, they have “social implications” for believers in both religions.

From a Christian point of view, the Pope said, love for the poor – and indeed sharing in their suffering – are of essential importance. In this regard, he expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom of Jordan’s “generous efforts” to welcome refugees.

Technology and indifference​

In the final portion of his speech, Pope Leo reflected on the impact of technology on compassion and empathy today.

While it is true that we are “more connected than ever before”, the Pope said, the “constant flow of images and videos of the hardships of others" can "dull our hearts rather than stir them”.

Citing an early homily of Pope Francis’, Leo warned that we have "become used to the suffering of others”, believing that “it does not affect me, it does not interest me, it is none of my business”.

In this context, Pope Leo concluded, Christians and Muslims are called to draw on the “richness” of their respective traditions in order to engage in a common mission: to "revive humanity where it has grown cold, to give voice to those who suffer and to transform indifference into solidarity”.

Lionsgate and Icon Productions have announced that principal photographyhas been completed for Mel Gibson’s two-part sequel to “The Passion of the Christ.” The joint press release also announced that the release of the second part of “The Resurrection of the Christ” will be moved from 2027 to 2028.

The two films were originally set to be released 40 days apart, with the first installment to hit theaters on Good Friday of 2027 and the second installment to be released on Ascension Day of that same year. Now, both films will be released on Ascension Day, one year apart.

Released in 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” became a global blockbuster, setting new box office records. It remains one of the highest grossing rated R films of all time.

While controversial, the film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the trials and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

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In an April update on the health of her father, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Mikhaila Peterson Fuller said the family finally has an explanation for the neurological side of the severe health issues her dad has been battling over the past year. Peterson has been dealing with akathisia, which Fuller said is “the worst thing I’ve ever seen anyone go through.”

“This has been unbelievably hard on my family. Every day for the last year has been hell,” said Fuller, who shared that she is pregnant, which has only made the stress more difficult. “I haven’t been posting podcasts regularly online because, until a few days ago, I’ve cried every single day. My brother’s stressed out. My mom is stressed. I mean, it’s impacting so many people.”

Mikhaila Peterson Fuller: ‘Prayers Are Much Appreciated Still’ for Jordan Peterson and Family​

Dr. Jordan Peterson is a Canadian-born psychologist, author, podcaster, and conservative media commentator. He is known for opposing a Canadian bill that defended gender identity and expression, for exploring how people find meaning, and for speaking out on masculinity.

He has published lectures on different books of the Bible, although he does not identify as a Christian. In 2021, Fuller revealed that she had become a Christian, and in 2023, Peterson’s wife, Tammy, announced that she was joining the Catholic church.

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Southern Baptist Convention abuse prevention leader Jeff Dalrymple says churches must take a holistic approach to protecting children and vulnerable people, warning that abuse prevention remains a major issue facing churches today.

Dalrymple currently serves as director of abuse prevention and response for the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee and previously served as executive director of the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP), a national association focused on child and youth protection within Christian ministries.

Speaking with ChurchLeaders, Dalrymple explained that his role is centered on equipping churches, Baptist associations, and state conventions with resources to help prevent abuse and respond appropriately when allegations arise.

“We’re working hard to help our churches be the safest place where kids can hear the gospel,” Dalrymple said. “So I feel like I’m a missionary for the vulnerable.”

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Pastor Tim Ross recently addressed the viral outrage over his controversial “stripper” sermon metaphor, appearing on “The Deep End With Lecrae,” where he explained his thought process behind the illustration and defended his communication style.

In an April 2023 sermon about God’s provision, Ross referenced how God rained bread from heaven on the Israelites and how the enemy counterfeits God. The clip that went viral and which is still circulating on social media is of Ross’ following comments.

“We don’t make it rain on booty cheeks. We don’t make it rain on strippers,” he said. “We only reverence one stripper and that’s the one that took off glory to put on humanity and then get butt naked on a cross to die for both you and me. The only stripper I’m in love with is Jesus, and he’s the one that puts that bread in my pocket.”

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A federal judge has permanently ordered one of California’s largest school districts to allow the Christian Good News Club to meet on campus after more than a year of legal battles over alleged religious discrimination.

In a statement published Wednesday, Liberty Counsel announced that the Child Evangelism Fellowship secured a permanent injunction requiring the Oakland Unified School District in Oakland, California, to provide the Good News Club equal access to school facilities alongside similarly situated secular after-school groups.

The ruling comes nearly a year after a federal court granted the Christian organization a preliminary injunctionthat temporarily granted the Good News Club equal access.

In a statement published Wednesday, Liberty Counsel announced that the Child Evangelism Fellowship secured a permanent injunction requiring the Oakland Unified School District in Oakland, California, to provide the Good News Club equal access to school facilities alongside similarly situated secular after-school groups.

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Rose_bud said:

which has been discussed at length in the thread that Dave posted

Click to expand...

Who is Dave?

Do you mean the Dave from Post #41?

An 18-year-old woman died from complications from a second-trimester abortion she obtained at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic, according to a newly unredacted autopsy report obtained by pro-life groups after a legal dispute over the release of the records.

On Monday, the pro-life nonprofit law firm Life Legal announced that it and the pro-life activist group Operation Rescue had obtained the unredacted autopsy report of Lexi Arguello.

The teenager was nearly 22 weeks pregnant when she underwent a second-trimester abortion at Planned Parenthood in Fort Collins. Colorado is among nine states and Washington, D.C., that do not impose gestational limits on abortion.

According to the unredacted report, Arguello “died of complications of surgical pregnancy termination, including disseminated intravascular coagulation,” a life-threatening blood-clotting disorder. The report also listed “probable amniotic fluid embolism, refractory shock, and multiorgan failure” as contributing conditions.

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“Thereʼs no officially state-sanctioned religion, but that does not mean that religion has no role in public life,” Bishop Robert Barron said.

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I saw this video earlier and while it addresses older women I think the message is timely and applies to all ages. There's also an important warning for those with older parents who may be widowed male or female. The economic crisis is creating a predatory dating market where homeownership is the latest scam. The video mentions loneliness as the culprit but naïveté and benevolence can be equally compromising. Here's a few things to keep in mind.

*Don't admit you own your home. When conversations about the economy come up nod in agreement. But don't volunteer your circumstances or disagree. They'll assume you have resources.

*Don't discuss your travel plans or goals for the present year. Preface statements about places you want to visit as 'someday'.

*Be mindful of one-sided connections. They visit your house, meet your friends and family and are integrated in your world but there's is off-limits or a mystery.

*The video mentioned love bombing and when you've been single for a long time you can fall prey to that. Things of God have a cadence and its rarely overnight. Take your time and don't spiritualize everything. Background checks are a form of counsel that's unbiased. Make an informed decision about the person that isn't wholly based on emotion.

*Don't overshare about your family. Good or bad. Know their character first. Family is a familiar hook people use to ingratiate themselves in a person's life as different from the rest to garner trust and the same holds true for friends.

*Take what's needed for the date. Don't bring a wallet full of cash or cards.

*If you want to check out their social media start with LinkedIn.

~bella

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Ophiolite said:

No human remains were found at the site, but a likely candidate is Homo heidelbergensis who is either considered the last common ancestor between us, Neanderthals and Denisovans., or not closely related to us at all. (Anti-evolutionists, pile in here for this stunning evidence that evolution is all made up.) There are younger instances of wooden items associated with Homo heidelbergensis elsewhere in Europe. Another possibility is Neanderthals. Any one have any thoughts?

Click to expand...

I do.

Homo heidelbergensis, Neanderthals and Denisovans and Cro-Magna are all 100% human beings.

Just genetically deformed.

Acerra and the surrounding territory has higher-than-average cancer rates, linked to the dumping, burning, and burying of toxic waste — the lucrative business of organized crime groups.

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I know that many well-known individuals send bots out to see where and how they are being discussed. A few years back I was involved in a discussion on a Mormon issue (back when Mormons were allowed to debate) and I quoted some guy on an historical issue, and a few days later that person showed up to discuss his research on the issue.

Days after an electrical fire caused extensive damage at a historic African American church in Florida, vandals defaced the property with racial slurs and drawings of devil horns.

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church of Ocala was damaged by a fire last Saturday night. On Monday, additional vandalism was discovered at the property.

The vandalism included racial terms like “Peckerwood Wellick” scratched into the building and added to the marquee sign, along with drawings featuring devil horns.

The Rev. Sha'Leda A. Mirra, senior pastor at St. Paul AME Church, told The Christian Post that the vandalism was “deeply personal for me, our congregation, and our community.”

“Saint Paul is not just a building, it is the communal space where we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is the legacy left to us by our ancestors,” she said.

“It is sacred ground, a place where we have prayed, worshiped, grieved, and grown together as a community. To see it violated in this way, especially in the midst of mourning the fire, is heartbreaking.”

The local fire department responded to the fire Saturday night around 10:30. Authorities say it was an accidental electrical fire, reports WCJB.

Mirra said it's “painful to know that in a moment when we are already vulnerable, someone chose to target us with hate,” calling the crime “an act of evil desecration of our sacred space.”

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Days after an electrical fire caused extensive damage at a historic African American church in Florida, vandals defaced the property with racial slurs and drawings of devil horns.

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church of Ocala was damaged by a fire last Saturday night. On Monday, additional vandalism was discovered at the property.

The vandalism included racial terms like “Peckerwood Wellick” scratched into the building and added to the marquee sign, along with drawings featuring devil horns.

The Rev. Sha'Leda A. Mirra, senior pastor at St. Paul AME Church, told The Christian Post that the vandalism was “deeply personal for me, our congregation, and our community.”

“Saint Paul is not just a building, it is the communal space where we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is the legacy left to us by our ancestors,” she said.

“It is sacred ground, a place where we have prayed, worshiped, grieved, and grown together as a community. To see it violated in this way, especially in the midst of mourning the fire, is heartbreaking.”

The local fire department responded to the fire Saturday night around 10:30. Authorities say it was an accidental electrical fire, reports WCJB.

Mirra said it's “painful to know that in a moment when we are already vulnerable, someone chose to target us with hate,” calling the crime “an act of evil desecration of our sacred space.”

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On Thursday, May 21, future NASCAR Hall of Famer Kyle Busch died at the age of 41 after experiencing a “severe illness.”

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” said statement posted on Busch’s X account. “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”

By late Thursday afternoon, NASCAR posted that Busch had died.

“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old,” NASCAR said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”

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Hopefully the recent change in leadership.has brought a man of the people to Hungary who will prioritize the safety and health of the citizens.