DurhamCares’ Post

God makes it clear that no man is superior to another. Most people know that racism is wrong. But as Christians, we should seek to understand why it’s morally wrong in the eyes of God as well. Through more education, we can better explain to others why racism should not be tolerated and how to overcome the distorted thinking. As Christians, we should seek to understand how God wants us to react to racism. The Bible is the source of knowledge for Christians, and it directly addresses the problem. Racism has been an issue throughout history, including when the Bible was written. #racism #socialjustice

Preaching Racial Justice conveys the urgency of Christian antiracism preaching from ecumenical, intercultural, and intergenerational perspectives. In addition to being a handbook for preachers, Preaching Racial Justice can readily serve as a textbook for ecumenical schools of theology and ministry, as well as for discussion groups among congregations looking for insightful theological and practical ways of understanding race, racial justice, white supremacy, white privilege, white fragility, racial oppression, black suffering, #blacklivesmatter, racial and personal reconciliation and healing, or beginning the necessary process of dismantling racism within the church and society. https://lnkd.in/eBg6z_-x #race #blm #blacklivesmatter #blackfaithmatters #racialjustice #gregoryheille #mauricenutt #deborahwilhelm

Across the board, Christian churches and religious organizations are not the first groups that city dwellers think of as well suited to address a range of issues. While churched adults are slightly more inclined to feel churches and religious organizations could create meaningful change or tackle key concerns, they still favor the experience and leadership of other political or civil bodies. One standout, however, is that metro residents both inside and outside the Church think Christian churches are well positioned to address the problem of loneliness. This finding is notable, both for highlighting the top issue locals entrust to churches and as a sign of common ground in perceptions among the churched and unchurched. This data is from Inside the Urban Church—a Barna report created in partnership with World Impact Inc. Read more about the role the local church has in its city: https://lnkd.in/eQxXGYcr

#TheConversation “Christian nation” Rev. Dr. Stephen D. Jones, who co-pastors at the First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, is talking about what Christian nationalism, primarily represented by white right-wing “Christian soldiers,” is a growing movement that seeks to define the U.S. as a “Christian nation” with an official Christian culture. This group, which constitutes about 20% of the public, believes in the dominance of Christians in American law and public policy. They are known to treat minorities and non-Christians as second-class citizens, potentially leading to increased racial tensions, voting restrictions, and policies hostile to immigrants and refugees. The influence of Christian nationalism is already shaping state and local policies, including book bans and reinterpretation of American history in school curricula. Behind the scenes, a coalition of right-wing Christian groups are advancing a package of Christian-right bills, ranging from displaying the motto “In God We Trust” in government buildings to favoring intimate sexual relations only between married, heterosexual couples in public policy. The movement, which has grown in recent years, now includes militant individuals who resort to violence to preserve Christian values, as seen in events like the “Unite the Right” rally and the January 6, 2021, insurrection. As Christians, especially evangelicals, it’s crucial not to support or tolerate such extremism.

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. (Don't take the law into your own hands.) Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be "heaping coals of fire on his head". In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don't let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12 verses 19 to 21. Like everyone else, I was shock and horrified by the mass murder of little girls at a Taylor Swift party last week. Whilst I understood the desire to protest peacefully regarding open door immigration and two tier policing. I was disappointed when riots broke out by thugs and the peaceful protesters being labelled 'far-right' as a result. Nor was I surprised when members of other faiths joined the rioting and the difference in policing in different areas added fuel to the flames. Neither am I surprised, for over twenty years, Christianity was removed from the classroom and replaced by atheism, teaching children that they were no more than animals. With such lessons, can we be surprised that children and young people behave like animals? In short, by allowing this practice, we have reaped what we have sown. It is not too late, we can bring Christianity back into the classroom as a traditionally Christian country. In the USA, several states have passed laws to put the ten commandments in the classrooms. There is nothing offensive about the ten commandments, in fact, I believe that most people can agree with the ten commandments. #britainneedsjesus

Reconnecting with America's Founding Values for Liberty Explore how reconnecting with the faith and values of America's founding fathers can restore liberty and prosperity. Discover why true cultural change goes beyond political reform and religious coercion. Let's reignite the spirit of freedom together! #Liberty #FoundingFathers #CulturalChange #AmericanValues #Prosperity #FaithAndValues #Freedom #RestoreLiberty #Reinculturation #SpiritualAwakening

“I would argue that religious liberty is on the ballot in the November election. Look carefully at the candidates for United States Senate in Missouri and the presidential candidates. Be certain that you are not voting for candidates whose values align with white Christian nationalism. “Because of religious liberty, people of all faiths came to America and practices of faith flourished throughout American history. It is true, there is an ebb and flow. Perhaps we are becoming more secular as a society. But that is not because of government policy. It is because of people’s choices. In other words, religious liberty at work. I want to live in an America where I can choose to practice my own faith. I’m a little ambivalent about the idea of someone having no faith, because I’m not sure there is such a thing. What we generally mean by “no faith” is no affiliation with organized religion. I suspect that everyone has some expression of personal faith. We’d be suicidal otherwise. But I’m referring to small “f” faith, not big “F” Faith. White Christian nationalists breed on fear. They want a privileged place in America because they feel sidelined in a multiracial, multifaith society. They haven’t learned how to live with diversity, let alone cherish it. They want to live in a racial silo, hanging out with their own kind. Hence, “white.” Hence, their partisan objection to diversity, equity and inclusion.” #christian #nationalism #founding #fathers #religious #liberty #government #policy #elections #dei https://lnkd.in/gJYESKGH

What a sample study of 12,000 non-religious Americans and 2,000 religious Americans can tell us about new categories of “nones” and what this means for the Church in America. Join Dr. Ryan Burge for a discussion on the shifts of Non-Religion in America!

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with a terrific post for #ReligiousFreedom week focused on workplaces being welcoming to mothers & fathers and celebrating family life generally. Secular corporations should value #Catholics and other people of Faith on their staffs, ensuring believers are not just tolerated, but free to fully practice their religion. #leadership #culture #finance #religiousliberty https://lnkd.in/e5qVTqyP

Unveiling the Truth: Controversy Surrounding Gateway Church and Robert Morris Discover the latest developments in the scandal surrounding Gateway Church and Robert Morris. Get honest insights and analysis on the controversy that has rocked the religious community. Watch the video for an in-depth exploration of this controversial topic. #GatewayChurchScandal #RobertMorrisControversy #ReligiousCommunity #HonestInsights #ControversialTopic #ChurchScandal #ReligiousControversy #ScandalUnveiled #ReligiousLeadership #FaithCommunity