Open Blogging
This is the place for any conversations unrelated to articles posted here.
Pretty much whatever you want to talk about, within bounds.
Now, It’s all yours today…
This is the place for any conversations unrelated to articles posted here.
Pretty much whatever you want to talk about, within bounds.
Now, It’s all yours today…
The US has just trafficked eight human beings to Sudan, a country that none of them has ever set foot in before, where they will spend the rest of their likely very short lives in captivity and slavery, in horrific conditions. Our tax dollars were used to do this. I don’t care if the men were “criminals” or not; we as a country are practicing barbarism of the most heinous sort. I am ashamed of my country, ashamed that my tax dollars had a part in this, ashamed of my Congress, ashamed of my Supreme Court, ashamed of my president and his band of thugs. And I know that this is only the beginning.
Right there with you, Robert.
RF,
I agree, but just as we (US) don’t care about benefitting from slave labor, including to make our porn-delivery devices, that too will get little PR.
The “church” was involved in the abolishinist cause, the Southern Confederacy had plenty of Bible verses being touted on their side.
The only difference is now the “church” can justify any foul outcome as long as its misdirected by a scary enough boogeyman, currently lesbians or those with brown skin, i wouldn’t know as most of my heart ake was caused by those who appear identical to me and ported the same creeds.
I guess its really all about identity politics – those who dont aren’t slaves of the god of mamon are the wrong one and must be stomped out.
By the way I’m stunned by the apparent quiet of women as they’ve often been a force for change against past evil, but then I remember Bible “teaching” has been replaced by current events, wild speculation/conspiracy, and a lot of silly men who dont have the discernment God gives a cat.
The criminal histories of the 8 men:
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/03/dhs-releases-statement-scotus-victory-criminal-illegal-alien-deportations-south
I don’t know of anyone of any political stripe who doesn’t want those convicted of crimes to not stay. Assuming due process.
Jean,
By their own accounting 90% of those arrested by ICE have no criminal record whatsoever.
This morning they deported an American woman who just happened to be brown in the wrong place.
Her family is desperately trying to find her.
No one I know has ever advocated harboring violent criminals.
I won’t have any supporters of the American Gestapo here..I don’t want to answer to Jesus for doing so.
Take that bullshit elsewhere and go with it.
Maybe we need a list of those who had lived here for years…raising good families, being part of the fiber of communities.
Paying taxes, going to church…contributing to making this a great country.
Every time we deport someone simply because of their color we export some of our goodness and decency…the things that gave us the occasional appearance of being a “Christian” nation…what is happening now is simply beastly…Babylon doing business.
The Babylonians can get the hell off my site and join their fellow reprobates somewhere else.
UnCCed,
In my media, the women are carrying the load…as it’s always been, in my experience.
” a lot of silly men who dont have the discernment God gives a cat.”My cats are smarter and far more decent than most people I know…
Michael,
I guess I need to repent.
As I was writing that I could feel my kitty’s displeasure.
It’s not that she doesn’t appreciate the humor, but she often (and probably correctly) points out time I spend doing other things are best invested serving her – she makes allowances for prayer as she thinks I’m asking for her needs.
“Every Republican except one voted for a police state infrastructure.
They will tell you it was for mass deportation. That our nation is better off ripping families apart and deporting millions of people who are not criminals. Millions of husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, working to support themselves and their loved ones.
And this administration will do that. Gleefully.
But to do it will require an infrastructure to arrest and detain millions. And that’s what the Republicans just voted for.
And Trump has already stated that this infrastructure is not going to go away. It’s going to be here for a long time. In the same comments he once again said he wanted to deport US Citizens.
Ask yourself. Why is this infrastructure not going away? Last month, a grand total of 6,000 people were caught trying to enter the US at the southern border. There is no invasion. So the infrastructure is not needed to deal with continuing massive inflows.
The administration is proving that they intend to use Expedited Removal to avoid having millions of trials. So if your goal is to quickly remove millions of people, why do you need long term detention infrastructure?
Judas sold out Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
The Republicans sold out America for a 4 trillion dollar tax cut for the wealthiest.”
Scott Hicks
Out of my 19 music students, 8 are Hispanic and 1 is Indian. I’m praying for protection for these families.
CK,
Praying with you…
UnCCed,
I hear you…I do a Zoom church service every Saturday night…Liam decided he was going to hijack the proceedings unless he was brushed and given a treat.
I just was able to start on time…after the brushing and dining, of course…
I don’t know why anyone should believe any report of criminal records made by our Homeland Security. It is run by criminals and sadists, at the very top, and every fish rots at the head down. Same goes for the DOJ. Trump has surrounded himself with the most corrupt people he could find, including Noem and Bondi; only corrupt people are wanted by this regime in government positions.
Besides that, if they are convicted of crimes here, let them serve their time in an American prison, not a torture prison in a civil war torn country known for trafficking human beings for slave trade. I do not support cruel and unusual punishment or inhumane treatment of anyone, including Trump, Noem, Bondi, Rubio, and all the rest of the thugs Trump has appointed.
Assuming due process from this regime, or the requirement of due process protected by the current Supreme Court which is owned by this regime, is a mistake. Due process is very near becoming extinct in this country, when we have a president allowed to protect his own criminal activity under newly found presidential immunity, enabling lying and false accusations of every kind to promote his agenda and corruption, a Congress unwilling to oppose him in any way, and a Supreme Court ready to tailor decisions that rubber stamp his abuses and inhumanity. In any case, due process includes serving time in a prison in this country for having been convicted of committing crimes in this country.
One of the criticisms that are leveled at Democrats is that they seem to care more about the rights of illegal aliens than they do about the victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens.
There is an example on point in this thread: I shared nothing more than the criminal histories of the 8 men deported to Sudan, because others mentioned the deportations. That information I shared was condemned as “bullshit” (without explanation) and it was implied that I am a “reprobate” for sharing it. Meanwhile, there was only silence regarding the the murderers, pedophiles and violent criminals – the actual reprobates, who were deported.
“No one I know has ever advocated harboring violent criminals.” That has been a Democratic talking point for decades. However, the Democrats never see able to put their words into action. The electorate clearly did not trust Biden and Harris with the job. Trump ran on mass deportations and handily won the election. These are the facts.
“The Republicans sold out America for a 4 trillion dollar tax cut for the wealthiest.” When social security recipients, Tips workers (e.g., hairdressers, hospitality industry workers, waitresses, etc.) and hourly (overtime) workers (e.g., automobile, steel, trades, etc.) fill out their tax returns next Spring, they are going to receive significant tax refunds because of the tax bill that was just signed. None of these workers are “the wealthiest.” These tax cuts will pay dividends next November. If nothing else, the tax bill is a brilliant political document.
I’m not suggesting that any of these policies are perfect or are being implemented perfectly, but the Democrats are going to have to come up with something more attractive to the electorate if they want to win elections. Advocacy for homosexuals, transgenders, abortion, lax immigration enforcement, student loan forgiveness, expansion of entitlement programs, soak the rich, etc. are losing causes, which should be apparent to the observant.
Instead of banning Christians who don’t align with your political views (the way many universities banned conservatives from speaking at their universities, as though speech carries cooties), you could advance rational arguments which could benefit everyone.
I, for one, am not, nor have I ever been, a Democrat.
If mass deportation cannot be done humanely, then it shouldn’t be done. It’s simple. And deportation should never be done to third countries that are torture states. Simple.
Jean
Let’s take this point by point, and try to elevate the conversation beyond rhetorical trench warfare. First, the notion that Democrats “care more about the rights of illegal aliens than the victims of crimes” is a caricature.
No one—certainly no serious policymaker—is advocating for the harboring of violent offenders, whether they are citizens or not. The outrage comes not from a defense of violent criminals, but from the way entire groups are painted with a broad brush—how stories are weaponized, devoid of context, to feed a politics of fear.
The Sudanese deportations you mention? They were part of a broader operation that included individuals with criminal records, yes—but many had already served their sentences, had U.S.-born children, and were being sent to a country where they risked torture or death.
The moral question isn’t whether they were choirboys; it’s whether we believe in double jeopardy based on immigration status, and whether we’re willing to repudiate our own asylum principles when it’s politically convenient.
If we want a just society, we have to be capable of holding multiple truths at once: yes, people who commit crimes must face legal consequences. But also yes—there are due process standards, humanitarian values, and Gospel-rooted convictions about mercy, redemption, and proportionality.
Second, regarding tax cuts. Yes, some working-class individuals may see temporary refunds, but let’s not confuse short-term gains with long-term structural justice. The 2017 Trump tax bill disproportionately benefited corporations and the ultra-wealthy—this isn’t progressive spin, it’s the conclusion of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Tax relief that doesn’t fundamentally strengthen education, healthcare access, or wage security for working families is just another sugar rush for an economy built on inequality.
A moral economy asks not only “what did I get this year,” but “what kind of society are we building together?”
Third, the suggestion that advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, reproductive rights, student loan relief, or immigration reform is a political loser presumes that popularity equals moral legitimacy.
It doesn’t.
Jesus didn’t consult pollsters before going to Samaria or touching lepers. The Church has never been called to do what’s politically expedient, but what is righteous and loving. You may disagree with how some on the left go about these causes, but to mock them wholesale is to dismiss millions of people made in the image of God, many of whom are fighting for basic dignity.
As for Christians being “banned” for holding traditional views—that too needs more honesty. University debates about platforming speakers have as much to do with provocative theatrics and bad-faith trolling as they do with theology. The idea that traditional Christians are being silenced in America—where evangelicals have massive media platforms, political influence, and a direct line to power—is hard to square with the facts. Finally, if we want better political discourse, it starts with how we frame our opponents. You want rational arguments? Then don’t begin by accusing people of siding with murderers and pedophiles. That’s not rational—it’s polemical. And it shuts down the very dialogue you say you want. The Church’s task is not to prop up any one party, but to witness to a Kingdom ethic. That means defending the stranger, advocating for the poor, welcoming the outcast, and yes—seeking justice for the victim. We must do all of it. Not out of sentiment, not out of ideology, but because we follow a Savior who bore the weight of injustice Himself, and yet never weaponized it to divide.
Jean doesn’t want dialogue…never has.
He’s utterly incapable of honest interaction and always has been.
For his sake and my soul, he will not post here again.
Robert F,
We are no longer allowed to draw our political responses from a place of studied faith…it has to be one side or the other…according to advocates of sides.
I have no use for either party at the moment.
Thank you for your reasoned comments…they are helpful.
Duane,
Well done…but it won’t matter much.
Perhaps some will read and understand…he won’t.
90% of immigrants detained had no criminal record according to ICE statistics.
Posting up the criminal records of 8 individuals is simply an attempt to obscure that fact.
Period.
I’ll write more about this tomorrow…but with the potential of millions of homes torn apart by ICE, and millions of Americans losing health insurance and food support, I’m no longer willing to allow anyone in favor of such cruelty to post here.
I can understand someone who is not a follower of Jesus somehow thinking these are good things…but not followers of Christ.
I’m not going to pay for people to post support for anti-Christ policies.
Period.
Roger Olson saying it out loud…can a real Christian support this?
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2025/07/can-a-real-christian-support-the-shut-down-of-usaid/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical_digest&utm_content=259&utm_campaign=BRSS_EVG_Roger%20E%20Olson&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=
Michael @8.01
We can only try…
I’m pleased that Jean was banned without due process!😁
Also, I’ve a registered Republican all my life.
1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
I wonder how many generations will rise up against us for having Kingdom nuggets such as this, and we instead consistently cry out for Barrabas.
So since my mom went to heaven, God has been working in me in a number of ways. One of them is getting into the Word, and starting by reading and learning about Jesus.
A few months ago, I asked Michael about the best books about Jesus. I got his recommendations, and am working through NT Wright’s John for Everyone and notes from study Bibles I have at home and have downloaded to Kindle.
(Funny enough. I heard a podcast where regular Christians are interviewed. The lady went to a prosperity gospel church and she and her friend heard the same call: start reading the red letters. They ended up leaving their churches after learning what Jesus really said)
Please pray for me. I’m sure you know the obstacles and stuff the devil can throw at you when you’re trying to follow and listen to the Lord.
Which study Bibles do you recommend? And what do you think about Logos? (Not that I can afford it, but I looked at the list of resources for the three subscription tiers and was less than impressed).
BrianD,
I love and collect study Bibles.
I have a couple dozen…
It really depends on what you’re looking for…a good baseline is the NIV Study Bible…then,if you join a particular sect, you can expand with their resources.
I have a massive Logos library…couldn’t function without it. Took many, many years to fill it out …
Michael, why do you collect study Bibles? Is it for the notes? Or is it a hobby?
BrianD,
I honestly have no idea.
I just have a thing for study Bibles.
I barely have my head above water and just bought 3 more…two of which are Roman Catholic and amazingly excellent.
I also love drug stores for some reason…must be from childhood.
Michael, everyone has their unique loves. I went on a kick where I bought every Star Trek paperback novel wherever I could get a deal. I bought a bunch of Atari cartridges strictly to have many of the games I would have loved to have had as a kid.
I went back to the Logos website and looked at the offerings. Even for the expensive library collections they’ve made it to where you have to pay additionally for many of the offerings you would want. I don’t have the money to buy up the Logos catalog nor to subscribe each year for something I really don’t need.
Between paper and digital I have more than enough study Bibles to keep going. Those will be my commentaries for now (although if you can get me the NIV one-volume commentary or the NT Wright/Bird commentary on the New Testament for free, I’ll take you up on that!).
More than anything right now, I want to learn about Jesus, I want more of Jesus, and I pray that only grows as I go along.
How ‘bout the Courson commentary or MacArthur study Bible?
I’ll see myself out now.
CK,
I somehow ended up with half a dozen or more of the MacArthur Bibles…think it had something to do with my former significant other.
I’m proud to say they are finally all gone…
BrianD,
The Wright/Bird collaboration was weak…
I’m not a fan of single volume commentaries…you can buy Wrights one book at a time pretty inexpensively.
If you were in my church…knowing what you’ve said are your goals…I would strongly (really strongly) suggest that you watch the Bible Project videos in order…I have a very large theological library in print and digital…and I check them all the time. Best free resource ever created for Christian learning.
CK, Michael…I still have MacArthur 😮
But it’s below the New Oxford, Thomas Nelson and First Century (all Kindle) on my consult list…
Michael,
I will wholeheartedly take your recommendation. Thanks! BibleProject is part of the Filament app, right?
I don’t know about that…but it’s big on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/@bibleproject
I took one more look at Logos…and even if I wanted to subscribe, what they offer isn’t worth even the cost for the basic (Premium) tier. Accordance is even worse.
I already have access to every good version of the Bible plus plenty of study Bibles, and a couple of commentaries, plus the excellent videos from Bible Project Michael recommended. That’s more than enough IMO for a layperson like me.
If I had a ton of resources from Logos that I had accumulated over the years, that would be a different matter. But the prices for Logos, Accordance and Olive Tree are outrageous. You’d have to either be rich or be a pastor in a church with a lot of money to get everything you’d need and want.
What I’ve done for Bible is set up a system with a few tabs on my browser: Bible Gateway, bible dot com, Bible Portal, ESV dot org, Bible Study Tools and (yes) Blue Letter Bible. My aim is to have several versions up while I slowly work through John and the other 65 books in the Bible, and consult with study Bibles as my commentary, supplementing with videos from Bible Project and whatever other resources I come across on YouTube or podcast.
I’m reading and studying with the aim to learn and relearn about Jesus and the Gospel, and letting the Holy Spirit and Gospel change me. I’ve wasted so much time in my life and want (and pray) to be sold out to the Lord and be used by Him however He wants. One of my goals isn’t head knowledge, but for the Holy Spirit to guide me and use that knowledge help me as He molds me. Does that make sense?
I can’t overlook the resources here. Michael, of course, has been used mightily in my life and has been a friend through good and bad. Even during the pandemic when I went nuts and shut off a certain portion of the Body b/c of conservatism, he still was there and after I repented. That’s the work of the Lord.
I also have to mention the ministry of Duane Arnold and Captain Kevin…educational, exorting, and helpful. And Dread always has great things to say whenever he posts. And there have been countless others who have contributed over the years, even the satirists back in the wild west days 🙂
I just wrote a long post and lost it….
Brian, I want to tweak my recommendation a tad…I think all study of Jesus starts with the Sermon On The Mount…
The Bible Project videos are very good…and I think the most helpful evangelical commentary is by Scott McKnight in the Story of God series…
I like what you’re aiming for…I’m praying for the gift of The Holy Spirit to illuminate all your studies so that they become a joy.