87 thoughts on “News/Politics 4-19-25”

  4. The clown judge and the ACLU, working to stop the law from being carried out.

    https://x.com/julie_kelly2/status/1912883782606008426?t=K0LI55VX0eDfkKfwJEj8RQ&s=19

    “Stunning to watch the ACLU and Jeb Boasberg ignore the Supreme Court–who is in contempt now?–and advance the Alien Enemies Act lawsuit despite SCOTUS vacating Boasberg’s two temporary restraining orders banning the removal of illegal Venezuelans covered by the president’s AEA proclamation.

    After the SCOTUS decision, Boasberg brazenly asked the ACLU to “file a notice indicating whether they believe that they still have a basis to proceed on their Motion for Preliminary Injunction in this Court.” It was due yesterday, the same day Boasberg issued his contempt finding against the Trump adm.

    The ACLU, despite SCOTUS determining DC was the improper jurisdiction, just filed ANOTHER motion seeking a new temp restraining order on behalf of the illegals. The ACLU argued Boasberg still has jurisdiction in the matter.”

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  6. “WATCH: @StephenM tells the harrowing story of how the Biden administration’s policies led to the rape and impregnation of a trafficked 14-year-old girl by an illegal alien fraudulent sponsor: “I am not interested in moral lectures from anyone… about immigration policy when the Left has been complicit in the greatest crimes against humanity that we have seen in God knows how many years in this country.”

    https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1913406936822776238?t=FlCZxbHHeaLx-4VvMDjldQ&s=19

    These are facts people. Mass deportations, now.

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  8. This is a joke, but here we are.

    TDS rages across America, even in Republican circles.

    https://x.com/NolteNC/status/1912979679461691665?t=0r_4RM0vHPXQZPSdEguFzw&s=19

    “TRUMP: Betcha I can.

    STEPHEN MILLER: No way.

    TRUMP: Bet?

    STEPHEN MILLER: Sure. Easy money.

    JD VANCE: What’s this about?

    STEPHEN MILLER: The President just bet me he can get Democrats and the media to put their full support behind an MS-13 wife beater.”

    —–

    And that’s exactly what’s happened, all due to untreated TDS

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  12. ~ The faith office (in the West Wing) is led by Mr. Trump’s longtime personal pastor, Paula White-Cain, and Jennifer Korn, who worked in the first Trump administration. …

    … Beside her desk was a bowl filled with prepackaged communion cups. She takes communion there every day, she said, and offers it to anyone who might want it. …

    ____________

    ~ Paula White-Cain is a controversial figure in religious circles, particularly known for her involvement with the prosperity gospel and her role as a spiritual advisor to Donald Trump. She is a televangelist, author, and the leader of City of Destiny Church in Apopka, Florida. White-Cain’s theology is largely based on the prosperity gospel, which claims that material wealth is a sign of God’s favor and that faith and giving lead to financial blessings. She has faced criticism from both within and outside the Christian community for her teachings and involvement with politics … ~

    See anything of concern, fellow believers who are familiar with the doctrine of the church and good church order?

    • dj

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    • You’ve made the point several times, Dj. I guess we can keep hearing it again and again though, if it pleases you.

      Not everything is to like about anyone or anything. Is there anything positive you can say?

      More mature Christians got that way over a long process. I am praising God that although I have not yet progressed as far as some of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ on the blog and in my life here, in Atlanta, I am further along than I have been in the past.

      Peace be with you, Dj.

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  14. DJ, yes, but did you see Trump’s speech? The Truth was there so he has seen it, heard it, and shared it with millions. God is working. Keep praying.

    mumsee

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  18. There are speech writers who know ‘the words.’ And it concerns me that there are so many unwise so-called “christian” counselors surrounding him.

    Yes, we keep praying … But God also gives us wisdom and discernment.

    • dj

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  19. Paula White, I have always been concerned about her and her ministry. One does not want to judge another’s servant and I have not listened to what she has to say. It concerns me she is the spiritual adviser but I know God has other servants around President Trump. I do consider her to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing and I do pray he will be surrounded with the Truth. No doubt some of the things she teaches are Truth but clearly not all.

    mumsee

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  21. For those who are led to read and study the word for themselves, even if by a very flawed vessel, well . . . God’s word does not return void. The story is not finished yet for all these people, including ourselves.

    It doesn’t help to complain about such things. Everyone here is well aware. Do you have suggestions that can be implemented to make it better, Dj? Write letters to tell the truth? Talking to the choir does not help. Mumsee suggested prayer as the best action. Good starting point.

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  22. DJ, yes, they are just words, but Trump is hearing them, assuming a speech writer, maybe even Paula. And he is speaking them to millions. Do I want them to resonate in his heart? Of course! And in the hearts of the hearers. We do not know the current state of his relationship with the risen King of Kings, but he is a tool of God, being used for His purposes.

    I certainly do not agree with a “her” being the spiritual adviser to a “ he”. Nor do I like the divorces and marriages or whatever, or the communion. A lot to be alarmed about. Nor do I like Franklin Graham’s apparent consent to her book. But perhaps her book does not have the questionable content, few books are entirely accurate. But I would not read it based on what I have known of the author.

    mumsee

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  24. Janice, DJ is not preaching to the choir as she is alerting the flock to a danger, as she should. Any of us seeing danger infiltrating the body should speak up. The whole watcher on the wall idea. If the watcher sees the coming danger and gives the alert and the people do not care, it is on them. But if the watcher sees and does not sound the alarm, it is on the watcher.

    I see it in action with the quail. A pretty cool demonstration of our duty to one another.

    mumsee

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  25. Musmee, thank you, and I understand what you’re saying — however your comment that “Trump is hearing them (the true words)” simply brings the more important question of “what exactly is he hearing or is he not hearing? What version of the gospel — true or via White and other false prophets he has surrounding him, twisted and false; what is he actually “hearing?” (or perhaps ignoring and simply using for political benefit to lure more followers from the churches?”)

    We can’t assume he’s hearing the gospel message. We hope he is, but we can’t possibly know that. And those he seems to now surround himself with within the halls of his own power do not preach the biblical message.

    My concern is that the true church (and sovereignly called but perhaps still untaught believers) not be tainted or misled by whatever politician comes alone who mimics what sounds like the “right” words, tickling our ears by advocating issues we may agree with.

    • dj

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  26. Thanks for explaining that well, Mumsee. I had assumed all here were aware but maybe I had assumed wrong. I thought we were all aware since P W was involved in the last term.

    I know we might have influence in our own churches and vicinities, but not sure if there is anything other than prayer to do at this point.

    Thanks, Dj, for a reminder of a prayer prompt.

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  27. A friend just this week was concerned about the way communion was handled as a quick get through it so we can all leave kind of event. She voiced her opinion to let it be known that was not proper. She has not received a reply about her concern.

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  30. Janice, nothing wrong with a reminder. It is why we read the Word over and over. Sometimes the time is not right for us to hear and we need many reminders. I appreciate being reminded.

    mumsee

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  32. And indeed, White still bears the official “mantle” of Trump’s spiritual adviser.

    Via Christianity Today:

    … The president hasn’t publicly attended a church service since his inauguration day, he doesn’t hold membership in a particular congregation or denomination, he’s gone back and forth over whether he needs to ask for God’s forgiveness, and he avoids speaking in detail about his personal devotional life, so what we know about Trump’s faith comes largely from the pastors around him at the White House—starting with Paula White-Cain.

    White-Cain, a prosperity-preaching televangelist and Trump’s longtime spiritual adviser, has been an unofficial guide in introducing him to other faith leaders, gathering his coterie of 25 evangelical advisers during his first term and now leading the White House Faith Office, based in the West Wing.

    White-Cain told Fox & Friends during Holy Week that the office has hosted “almost 500 faith leaders” since February. By Wednesday’s dinner, the count had grown: “We’ve actually had over 1,000 faith leaders in through the White House in just this short time period,” she said. …

    … Beyond the White House gatherings, peppered with prayers, worship songs, and prepared remarks, are any of the visiting leaders tight enough with Trump to provide pastoral support?

    White-Cain is likely the closest. … ~

    • dj

    (My caution is that many prominent men and women have used the faith through for all kinds of purposes through the centuries. It’s not uncommon.

    (We are to beware of that tendency in fallen human nature — especially when it would seem a “profession” of faith, real or not, provides worldly advantages and is combined with politics, power and wealth.)

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  33. https://x.com/kate_p45/status/1913599292327055745?t=th3dyhqGhbLMQsSFImvVqQ&s=19

    “So Barack Obama was allowed to deport 3 million and the Supreme Court didn’t step in and stop it. Clinton deported 12. 3 million and and the Supreme Court didn’t block it. Bush deported 10 million and the Supreme Court didn’t block it.

    Hello? We have a constitutional crisis on our hands.

    Take note of the Republicans in Congress who are silent. Take note of the “principled” Conservative influencers who are silent.”

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  36. Well there ya go bleeding hearts….let them eat cake and live amongst rapists, murderers, gangbangers….illegals get their “due process” y’all are screaming for.

    BREAKING: SCOTUS Blocks Trump-Era Deportations of Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Members

    Yep, you read that right. The Supreme Court just paused deportations of Venezuelan migrants suspected to be part of the violent Tren de Aragua gang. Why? Because of “due process” concerns.

    Here’s the key takeaways:

    • Trump used the Alien Enemies Act (from 1798!) to fast
    • track deportations of foreign nationals deemed threats.
    • The ACLU claimed migrants didn’t get fair notice or a chance to challenge removal.
    • Some didn’t get documents in their language.
    • The Court says: hold up, no more deportations until we figure this out.
    • Justices Thomas & Alito dissented (no surprise there).

    So while law-abiding citizens get the book thrown at them… actual gang members get legal protection.

    Welcome to backwards land.

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  37. Pearls again?

    As I recall, this site was set up for Christians to discuss and debate. Everything from the weather to politics to grandchildren to photography and on and on but especially religion and how those other things are impacted by our beliefs. Non believers invited to read and input politely.

    In America, arguably the greatest nation ever, we are free to vote for Mao tse tung, George Bush, sanders, whomever we choose. On here, we are supposed to be able to freely discuss those choices, with no fear of censure, though expecting pos and neg feedback. Discussion is used to persuade or at least explain one’s reasoning.

    But in Christianity, there are basic Truths we must all agree on, and if somebody pretending to be part of the body ambles in, spouting things contrary to Scripture, it is the responsibility of the believers to speak up and call it out. That often needs to be done repeatedly.

    For examples, see Isaiah through Malachi or the words of Jesus the Christ.

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  39. the real, key word there is paused. So things can be figured out. Not sure they are released. Same with usaid, paused to sort it out. Of course if they make one mistaken deportation it gives them a bad look. Not saying they have, but when moving that many that quickly, they could have. Personally, I believe deportations should continue.

    mumsee ( and I was mumsee above but not sure it registered)

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  41. Earlier today, DJ was asked if she has anything positive to say (about Trump, I presume). To my recollection, no one has ever asked AJ if he has anything positive to say about Biden, Pelosi, or other Democrats.

    As I have commented in the past, when a similar comment was made to me, these threads are filled with either anti-Democrat posts or pro-Trump posts. DJ and I tend to try to share other views for consideration, and are often insulted for it either outrightly now and then, or with a dismissive attitude. The eye-rolling emoji gets quite a work-out.

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  43. NJ – I don’t know off the top of my head, but I’m sure there must be something good here or there. But that wasn’t really my point.

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  44. Sorry if I missed your point but you referred to a question posed to Dj and said no one had ask a similar question of Aj referring to the Dems. I suppose my confusion lies in the problematic answer of a positive comment on those cited. I cannot come up with one positive but can name a list of positives with the attempts of the current administration. Nj

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  45. In general, I like the sound of Biden’s voice. I truly did not care to hear the sound of Harris’ voice. They both dressed nicely.

    At Easter, it is hard to forget how they mocked Christianity in so many ways. May God change their hearts toward Jesus.

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  46. NJ – The point was more about a kind of double standard, I think. Why do the dissenters have to have something positive to say? Can’t we share other opinions? DJ has said, and I think I may have to, that we are not against everything Trump or other Republicans have done.

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  47. Why don’t we all agree to disagree? No one has changed their mind here for years, lol

    We still have our preferred news sources. I don’t think that will change. Of course, God can do anything.

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  48. ~ “I also want to emphasize and repeat that this is not just about Abrego Garcia. Naturally, the administration wants the debate to be contained to his case because they believe they can frame him as One Of The Bad Illegals. I’m not going to sit here and give you Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Kilmar is all of us” speech (I’m genuinely amazed at how bad Democrats’ messaging can be), but the administration is not just targeting people who are here illegally. As I highlighted earlier this month, they are already sweeping up permanent U.S. residents — immigrants with legal visas and papers. Not only that, but U.S. citizens are getting caught in the government’s dragnet. During the meeting with Bukele, Trump was caught on a hot mic suggesting we could start sending our “home growns” to El Salvador, too. Trump then confirmed he was looking into sending U.S. citizens to the prison and wanted “five more” prisons built to accommodate them.

    […]

    So, yes, Trump inherited a serious crisis we need to solve: Millions of unauthorized migrants are still in our country, and millions of them came in under Biden. Yes, solving this problem is a major logistical and resource challenge, and it’s why Biden deserves ample criticism for failing to take action while millions of people illegally crossed the border in a short period of time. But no, we should not forfeit due process and violate court orders and fundamentally undermine the American project of liberty in trying to solve those problems. We should not allow this current administration, or any other future administration, to become the arbiter of when rules should or shouldn’t be followed. 

    If we open that door, then any one of us could be marched right through it.” ~

    https://www.readtangle.com/is-trump-defying-the-supreme-court/?ref=tangle-newsletter

    Isaac Saul’s “My take” section, about halfway down the page. Emphasis in bold is my doing.

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  49. Janice – That would be nice if we could merely all politely disagree. Which would mean that when a minority view is shared, whoever shares it does not get questioned or whatnot for doing so.

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  50. Has the thread gone respectful of differences yet?

    Sorry, I must have just gone and fainted away and been absent for it.

    Honest — and respectful — discussion is good. I try to stay in that lane. And I’m often ridiculed for it (which is why I don’t often have the stomach for coming here much).

    • dj

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  51. And “ridiculed” is a kind, cleaned-up word for what often happens here to those who even dare to have a different opinion veering from the rigid “maga” doctrine. 😦

    • dj

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  53. And I have felt the same as you, Dj. We just don’t see it when we are doing the thing we say we hate. It’s not always the same people posting every single day. Bullies exist on both sides given the opportune moment. Logs in eyes are a real thing or they would not be in the Bible. It is sad. But this is why we need Jesus. He’s the best we could ever have. He is our reconciler, if we would let Him fulfill that role.

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  56. Janice – DJ’s reference to discernment and truth was not aimed at you, or anyone specifically, that I can see. I understood her comment to mean that we should all be concerned with discernment and truth, no matter which preferred sources we have.

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  58. We are called to discernment and wisdom as believers. And when finger wagging at other believers in condemnation wields an appearance of a higher knowledge than others that also comes across as being ridiculed. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. nj

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  61. Dj I see what you did there. This forum has been open for discussion between believers and not. When one side continually accuses the opposing side of being rude while ignoring their own rudeness it becomes duplicitous.

    It would be better to stand your position if convinced of its correctness and forgo the belittling accusations. I take no offense when you take the position of monitor of truth… but I don’t have to agree. Nj

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  62. One serious suggestion — migrate this thread to a secular location, whoever wants to follow can. But having it here is has completely disrupted the fellowship, we’ve all been dragged into saying things we wouldn’t normally say. I say move the whole thread, find another thread topic that’s not so volatile to include with the overall blog.

    We’ve all said things we don’t mean here — and I, for one, am wearing of hearing the continual “pearls” and other personal put-down comments. Enough already.

    This clearly is a thread for only one view, so let it be that — on a secular platform somewhere. X? Wherever. Those who want to can find it, those who don’t won’t have to bother.

    It’s sad to see the fellowship the way it is right now. This thread has become so disruptive and angry at times. That is not good. We live in volatile times and obviously believers aren’t immune to those flaws of fallen nature.

    But we as believers will benefit if we don’t wind up in the turmoil on a daily basis.

    None of this is good – for any of us.

    Move it.

    Just a suggestion.

    • dj

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  63. Many here would not miss it — and would probably wind up being more active as a result.

    Those like-minded folks who would miss it, can follow where it goes, be part of both communities but this one would remain out of the secular fray that way.

    • dj

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  64. And that way you could have the one-sided discussion you seem to prefer.

    See? I do my best thinking on dog walks.

    You’re welcome.

    • (in the interest of unity) dj

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  65. NJ, we’re very familiar with personal belittling here.

    It should not be among us.

    As I said, one more pearl-clutching comment … argh. We’ve had more than our share on the less-popular opinion side. Try it sometime, then you’ll feel the full brunt!

    But none of us should have to be put through that by each other — or be tempted to do it to others.

    We clearly can’t handle this thread well, so yank it, move it. Those who want to follow can, those who don’t won’t.

    • dj

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  66. Please. It’s the eve of Easter and after all the Savior went through for us, we’re going to sit around here and complain about each other? Don’t take the disapproval of others so seriously. We’re only people and we’re bound to disagree and misunderstand each other. And every time we feel misunderstood, it’s an opportunity to grow in the faith.

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  67. I think AJ said he always wanted his own political blog, so go for it in a separate/secular platform. Just not here. It’s not working, it’s causing division. …

    • dj

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  68. If someone finds this thread disagreeable they can choose to not engage. I find it informative and sometimes entertaining! Nj

    And dear brothers and sisters I pray we examine our own hearts as we celebrate the sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord Jesus for all of our foibles and downfalls. His love and Grace covers a multitude of sins. May we strive to bring Him glory in word thought and deed.

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  70. Yes. But I do agree with DJ that the sight of communion being treated like so many lollipops in a bowl is rather sickening. Still, the WORD does not come back void, and that’s not because of us or how we handle it, but because of who and what the WORD is. Our faith is in HIM not in any man.

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  71. Ephesians 4:1-3: ~ “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” ~

    For any offense I have caused to anyone, I apologize from my heart. I try to be polite and respectful in my writing, but I am fallible. If I have ever come across as seeming to think I am superior in any way, please know that that was never my intention, nor my feeling.

    As for “Some of ya’ll need to grow thicker skin,” read the verse from Ephesians that I just quoted. The end of the chapter tells us to be kind and tenderhearted to each other. There are many other similar verses in the Bible about how we are to treat each other. We are not supposed to communicate in the same way the world does.

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  72. I thank and commend Kizzie for her post @1:16.

    We both, over the months and last few years, have posted similar sentiments numerous times.

    “Grow a thicker skin” isn’t really helpful advice and it’s not dealing with the issue.

    We have a problem on this blog and it is affecting the fellowship. We’ve disagreed in earlier years, but I’ve never seen the treatment some people get here like it is now. It’s unbiblical behavior.

    My suggestion only is that we try to deal with this as a community, or what is left of us, before it is too late.

    • dj

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  73. I disagree about moving the thread. It’s a better idea to grow in grace right where we are. This is our opportunity to grow, so we use it or we lose the opportunity. We are not guaranteed more or other opportunities.

    And there are different views and opinions on this thread. I’ve certainly expressed differing views. I’ve changed my mind about some things, and been unsure of other things. And I’ve been disagreed with . It’s nothing to clutch my faux pearls over. And no reason to constantly be taking offense over. :–)

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  76. Debra, I so wish we would grow in grace here, but I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not happening as it takes the will of all those involved.

    Yes, personal attacks have become quite common, often from limited sources, but they sting (almost typed stink which is accurate as well) and it’s simply uncalled for. Some posts come off like they’re on “X” — harsh, rude, bad language, pummeling anyone who disagrees (whether a couple of us or others in the news).

    Christians are taught too behave better, I thought. Or we should be availing ourselves of those lessons on a regular basis and then putting that into practice.

    Put-downs are (I suppose) seen a cute and clever and “gotcha” opportunities. Well, not appreciated by the few here who typically are trying to make legitimate points that may differ from the majority.

    Thank you mumsee, that pretty much says it also.

    A thread like this should not look like a crass X blowup. It should look like believers disagreeing but respectfully and thoughtfully.

    • dj

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  77. DJ, well I agree that bad language needs to be called out. I’ll do so myself next time I see it. But you’re mistaken about growing in grace. It only takes one person. I know I have grown in grace in the last year or two. And you can too if you are willing. But if you’re more interested in offenses than growing it won’t happen.

    You can’t force or shame or pummel other people into growing any more than you can change their points of view in that way. Now where is this ‘ugly attack’ that Mumsee referred to, and let’s address it.

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  78. Debra, the treatment goes way back. You can define “ugly” how you want to, but pummeling anyone who happens to (respectfully) disagree politically) is rude and tiresome. A few of us have endured it regularly, usually without responses. Perhaps because those who are in the “safe (trump) majority” are not that aware, but it’s pretty openly happened for some time now.

    Speaking to others respectfully should be the norm here, and yes, even addressing those who disagree. The snark, the put-downs, etc., are pretty regularly practiced. Again, mostly it is ignored anymore as calling it out does not good.

    Meanwhile.

    https://x.com/reachjulieroys/status/1913647162803486851

    The White House’s resident false teacher is getting traction.

    • dj

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  79. DJ if you can’t/ won’t point to anything specific then I can’t take your complaints as seriously as I assume you want them to be taken. But that’s not a problem as sometimes it’s best to just move on to something we may have more agreement on. Like your link. :–)

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  80. I don’t support the President’s faith advisor or whatever she’s called. But I have recently discovered that hunting heresies or borderline heresies can be every bit as tiresome and dividing as politics. And it probably accounts for the 1001 storefront churches that seem to multiply like rabbits throughout the Bible Belt.

    However, it’s not a bad idea to call it out when you see it. I had no idea about the bowl of communion cups on her desk. Not that there is anything wrong with taking communion privately in addition to as a body. Dad has taken communion as a private devotion before he goes to bed for many many years. But that’s no substitute for taking communion as a body the way Christ instituted it at that last passover.

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  82. “This thread has been toxic for a very long time. The atmosphere is not healthy.”

    She says as she throws more gas on the fire…..

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  83. Put your big girl pants on Dj, and deal with it.

    This thread ain’t going nowhere.

    —–

    Also, your concern for truth never seems to extend to the industry you work in, as they give one another Pulitzers for lies and fake news.

    Have you no discernment!?

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  86. DJ has indeed previously mentioned her concern over what is happening in the news business. But you continue to throw that kind of accusation in her face anyway, as if she is somehow responsible.

    She is not throwing gas on the fire, she is trying to bring attention to a concern she has, to help put out that fire.

    If you haven’t already, please see my comment at 1:16.

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