Townhall.com, Where Your Opinion Counts
Talk Radio:   Bill Bennett   Mike Gallagher   Dennis Prager   Michael Medved   Hugh Hewitt   
BREAKING NEWS  LeftArrow - Townhall.com : Conservative, Political, Republican   RightArrow - Townhall.com : Conservative, Political, Republican  
Columns, funnies & more in your inbox!
  • Check the boxes and send us your email address to receveive your free newsletter
  • Your daily must-read of conservative columns, cartoons and news. Coulter, Sowell, Krauthammer and more.
  • Townhall.com’s weekly inside scoop on what’s happening behind the scenes in the world of politics. When news breaks, we report.
  • Signup to receive the latest daily Townhall cartoons
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Doug Giles :: Townhall.com Columnist
Lame Christian Media is Culpable for Our Cultural Corruption
by Doug Giles
Vote on It:
Average Vote:
[+] Text [-]
 
 
Poll
Was the Copenhagen Global Warming Summit Walk-Out a Win for the U.S.?


If our nation goes down the secular crapper, then I lay a lot of the blame on the limp-wrist Christian media. Yep, I condemn Christian TV, Christian radio stations and Christian publishers that have the power and the audience to pump truth to the masses but have instead chosen to peddle spiritual candy rather than the unvarnished verities that the church and our nation need.

As far as I’m concerned, if Christians don’t speak, sing or write to the serious issues of their day then they’re about as useful to us and to God as teats on a boar hog.

Pathetic.

Aside from Dobson and his crew at Focus and a smattering of other luminaries, you don’t hear many of the overt Christian writers or talking heads speaking even mildly to the sassy secularists who are hell-bent on wrecking this land.

What’s the matter, ladies? Are you afraid you’ll lose your love offerings, your BMWs, or your 501(c)(3)? It’s unbelievable to me how these “Christian” corporations can be silent, for whatever reason, in this raging cultural war. You, sir/ma’am, are a disgrace to your post. Good luck at the judgment seat.

Y’know, I appreciate O’Reilly, Hannity, Beck and others who go to bat on behalf of Christian principles, but it would be kind of nice to see some more pastors in that mix also. Ted Nugent brings more truth to the table than most pastors and priests do on radio, TV and in print.

Again, I’m glad for Bill, Sean, Glenn and Ted’s defiant input, but the insane silence amongst the brethren, especially the boys who run the so called mega-churches, to me is both pitiful and immoral. No matter how you want to slice your silence, Christian ministers and corporations, your mute mouth is cowardice of the highest order and a betrayal of our nation’s Christian heritage.

Being in the radio business and an author myself, here’s why I believe these various industries have put forth generic voices rather than specific punches: They don’t want to offend anybody. They have been converted into thinking that being Christ-like means being nice and eating whatever slop the secularists shovel down their throats. Political correctness has clipped their ‘nads and their vocal chords. Therefore, they won’t let anyone name names, they won’t allow the talent to get raw, they can’t permit a rowdy sense of humor, and they will not encourage men to be men about the issues lest someone . . . God forbid . . . get offended.

Here’s a big FYI to the boys in charge of these various vapid corporations: You’re more like Neville Chamberlain than you are like Jesus Christ, who would not pawn flapdoodle off on his friends, followers or foes. He could not turn a blind eye to that which was antithetical to his person and his work. He couldn’t do it. He was married to the truth. What are you married to?

Cash?

Praise?

Ratings?

Huh?

Share:
Vote on It:
Average Vote:
 
About The Author
Doug Giles’ new book “If You're Going Through Hell, Keep Going!" is now available. Ann Coulter says "Doug Giles is a substantive and funny tour de force for traditional values.” Doug’s talk show and video blog can be seen and heard at www.ClashRadio.com.
 
TOWNHALL DAILY: Sign up today and receive Townhall.com daily lineup delivered each morning to your inbox.
Your comments are moronic
Obama is a pro-muslim, communist supporting thug…see the truth

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1P_P8lBCsE

Once again
Jayhawk contibuting meaningfully to the conversation. Keep drinking that Kool-Aid.

huh?
This article makes no sense. He names no names, he asserts without evidence. I enjoy a rant as much as the next guy, but have some substance next time.

On the money Doug!!
I'm a protestant, but the Judeo/Christian people I'm most proud of in this election are Catholic and Jewish. Dennis Prager is a great spokesman and so is Hugh Hewitt. Also, I have to give credit to those Bishops and Archbishops who have condemned voting for people who support Abortion. The one from Denver actually said that any suposed Catholic politician who is pro-abortion should not be allowed to take communion. Quite a few of those guys also spoke out very boldly against Pelosi and her thinking she knows more than the priest do about the Church's stance on abortion.
We have to not be so worried about offending people, and stand up for our beliefs. I understand that a pastor may not want to say "Vote Republican" from the pulpit, but they can say that we need to vote for the person who has a proven record of voting for moral issues that are most similar to what we believe in. Help the flock to prioritize which issues would Christ think most important.

Couldn't have said it better myself!
I thought I might have written this myself except that you said it so much better than I could. My thoughts too. It is a disgrace what so called "Christian" radio is doing which is nothing. It's pathetic. They are so cowardly and EFFEMINATE. No wonder so many men won't go to church. They perceive Christianity as feminine, thanks to this gutless crowd. Actually, there are some very good preachers who are talking about this but the radio stations only want to play that inane, horrible, copycat music while neglecting the meat and potatoes of the truth of God's Word. They fiddle while Rome burns.

Keep it coming.

McCain also does not want to "offend."
He seems to have been brainwashed by the PC nonsense of non-judgmentalism. HOGWASH! We need our candidate to stand up to these liberal leaders.
Sen. McCain: Don't choose your words so carefully that you're afraid to say anything--just speak TRUTH!

And don't get me started on our local Catholic priests who are afraid to offend the flock (and lose their weekly offering!) so they preach milktoast and pabulum. Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life is a shining jewel among a bunch of dull rocks--one of the few who are keeping the faith. God bless them.

You are missing the point Doug!
The creeds an mores of Judeo-Christianity vary greatly. Judge not, lest you be judged. All of this goes on for which reason we are blind. To increase the hatred and animosity does the Devils work. The killing of all innocents, in the womb or in Iraq goes against the 1st commandment. This is all part of the plan and no single political party is God's favorite. We are all sinners and fail to understand completely God's plan.

Dwayne In WI
I am complete agreement with you. As a Protestant myself, I have been disturbed by the silence of much of the Protestant leadership. It has been impressive that the Catholic Archbishops have been willing to go after so-called Catholic Democratic Leaders and their support of death for babies.

James in AR
Comparing Bush’s removal of a genocidal vicious dictator and Obama’s support of infanticide shows serious Biblical ignorance. God’s plan not only allows but also at times compels his people to destroy evil. Many of the Canaanite people that God had Joshua destroy were committing infant sacrifice (infanticide). Please do not quote scripture out of context.

Doug Giles
When oh when are you going to get over this love affair with being a tough guy Christian?

Know what Satan says to guys like O'Reilly, Hannity, Beck, Nugent, and Dobson?

"Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"

Don't you understand that doing anything in the flesh is "a vain hope for victory"? (Ps. 33:17)

So Chuck in ME
How do you explain Jesus physically removing the moneychangers and other assorted vermin from the Temple? When they did not move fast enough he picked up a whip to make his point. Sounds tough guy to me.

Rick Warren exmpl of mushy Christianity
Does anyone remember Rick Warren inviting - gasp! - the Hildebeest to his church to talk about either abortion or AIDS, & she's blatantly pro-gay & pro-abortion?

Also, during the McCain-Obama Saddleback forum, did anyone notice the doofuess in attendance applauding when Obama said he would never allow confirmation of Clarence Thomas? Also, where the hell was the booing, hissing & disapproval when Obama punted on when life begins? What flavor Kool-Aid do these idiots drink?

James
I didn't see any political parties mentioned. How did you?

You seem have your commandments numbered differently from mine.

Who suggested sowing hatred, anyway?

You make a common error on judging - please do some research in a good Bible study group, my friend.

Lepanto
Don't confuse Mr. Giles and what he advocates as exemplifying being a Christian with Jesus and what He advocates.

There is meat in this article -
it speaks directly to the problem.

Does anybody remember the last time a politician used the word "evil" and what happened?

We have become so conditioned to playing nice that we no longer call a spade a spade - evil for what it is. Mr. Giles is correct - popularity is all.

Jesus came to bring not peace, but the sword of truth. It is truth that divides, and we must proclaim it as such. It's part of our armor.

Political correctness run amok
Yep, political correctness is alive and well in the pulpit, BUT the sheep in the pews are to blame as well. The sheep in the pews want their ears tickled, not the tough theology that requires hard thinking, meditation and prayer before God.

It seems only persecution brings out the best in the sheep and if the cultural and political climate don't change, that is where we are headed. There is a slow train coming up around the bend and the church is being lulled into a false sense of security and complacency.

The devil is behind the distractions and cowardice of those in the pulpit and pew. He is the enemy out to kill, steal and destroy Christians individually and corporately. Only fervent prayer and dependence on God can rescue His people and this great nation.

surprising article
Surprising article. I thought Dough Giles was one of the Rick Warren clones, but here he is (rightfully) lamblasting some of the very "church growth movement" and "purpose driven" philosophies that many in the modern church have erroneously accepted as the gospel.

Do some more of this, Doug, and you might be mistaken for a knowledgable Christian rather than the type who follows the "big boys" of the mega-churches.

I happen to agree with you on this, except you didn't go far enough into the real cause of the problem. The entire modern church, represented by "America's Pastor" Rick Warren and his clones, is most of the problem and most of the reason why Christians have been conditioned to hold their voices. The "tolerance" and the "non-judgmental" philosophies have stifled true biblical thought on matters of Christian principles. Most of the folks within the modern church are more apt to publically speak out against fellow Christians than they are against the evils of secular society (and in the light of the first letter of Saint John it says alot about who they're really listening to).

I like your rhetorical question about churches being afraid to lose their 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. It is the tax-exempt status that has been used to keep the church silent. I personally think that all churches should voluntarily give up their tax exempt status and start to speak up more in society. There are too many within the modern church who believe there actually should be such a thing as "separation of church and state". They fail to see that the real goal is to eliminate Christian principles from public discourse.

And they also fail to understand that it is Christian principles that form the thin moral veneer that provide protection within this secular society.

Good Job
Let's see - "brood of vipers", "hypocrites", and one of my favorites, "whitewashed sepulchres full of old men's bones" all spoken by none other than our Lord Himself. While the flock rushes after the Bennies and Kennies for the next touch our culture crumbles. Self has become lord, morality subjective, and ears are tickled for profit in both politics and the pulpit. The above quotes fit quite nicely today as well.

The Liberty Tree
I see this column as a complaint that Christian radio is not more occupied with current events, but instead with teaching only the Word of God.

Does this author really prefer a society lacking in sound Biblical teaching and vibrant worship? May I refer him to

Exibit A: Europe, an example of apostasy and departure from Scriptural truth, with an attendant decline in marriage, childbearing, industriousness and self-reliance.

Exibit B: the Middle East, a place on earth that never enjoyed knowledge of the Bible.

This author is making the terrible, terrible mistake of thinking that the virtues necessary for a just society will continue to thrive without the knowledge of Scripture and the fear of God.

The Bible teachers on Christian radio do the greatest service for their nation. Everything one may desire for the well-being of our nation--such as good citizenship, personal responsibility, discernment of good and evil, avoidance of sin, thankfulness, patriotism, encouragement, willingness to sacrifice, and individual responsibility--have been, and are, natural outflowings of faith in the true God of the Bible.

I think this author should consider carefully that he should not expect the fruit without first having the tree.

Amen!
What would Jesus do? He would speak the TRUTH. Abortion is MURDER. The government should protect the people not enslave them with welfare. Depend on God NOT the government! Look to God for your salvation. If you look to government it is your god. Vote your beliefs, your faith, not your party. God has given you your freedoms and rights NOT government. Our Deceleration of Independence states that. America is free because of our ideals NOT our government.

Intercessory Prayer
Author Dutch Sheets wrote a book called: Intercessory Prayer--How God can use your prayers to move heaven and earth. Folks, I think it's time for some serious collective intercessory prayer from the Christian Community for Sarah Palin (a believer) and John McCain (not sure) and the USA. I have to remind myself daily the Lord is in control of this chaos! And remember what Paul said to the Philippians in 4:5-7--Do NOT be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transdcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

you are missing the point James
The first commandment is thou shall not MURDER.
abortion is murder. Troops fighting in war is killing. He ordered Joshua to battle many times. Get a clue

Barack Obama: The Perfect Next 911
The million Dollar question is "What will Americans do if they elect a president who has networked with socialist and terrorist groups and is a threat to their own National Security. How could American Citizens elect a person for President who would not even qualify for security clearance?

Can you image the long-term damage this poses to our country? Just as in the Movie "Traitor" that came out this year. Those who are operatives for terrorist groups now will now for the first time have a vantage point into our Whitehouse and our very own Pentagon. Now wonder Hezbollah, Al'Queda, and Hamas announced their excitement about a Barack Hussein Obama presidency. That really tells us a whole lot about who America needs to vote for. One thing is certain, who ever we elect as our President will fill executive positions with those he has become familiar with and networked with. Barack Obama may very well be America's Next 911. Mark my words. Already he and the socialist democrats have already sabotaged our economy by DE-regulating Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac leading to a Wall Street Crash.

Proof: Barack Obama and his cronies have been charged with tampering with Wall Street markets by introducing Socialism to America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVVVzEKauzY

Obama wants to now start a one world global banking system. Hmm, we are definitely in the last days of revelations.

Why does it have to take a 911 for Americans to Wake UP? This time it may be to late.


Join The Chorus saying NObama in November
(The Evidence is just below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-706ewJ8cY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB8Abpuq-zk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_S7eiy_GI4


What Makes Barack Obama so Dangerous!
Vote NOW at link below

http://www.topix.com/forum/news/2008-presidential-election/ TPDH0NLIG8NGPM5TA/

Straight talk
Preach on, I could not agree more. As a Christian you can speak out, but are silenced if you are a nobody in the church. The sad truth is our young people in the secular world have been dumbed down. But so have the Christian youth! It's all about cultural relevance now. If you think it is bad, I fear for the coming onslaught. There is no more wisdom in the land. Where are the voices?

There is no hope without Jesus Christ. Actually He is the TRUTH, the light and the life and there is no other.

"If my people will HUMBLE themselves and pray, AND REPENT FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and HEAL THEIR LAND" 2 Chronicles 7:14

Thanks for the article.

The American Church...
...has been "luke warm" since the middle of the last century.

But you should expect that, it was foretold that in the last days it would be much of the church that was lead astray too.

The question is should we as Christians be focused on saving the American Church? Or should we be focused on saving each other?

To hear the truth, go to
Brock & Bodie Thoene, thoenebooks.com have an almost daily blog....wonderful Christian couple, former writers for John Wayne. Wrote several historical fiction book series on Israel & the Jews. Books are used in colleges as references. They have been flooded w/hate mail because of their stand for the truth about Barrack Hussein Obama. It is hard to believe that the country I love would elect would support a Muslim for president of this country.

jnik
I really should leave you picking the tune to Deliverance and reveling in your own ignorance, but this is serious.

Since you brought it up, where do you think anti-semitism is festering to dangerous levels? Europe!-- where barely 3% of the population even bothers to go to church any more. Not to mention the ME. Iran, if you have not noticed, is threatening to wipe out Israel.

Next, if dying a brutal death for practicing one's own religion was really your concern, you would be criticizing Saudi Arabia and Iran, and radical Islam. I return you to your oblivion.

Leave O'Reilly and Hannity out
If you want to go after Christians, that's one thing. Leave O'Reilly and Hannity out of the picture. They're just plain mean-spirited self-hating small-c and cafeteria catholic bigots. They offer nothing to the Christian media and as an American, I'm ashamed to even have them mentioned in the same context as "Christian" media, (which by the way, seems to be evangelical Protestant-speak for another form of anti-Catholic bigotry because they seldom include LOYAL Catholics in their midst or consideration as "christians."

Leave Fr. Pavone alone
Supporters of Doug Giles using Fr. Pavone as their example do a disfavor to the good priest. He's not one for trashing his opponents for the sheer trashing of them to make a point.

And as for the guy knocking John McCain for trying to cool down the temper, perhaps he'd be best wondering why all of a sudden so many othewise much more sedate upper middle aged and elderly are getting so whipped up. Either they were Birchers to begin with or manipulated by the shock jocks who are experts in getting people whipped up to the point that their teeth are constantly on edge. GIve it a rest.

For Christ's sake, and this country ... give it a rest!

jnik..are you serious?
Honestly, do you hear the lunacy in what you said?!? Why should I be surprised? After all, this is TH!!

Christian Churches
The problem with Christian churches is that they have been taken over by the feminists and liberals. Also a lot of these Christian writers/publishers are definitely in the game for money..take a look a CBN...how much of their website really has anything to do Christ?? It looks more like a site devoted ot Oprah fans.

Money talks
Preachers do not discuss political matter in their sermons. Members who contribute to the church may not then be able to deduct their contributions on their income tax returns. But all sorts of laymen surrogates can discuss political matters in their various meetings and study groups. Yet they do not.

Big moneymen contribute to their churches to control what is said and done in the church and to appoint the minister.

Some churches with as little as two or three big contributors are sufficient to control what the others say and do. The moneymen claim they do not want any political talk for fear of loss of their church contributions as tax deductions. And the rest cave in to their demands because they think they really do need the tax deductions.

If control of political matters by moneymen is true, it is hard to believe that control does not often extend well beyond politics.

Thus some churches with many small contributors with no special agenda can be a lot more outspoken than big mega-churches dependent on big contributors.

Should the Supreme Court declare that the First Amendment freedom of speech, assembly, and petition for redress of grievances and Congress making no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion precludes the Constitutional validity of 501(c)(3), the control of the moneymen will be more difficult, but only with respect to politics.

The blood of innocents be on their heads
The heathen don't want to hear the truth. They glorify their father Satan and defy God at every chance. Let's just let the dems run the whole country, unimpeded by any common sense or morality or filibuster. Better a quick death than a slow rot. Jesus is coming soon and He will rule the whole earth with righteousness and peace. Come now, Lord. How long before you avenge the blood of the innocents, Maranatha.

Don't Blame Christians - Blame the IRS
What the writer of this article fails to understand is the Christian media is complying with IRS rules and regulations.

Just because Farankan, Jessie Jackson, Black Churches, Left Wing white Christian Churches are given a pass by the IRS, does not mean everyone is given a pass.

A few years back the Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition publish a voter guide. It listed many issues important to non-christians and Christians alike and then listed how your particular senator or congressman voted on the issue. It was completely non-partisan. If you supported abortion you could see which senators voted to support abortion. If you opposed abortion, you could see which senators voted to oppose abortion. The guide was very helpful.

Enter the IRS. The IRS went after the Christian Coalition and fined them server hunderd thousand dollars for publishing this useful voter guide.

Louis Farrakan recently from the pulpid referred to Obama as the Messiah about to deliver his people. Father Flager recently showed his support for Obama from the pulpid, Rev. Wright is now famous for his political messages from the pulpid.

So we are not dealing with a fair and level playing field.


Duh? Neil in FL
Are you reading challenged? Dobson, Nugent. What are these if not names? Are the other well known names also named by their names not being used?

Poor Doug .See the light
Turn the other cheek . Don't behave like an old testament God.

TWO PARTY SECULAR SYSTEM
Haven't you heard? We now have a two party secular system. It is perfectly acceptable for the divine ministers of the right, Rev Wright, Rev Jesse Jackson, Rev Al Sharpton, Brother Phelger to spew their political doctrine from the pulpits and even take God's name in vain, "God Damm America", and of course Louis Farrahkan to call Obama the Messiah. But as soon as any minister who represents the conservative point of view expresses an opinion of which candidate will perserve our values he/she is attacked for mixing Church and State and are threathen to loose their non taxable status. There was a news program which aired a piece about this recently. The conservative churches have been intimidated. I hear my own minister speak indirectly to current issues, but he is careful not to cross the secular line of Church and State.
FELLOW AMERICANS, WE NEED TO PRAY HARD AND OFTEN FOR OUR COUNTRY. THERE IS A SOCIAL REVOLUTION HAPPENING IN THIS COUNTRY AND PERHAPS IT IS TIME THAT WE CONSERVATIVES GET UP, MARCH IN PROTEST, CHANT SLOGANS, AND PLANT THE AMERICAN FLAG IN EVERY YARD OF AMERICA AND AT CHRISTMAS MAKE SURE WE HAVE A VISIBLE MANGER
SCENE IN OUR OWN YARDS OR WINDOWS.

The Vast Majority of the Church Is Wrong
Mr. Giles,

The problem here is that the vast majority of the Christian church as a whole are futurists, dispensationalists, who believe that the prophecies found in the New Testament have yet to be fulfilled.

Then there are those, of whom I am included, that know, in that we are trusting the words spoken by our Lord and those spoken by the apostles, that ALL prophecies have been fulfilled.

The futurists far outnumber us. But to put it plainly, they are wrong in their interpretation of Scripture and of Jesus' Words and the words of the apostles. We who believe that all prophecy being fulfilled are right.

Futurists have taken Jesus' words and have twisted the Truth right out of them.

We believe that God has established His Kingdom (see Rev 21). A futurist cannot rightfully say that His kingdom has been established yet because the events of the Apocalypse are still in the future.

The futurists are misleading the vast majority of people in their individual churches, on TV, on the radio and even those who have influence in our government.

We who believe in fulfilled prophecy know, trusting Jesus' own words, that the nation of Israel was cast it's final judgment and that it happened during His disciples generation (see Matthew 24:34).

The futurists are defending a country that God destroyed a long time ago.

It was only through the U.N. that Israel was reinstated as a nation in 1948.

If any futurist reads what I have said, I'm sure that they will automatically disagree with me. But if they want to argue with me then I'll just have to say to them that they are arguing against what Holy Scripture is saying, what Our Lord has said and what the apostles wrote in the epistles.

Giles in contention!
Giles has always vied with Grabar for the title of lamest Christian on TH. This uninspiring article may put him in the lead.

mr.doug
I got news for MR. doug "YOU WILL SEE" Your additude "WILL DISTORY YOU" if you don't change before it's"TOO LATE".There's nothing LAME about a Christian, their prayers have kept you from harm.Demons are real , Maybe you need someone to pray for your soul before it's TOO LATE ,because your only from dust with such a big mouth.

Um...
Perhaps the "Christian media" is in concert with God's plan of progress. As we understand more about the workings of the human brain--surely one of God's finest creations--we have a better understanding of His intent.
The New Testament replaces the Old; new understanding of human behavior replaces the old.
Perhaps it is time for as objective a point of view on this topic as is possible.
And less of a hectoring stance.

jnik

your bias against those who dare disagree with you are obvious, especially when you lump Fred Phelps and evangelicals together. "rev" Phelps is Freddy OneNote and anti USA, anti military, anti anyone outside his family. He bares a resemblance to the worst of the Pharisees more than anyone else.

Right On Giles! You Go Bro!
We are going to hell in a hand-basket while pastors are giving squishy four-part messages that would make Oprah giddy. Most men in churches willingly have been relegated to the "fall fix-up" campaign or eating pancakes on Saturdays while the women are hanging quilts on the walls, placing ferns around the pulpit and holding classes on basket-weaving.

Good and evil? One way to Heaven? Can't go there...someone might be offended, they won't "feel good" about their "church experience" and they might not come back (and leave their money.)


by the way, to “turn the other cheek” is about not seeking revenge, not avoiding confrontation. Jesus always spoke up. He didn’t beat around the bush, He didn’t tip-toe. He didn’t leave it to someone else or form a committee. He knew when it was going to “get ugly,” and still, He didn’t run from a fight. He stood up and He spoke out.

Until Christians, men especially, remember that we "have a pair" and choose to use them for something other than yardwork and recreation, we're sunk. We might as well turn on TBN and mail in our checks for some miracle manna, because that's the image of a "Christian" we've become.

Is it any wonder that the mainstream media pokes fun? We seldom give any reasons not to.

Not all is as it seems
I am waging my own war, doing what I can in this effort. And yes I am very much a Christian.

And there are many Christians keeping this election in prayer, that is a nebulous effort never seen, so I have a hard time seeing how Doug can make those claims. Pastors need to stay focused on Kingdom issues and keep themselves removed from the things of the world, as to avoid being tainted as the Jackson's, Sharpton's and Wright's of the world do.

Most congregations realize this, and Doug may feel all alone in this fight for the heart and soul of our country.

I fear for Israel. As they continue to be the focus of hate, from Europe, the U.N. and neighboring nations, an Obama administration would leave them high and dry. The only reason they have not been attacked is because of the U.S.

An Obama adminstration will force Israel into a covenant with their enemies. Three and a half years into that treaty, Israel will be attacked and laid destitute.

Obama will rise as a world leader. The Presidency is just a stepping stone. Solving poverty around the globe. He will be heralded by many as a world leader. Christian's will come against him, and the world will turn on us and there will be much persecution.

As Jesus stated, in the end time, wickedness will increase to deceive even the elect.

What we may be seeing is prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes. Prayer, is one of the best things we could do.

Giles

Your comments are dead on target. The christian is suppose to stand for, defend and be proud of the teachings of Christ. Presently, the leaders offer nothing but nothing. A Christian is never to take the middle ground where the word of Christ is questioned. These failures refuse to take a stand which makes them as immoral as most of the left.

To the best of my knowledge the beliefs taught within the Bible do not change with time. The beliefs are constant and never changing. The bible (if you will Gods words) do not include accepting secularism.

Chuck @ 12:37
I believe it is you who are confusing Doug Giles. As a regular reader of his columns and two of his books, I have gained some insight to him. Doug is much closer to the Apostle Peter than Paul. Like the “Big Fisherman”, Doug can be impulsive and at times in your face. We know from the Bible Peter carried a sword while traveling with Jesus, a sword he used to cut off the Temple Guards ear Gethsemane. Jesus rebuked him for the ear, but when it came time to build His Church, He chose Peter. Jesus knew if his Church was going to grow, he needed a leader who was not afraid of conflict in advancing the truth. What Doug is advocating is that it is time for a little righteous indignation from God’s Church.

barack hussein obama
is the antichrist

Watered down religion
Read your Bible if you want religion and a relationship with God and Jesus. The churches of today have watered down the message to ensure they don't offend the congregation and get the money. In Revelations Jesus made it clear that few would teach the truth. The Bible never said anything about a denomination, remember most religions have manmade doctrines that they teach by. Scary how they avoid the Bible. Read it yourselves..you don't need the preachers of today. One clear message is that the world is a bad place and we need to stay away.

Christian?
Try a week of EWTN and be amazed.

a question for James
You quote Mat. 24:34.. Have you read all of chapter 24? If so, have I missed the second coming? I am confused. You said it has already happened. When? As I read chapter 24, I see Jesus telling his disciples about a time when he returns. I personally believe that tribulation began the day Christ ascended, but I don't believe he has come a second time. And, how do you explain verse 40 as well? Your insights would be very helpful to me. And, I thought Revelation 21 was a dream -- a revelation. So, where is this new Jerusalem?

Christian Media
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!

Filtered Christianity
This is by far the best article of its kind I've seen in a long time. It isolates one of the primary causes of our present predicament; a lukewarm, watered-down, filtered, feel good Christian media (and the Church in general) that has allowed itself to be compromised by the pursuit of money and controlled by political correct speech. Christians should ban together in political battle with the adhesive of Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16 and not be diverted by complex theological issues that are more appropriately debated in separate fora.



Giles
Still. and always will refuse to denounce torture. It's the easiest sign that he's a fake.

Obama and Baby Torture

Babies Crying in Terror
The 'Born Alive' baby who has known the closest contact with another human any human can experience - the baby has been inside another human for months.

The baby has kicked, stretched and some even suck their thumbs. Every need has been met by its human host - shelter, nourishment and safety.

Suddenly one day the baby is attacked with chemicals and poisons.

The baby enters a world bent on death and destruction towards its life.

The baby has never seen a butterfly, puppy, pretty colors or things all babies enjoy or had any human say I love you.

The baby enters the world in excruciating pain and the best trained Medical experts in the world refuse the baby any aid - in a hospital - where all facilities are available and the Doctors have sworn to protect all human life - except his.

The baby is thrown on a cold table and left to die in some hidden place.

The baby struggles to breathe because a human is born with the human will to survive. The baby cries in terror and sobs for help - that never comes - no one cares.

The innocent baby tries to live with every breath and dies alone, abandoned like a used kleenex, never having experienced anything but pain, rejection and hatred.

When the baby finally dies a death of torture and the ultimate rejection any human can receive, it is such a worthless human it doesn't even have a 'Death Certificate' issued that it ever existed.

For a few minutes, hours or days, that baby WAS an American Citizen, that should have received all of the 'Rights and Protections' under law, that any other American Citizen should have.

Michelle and Barack Obama and most Democrats, have done everything humanly possible, to make sure this baby does NOT even receive any pain medication.




Boar Teats
Pathetic. Pro war, pro torture and Christian??
I think not. To think that any church in America preaches the Word is simply bizarre.

Matthew 5:44 anyone? Love your enemy? Turn the other cheek? A "Christian nation" with the largest military budget in the history of mankind?

Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran??


You people are so confused it is pathetic.

Jesus weeps.

Believe in the promise of Heaven as you claim
and get up on the cross as a witness to Christ
and quit killing people in His name.

Pathetic.

Neil
Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Morris and Davey Cerullo and their conathons, Creflo Dollar name speaks volumes, Billy Graham who I hold personally responsible for my wasting 26 years of my life I don't care how frail he is, and the list goes on of half-baked teachers of self gratification.

Other than that, all I have to say about this article is NO COMMENT!!!

An irreverant article showing what happens when you lose all respect for humanity and for God Himself. Mr. Giles is depictive rather than informative.

Novalis
I'm afraid it is you who are confused. God doesn't have a problem with war. He uses it often. I guess you would prefer to ignore the dozens of times in the Bible where God sends armies to destroy armies. I can tell you don't actually read or respect your Bible when you distort phrases like "love your enemy" and "turn the other cheek", trying to make them mean something they never meant ( neither of those verses have anything to do with nations). God created men as fighters, knowing it would be necessary in this world, so he has no problem with a strong military as you do. Wake up. Grow up. Pacifism has never had a place in Christianity and it doesn't now.

Lepanto
Don't misunderstand me. I am not advocating anything less than boldness and moral courage in the face of an encroaching secular libertinism in both the society at large and in the church herself. That is not my point.

I too have been observing Mr. Giles and his recommendations for some time now and have come to the realization that his message is a call for a dependence on form over content. He thinks that shouting loudly is the same thing as saying something significant.

Now here he excoriates Christian media, which no one listens to except Christians, for being culpable for the cultural rot we see all around us.

Hogwash. That's not it's purpose. He wants them to be more like O'Reilly? Hannity? Nugent? and Dobson?

You ever listen to those guys?

You see any change in the culture coming out of that venue? Any change in peoples' hearts?

Lepanto, "The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by it's great might, it cannot save." Ps.33:17

Pastor Giles is still in the flesh. I would not take my counsel from him or anyone like him.

Can't talk about politics and religion
Doug Giles consistently provides provocative commentary. The comments section provides nearly as much entertainment. Most critics only know about Christian media from what they hear about it on the secular media. I mean, when did you read a book by Ted Dekker, or listen to Michael W. Smith, or, watch Joel Osteen? There are reasoned responses to Giles criticism, but, through 57 comments, I have yet to see one. As for me, I'm too frustrated by the impotence of Christians (including myself) and leaders to argue. I am glad that Doug Giles is participating in the civic discourse.

Lepanto, additionally,
what do you think Jesus meant when He said quite indignanglty to Peter, "No more of this!" Luke 22:15?

You think it was meely a throw away line contingent only upon those present circumstances or do you think He meant something much more far-reaching and overarching in its intentions and applications?

Was it merely meant for Peter and his futile attempts at altering the course of history or does it have deeper applications for you and me as well?

Mr. Giles
I agree that much of the Christian media is afraid of losing their tax exempt status. There are radio and television Catholics, and Catholic priests and Bishops, however, who do stand up for the Word of God (also some who do not.)The lay people, priests and religious who broadcast on EWTN and Catholic radio are unfailing in their preaching about the truths of Christianity. Remember those priests and Bishops who recently and publically challenged Speaker Pelosi and Senator Biden, and all Christians, especially Catholics concerning the teaching of Jesus on the dignity of human life? While you are correct in challenging those Christians who, for whatever reason, do not defend the faith as vigorously as they should, you should also give great credit to those whose defense of the faith has been unflagging for years, both in television and on radio.

Part of the problem
and maybe even the genesis of it, is that Christians have separated themselves into their own "media". "Apart from the world" is a spiritual, philosophical, theological issue, not a physical one.

Looky looky we have our own music and music awards show just like they do! Looky looky we don't have to compete in that marketplace of ideas cause we have our own! Looky looky we have our own stars and celebrities!

Look we have made ourselves to look just like them. Physically separate, but spiritually the same.

And as the church looking feminine, its what happens when the men abdicate their position of servanthood.

One thought
Maybe Christians know deep down that their beliefs sound really crazy to people who don't share them. They don't want to be embarrassed. It's one thing for secular commentators to defend Christians' rights to believe whatever--it's another thing to say "and I believe that Jesus will return to Earth and we'll have this big war with a foregone conclusion but it will cause millions of deaths anyway because this is how we prove how mighty God is."

I'll name names
Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyers, Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes, Bill Hybels, All the Goons at TBN and CBN...tHEY DON'T STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT...They barely speak of Jesus other than how Jesus can help you lose weight, make more money, have good friends, be popular,blah, blah. I am all for churches losing tax exempt status if they would open their mouths and take off those silk panties and preach the gospel. It would be worth it. But the almighty dollar is stuffed in their mouths and they can't speak up>

Beans
It's the New Testament.

What did Christ mean when he said Love your enemy?

What does it mean to Resist not evil?

To turn the other cheek?

What people did Christ send an army to destroy?

Please explain. The NEW Testament.

General responses to comments
Neil: He named names and where he didn’t you can fill in the blanks. Who’s got a megachurch? Osteen, Jakes, even Warren at Saddleback. What evidence do you need of the church’s decline in relevance other than the shape that our national culture is in? Have you watched TV in this decade – even the commercials are sexually over the top.

Tread gently James in AR. Our soldiers charged were cleared of killing innocents in Iraq. We went in on a LIBERATION mission to Iraq, AFTER 12 Security Council measures and nothing else had worked against Hussein and his sons.
Wow, Chuck in NE. The God I know is multi-faceted. At times He is a warrior. Every day we wake up in a battle and to an enemy who wants us destroyed. If we don’t tap into that warrior part of God in us, how do we fight sin, temptation and evil?

Sharon, what impact in such few words. Kudos.

Chuck
There is a lot wrong with Luke 22:15. There are no details, this was written by someone who only understood the surface of Shabbat/Pesach.

No mention of women and candle lighting, it is all superficial, like a story.

He sent Peter and John to prepare the passover when they hadn't even inspected the place for chometz. They mention the furniture, as any worldly person would. No mention, of chometz just go to a motel and have Pesach. It does not work this way. The is an Am Haaretz, an illiterate person writing this.

"And when the hour has come," No mention of 18 minutes before sunset, none. Big Clue Here of who was writing this.

And he took the cup and gave thanks and said....
Another clue, Kiddush is amazing. It is a prayer that describes the Wonder of God HImself remembering Genesis 2. And the "thanks" that you book says is proof of someone who had never participated, which is a clue about the religion. "Blessed are You, Lord God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine." Borei P'riy ha-gafen. It is not a "thanks a lot buddy."

By Luke 22:18 The Nazarene is taking a Nazarite vow.

Luke 22:19 No mention at all of Matza, this is strange and gives you a clue how ignorant this leader was, and also a reason why the Rabbis at the time saw him for what he really was...an act.

Drinking blood is Moloch worship. Just the most disgusting act of the day. Like the spittle and the clay, it is a sign for those who study other than tracts from agenda laden people.

If you mention the No Testament, I will challenge you because I know it by heart. It is easily debunked and you are better served not to quote twisted scripture if you know I'm here.

Responses part 2
Yttrium, I think you miss the point. I don’t think the article was solely about radio shows and current events, but with cultural relevance. It’s not that we don’t want the word of God, most of us are hungry for more of that in our lives. But Jesus didn’t JUST sit around and preach. He got out into the crowds and DID something. He healed. He fed. He loved. He changed people.

Dorothy, breathe and know that God IS. He loves Doug as much as you and I. And He’s charged him with a task just like you and me. It just looks different, that’s all.

Gene in CA, how’s that “objective” stance in media worked out for conservative Christians up to now? Not so good, in my opinion. Too many Christians are so busy watching the sky for Jesus to return and save them from the realities of this world, that they forget we’re supposed to “run the earth” until He comes back.

Taft – Huh? Denounce torture … what does that go with? How many Christian martyrs get tortured in China and Indonesia and the Middle East?

Novalis, there were times when even Jesus did NOT turn the other cheek. He died to give us COMPLETE authority in this world. How often do we use that? I refer you to the above response to Dorothy. We were each designed with a specific task to complete in this world. There are warriors, advocates, peacemakers, teachers, preachers, prophets and more. We each get to have a PERSONAL relationship with our Creator and Savior and Comforter so we’ll know how to use who we are to do what we’re created to do. Tread gently into your judgments.

Kudos, Beans.

Back to Chuck, most Christians I know are all fans of the “you don’t have to yell” style of living. Unfortunately, we’re so hyper-stimulated and medicated that sometimes one actually DOES have to yell to wake someone up or get their attention. I don’t know that Giles is saying to be like O’Reilly et al, other than to have the COURAGE of convictions and the guts to put your neck on the line to state them.

limp wristed christians
You did a good article for Focus and James Doson, why did you not mention the global Catholic network, EWTN? It is a network that does not give out candy flavored sermons, but the Truth that Jesus teaches, in no uncertain terms.


Remember
I was born into the....Catholic religion but escaped at 18, was "born again" yeah right by Billy Graham at 22 or 23 for which I hold him responsible for the loss of 26 years of learning. I am now almost 60 and finally know that faith is the ability to realize that you are accountable for every choice you make in life, big or small.

It is true freedom.

Do not blame the Jewish People for me, I bless them for keeping the Truth despite the actions of the blind.

Mary Hogan
Thanks for reminding me of my error in post #62 to Lepanto.

It is not Luke 22:15 but, rather, Luke 22:51.


Mary Hogan
"Do not blame the Jewish People for me, I bless them for keeping the Truth despite the actions of the blind."

Exactly which Jewish people might that be? The ones who wrote the New Testament or the ones who exchanged Mosaic Judaism for Yohanan ben Zacchai's Rabbinic Judaism?

Lame Christian Media ...
You are right on, Doug ... I have been stating often to my friends that our churches and pastors should hang their heads in shame by not standing up to evil ... and all I get is a stupid look and 'duh?' and telling me that I do not know what it is all about ... that I need to face reality. We call wishy, washy attitudes as Love (Christian, no less) ... we call the 'do not take a position so that we do not offend' as Love (Christian, no less) ... we teach our children not to defend, stand up against evil and protect their freedoms as Love (Christian, no less) ... (freedoms that by the way, were given to all of us unselfishly) ... we preach only sermons that will fill the coffers; only sing hymns that will not offend those who do not like Jesus's words; never teach the struggles and sometimes violence that often took place against evil to establish and protect the Christian principles ... this we do in the name of Love (Christian, no less); and avoid the moral lessons to our children because we want them to be accepted and 'cool' with their friends ... shame, shame on all of us. But the most important thing to remember is that it is not YOUR fault, it is MY fault for allowing these attitudes to be in my life's circle. IT TAKES ONLY ONE FOR CHANGE AND LET'S MAKE SURE THAT THE CHANGE IS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ... Support those churches and and every representative of the spiritual community that have the courage to stand against evil and stand up for good. God Bless America and may our flag keep flying in freedom.

Chuck
Let's just bypass what you call Rabbinic Judaism, aka the Talmud which is all about no self-justification at all and deep beautiful learning about our purpose. It is all Maklokis, discussion of the intricacies of Torah and not Hellenistic at all, but...we'll forego that and discuss the basis of your own religion the Torah.

Let's just parlay Hebrew Torah, Okay. Just discuss with me Genesis: Torah vs translation.

Okay?

Let's start witht he skin that God clothed Adam and Chavah in, the word ayin vav resh as opposed to aleph vav resh, with ayin know it means "seeing" in place of the aleph. Then let's discuss the fact that nothing had died, no animal so how did Cayin know how to kill Able?

WE could just start simple like that. Okay?

Vector Rector
So your Christ is a killer and a torturer?

Interesting conception of the Prince of Peace.

Once again, deep confusion.

They torture us so it is ok to torture them?
Why did Christ get up on the cross then and not
destroy the world??

You are way over your head, Chuck.
Now, I know the Tzudikkim, the Sadducees were just regular guys who noticed that the Kohen Gadol was highly respected and so they infiltrated the Sanhedrin so to speak. It wasn't the first time that the Tzaddik were pushed aside by worldly men.

Take Yeraboam ben Nevat and many others.

But, to think that the Kohen Gadol would be on a raid says that you don't know the position of a truly holy man who spends 24/7/365 studying Torah.

Ignorance is not a tool for debate.

Funny thing about magic. Paraoh's lowest magicians could easily do such a thing. There ia a spiritual world going on all around us with an agenda. They have rules and regulations because they are just permitted to test people.

There were plenty of false messiah's at the time that could duplicate anything like this.

There is an interesting story about how Sung Yung Moon has tapped into this spiritual world.


Mary Hogan
What is it? You just want to argue or you have something relevant to argue about?

Where do you want to go with this discussion?

Where would you like to see us arrive at the end of our discussion? What, for you, defines giving bread to the eater?

Or is it merely about winning with you so you can tell yourself that God approves of you?

Now
I'm going to finish baking my bread and I'm going on a hayride up the hill with my neighbors. They have great horses, I might just ride for the first time since I couldn't afford to keep my horse anymore.

I'm going to have fun.

But I will be back.

You cannot perform brain surgery unless you take the time to learn the brain. This is also true about Torah. It is extremely difficult.

No pamplets and tracts and unlearned pastors will ever get you to the path of your purpose.

Period.

Chuck
Do you know what I would really like. I would like all Christians to spend a month just praying to God. The same way David did, and Avraham and Moses.

Just spend a month giving God, Himself all your time. Don't split him in three, don't pray to any queen of heaven co redemptrix.

Just spend a month praying to God.

That is what I would truly love to see.

I don't mean to argue, but we live in such a wishy washy world, it is time for someone to say....JUST PRAY TO THE GOD OF AVRAHAM, THE GOD OF YITZCHAK, THE GOD OF YAAKOV.

Forget all the other guys. And we will turn this country around.

Love,

Mary

Mary Hogan

"And we will turn this country around."

Perhaps you should revisit Jeremiah once again.

5769
I don't revisit these books. I live in them, constantly.

This is the year 5769, which means we have potentially 231 years left until the 6th millenium.

I know many diverse discussions on the topic.

Or, this could be the time, no one really knows, not Rabbi Akiva, not anyone. So would it kill us as a people to give all our songs and praises and love to Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu, the Holy One Blessed is He? Just go directly to the Master of the Universe.

I'm not saying give up J or Mohammad or Joseph Smith, just direct our prayers to the Rabboina shel olam, the Creator, David's beloved, Abraham's beloved, Moses' beloved Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad, One God!!!

Are you all so addicted to the surrogate? Just if we could spend a month loving God Himself we could turn things around.

And, by the way there is deep study about diverting Gog V Magog, and the Shach of Sukkot, the grass roof. Gog meand Gag, which is roof.

If we could all get on board and just pray to God, we could perhaps divert from Gog V Magog.

It is all there, but it is in Hebrew!!!!

chachalaca
I have read through the Bible from cover to cover a few times. Plus each book seperately.

Matthew 24:34 is Jesus' answer as to when that temple in Jerusalem was going to be destroyed signifying Jesus' return in judgment on an apostate Jerusalem and Israel and when it would be the end of the Jewish age- His answer: during His disciples generation.

The tribulation of those first Christians did have it's beginnings after Jesus' ascention, but it came from the Jews, especially from the temple hierarchy and it remained until the end when Jesus returned in judgment on those non-Christian Jews. But then while Nero was in power, after he falsely accused the Christians for starting the fire in Rome, persecution of the Christians by the Romans started. That was around A.D.66. So the Christians not only were being persecuted by the Jews, but they were also being persecuted by the Romans.

Chachalaca
All the while this was happening, the Jews, not the Christian Jews, but the unbelieving non-Christian Jews were revolting against the Roman Empire because the Jews wanted to be a sovereign nation and not be subserviant to the Roman Empire which at that time , governed over them and over Judea (Israel).

It was this revolution against the Roman Empire that started the Jewish Wars. It took the Roman Army under Titus 3 1/2 years to eventually overthrow Jerusalem. When Jerusalem was destroyed, so was that temple that Jesus predicted would be destroyed dyuring His disciples generation.

Histiory tells us that Jerusalem and it's temple was destroyed in A.D.70. History only tells us the physical aspects of what happened on that infamous date. what it fails to tell us is the spiritual aspects ofr what happdened on that date, including the establishment of the New Jerusalem, the end of the old heavens and the old earth and the beginning of the new heavens and the new earth, the end of the Jewish age an d the beginning of thwe Christian age, the defeat of death and the defeat of Satan who was crushed.

Just about all of the epistles tell of the near approach of the "Day of the Lord". The book of Revelation starts out saying that this day is fast approaching and Jesus mentions three times that He uis coming soon in Rev 22.

Let The Judgement Come
Our civilization is finished and Christians are just hanging on by their finger-nails. We're just trying to run out the clock before the rapture, unfortunately the rapture happens at the end of the tribulation. I was raised pre-trib, but then I studied my bible...and guess what?!? We're going through it! But it's a good thing, if you're praying for revival ...you're actually praying for judgement. That's the only way it's coming. The average Christian is a worldy, pop culture addicted, narcissistic, self-centered materialist. (Myself included)
Things will change only when we start dying.

Novalis
Actually, my Christ IS a torturer and murderer. He took on these things so He would fully know our sin and overcome it; and so He could save me/us from it. I don't have all the answers, but I do know that peace comes at a sacrifical price and that can include death.

Of course this problem began in the
seminaries that allowed liberal "Bible scholars" who sought to undermine the authority of scripture, the denominations that allowed lefties into positions of enfluence, and in turn allowed liberals, women and gays into the pulpit, and of course the radicals who made it their life's goal to tear down the religious institutions from the inside.

All we have left are minor denominations that are somewhat holding out, and the vast number of independant churches, that are still preaching the Bible as the Word of God, but stand alone, without a network of churches to back them up.

Then of course, there were all the law suits against churches like Grace Community Church (John MacArthur), and Focus on the Family, that forced Christian leaders to shut up.

Yes there is a lot of fear out there in the Christian community, but unless we are allowed to speak out, our First Amendment rights are being violated.

Of course, the proof of this is the fact that the radical Left Wing churches, such as the Unitarian Church and the First AME Church, and of course, Rev. Wright's Church have NEVER been forced to shut up.

Reed
I am not convinced that the Tribulation is here, but I do agree that persecution is good for the Church body.

Shot at from both sides
Doug is right, but has misunderstood why. Christians who have artistic talents have no real leadership. The educational establishment tells us we have no business being artists if we are not prepared to toe the line on their left-wing, anti-Christian agenda. Parents want to spare their children the economic uncertainty and moral quagmire that typifies the life of an artist.

If you produce work that is challenging and edgy, you are accused of betraying your faith. If you produce work that is safe, you are quite rightly facing the ridicule of the artistic community.

That said, some people are succeeding in the arts without betraying Christ. Ricky Skaggs started his own record label and has been producing award-winning bluegrass and gospel records. Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, a former soap-opera star from Mexico produced the astonishing film "Bella". Miranda Stone, a Canadian indie artist has been making thought-provoking, challenging, and brutally honest records, paintings and poetry for a decade.

The reality is that following Christ is rarely consistent with being popular.

Reed
The average Christian is a Chinese peasant. Our church had a visit from missionary from China who says that they pray for US.

Anirban
Newsflash: The Old Testament God is the same as the New Testament God.

The only thing that changed was the way that sin is atoned for, and the completeness and finality of that atonement.

Anyway, back to the subject.....Good article, Doug. Keith Green would be proud.


Ok Mr. Giles.....
I certainly agree with your point and your passion....and your sarcasm is really cool too.....but on your main point: You are absolutely correct......but as you and I suspect, it's because there is no LEADERSHIP!

To answer your other obvious question at the end of your article, it is the "501(c)(3)"

Perhaps as they taught me the hard way in the military, YOU can be the non-volunteer volunteer to get the Word out more since you have the bully pulpit to do it through your articles!

2008 Voters' Guides
Priests for Life have created Voters' Guides that have been vetted by attorneys, and deemed perfectly legal to distribute.

My earlier mention of Fr. Frank Pavone was to HONOR his many contributions in defense of life issues--from the innocent unborn to the so-called "worthlessness" of the disabled such as Terri Schiavo. He is tireless in his endeavor, yet gentle and kind in his speech; a truly Godly man on a mission.

okay, you're right....BUT
I read this and I agree but with reservations. Do you realize,just how eager the ACLU is to jump on any pastor that stands up and speaks his mind?
The liberal Media is swarming with the special minority,Gay members who would more than welcome a chance to rip a christian pastor a part!
Most churches can not afford the legal cost that would come down on them from law suits,single and groups. Just what do we do to protect pastors who should have the right to comment on the sorry morality in this country? Hmm? How do we protect their freedom of speech?

Mountain Rose
I don't think the tribulation has started. What I meant was that we WILL be going through it. There will be an international crisis, perhaps WMD terrorism or Israeli war. Then we will have an EU President with real power and authority, that's when we can safely say the tribulation has begun.
PS Tony Blair wants the position and Sarkozy nominated him ... Anti-Christ and False Prophet!
Please God, McCain/Palin 08

Dear cleverness of me
I thought it was clear that I was writing about the North American Church, but give the Chinese enough TVs and they'll be just like us. I knew someone who did missions in India and her complaint was that the Christians there were just like the Christians here. We are helpless aginst the tide of modern media. North Korea is an evil regime, but the people do have an endearing innocence that we do not.
PS The Image of the Beast is TV

You are all sadly pathetic
James, when you say that you have read through the Bible several times, I have to ask, so it really isn't important to you at all, is it?

It is not a novel, it is alive.

Annafan, the way sin is atoned for has not changed at all. You were never taught that a sacrificial animal is only for inadvertant sin. You reasoning that J died for your sin is way off Torah and not Truth at all.

There are several ways to atone for sin. Prayer and Tshuvah (repentance) are two ways. If you sin is not inadvertant than you guy, that sacrifice is worthless.

Because you never bothered to learn Torah, you think that poof, because this man died on a cross you are exonerated. This is absolutely not Torah. If you do lashon hara, gossip, than a dead animal will do you no good, only repentance and prayer will exonerate you.

So, you are very irresponsible with your life, why? Because you would rather take the easy road where a guy dies and then you are free to do whatever you want justifiably.

Nope. You were given a character replete with many faults. Your job is to work on that character. Actions speak louder than words and so another person, be he a deity in your mind, cannot prove you genuine. Only you can work on your faults, pray when you mess up and attempt again.

Don't you ever ask yourself, "If this guy on the cross did it all for me, then why am I here?"

This world is not the big show, it is the proving ground which connotes struggle and work, not three little words.




Right On
This column is right on. We need to bring back 100% Christian government to this country. We also need to allow all Satanic religions and cults and bring back the Inquisition to force the Satanists to either repent or be burned.

good article
I cannot agree with you more. The churches are giving out spiritual candy, as you say, while the reality is our country is close to burning down from the assault on our culture. That's why Republicans/conservatives/centrists need to be more vocal. Does Jesus really want us to be walked all over by the people who want to harm us? I wonder about this often. GOOD ARTICLE.

Intercessory Prayer
Jeff of OR is absolutely correct! We need to pray and to urge our fellow Christians to pray for this nation and for this election, as well as for Mrs. Palin and Mr. McCain. And D. Giles has an important point about church & media leaders needing to speak truth about evil. Thanks for bringing this up!

Mary Hogan
You are rapidly becoming a religious fascist and fanatic.

Lolo1
I will take religious fanatic as a compliment.

As far as fascist, I am not a government.

There is no voice for God here. You all are so in love with a surrogate that you don't even mention God anymore.

Now, if I make a fool out of myself by loving God, and it makes you uncomfortable, I have to ask you, then what happened to God in your religion?

Don't tell me that He is so puny he has to go to hell and beat the soton, this is blasphemy.

Don't tell me that he had to become a man, ehen man is a puny being who caries around a sack of his own excrement.

You just like your social club, refuse to learn, and follow the likes of people who play act loving Hashem.

There is One God and if I'm the only voice stating that emphatically, then good for me.

I am proud to love the same God as David, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.

If you want to prove me wrong, lets talk Torah!!!

DG email about "its the churches fault
Dear Doug: While I agre that you ahve a poiint I would like to remind you that it is the leadership that is supposed to train us up to be able to go and do the good works that God has prepared in advance.

What good works are you doing, perhaps you are the one that is lagging. You seem to know and understand the gospel, thus your leaders have done their job, have you encorporated that into your life so that in everyway you are lifting Christ up in your sphere of influence?

I'm a lowly mother of five children. They range in age from 3-17. I came out of the gay life style and now I go in to the local highschools and speak from an ex gay perspective. My talk includes my testimony.

I do the best to speak the turth in love. No one trained me for this but I took my relationsip with Jesus and incorporated Him into my life, my life is forever changed, and now I can share that and many other things.

When you chastise the church are you receiving your own chastixement?

Your type of letter does nothing to encourage more to do more, it just lets those who want to be, off the hook. It's someone elses job, right?

In His press,,,new wine is comin...Jen

I Disagree
I think it is the thuggery of Right Wing media which has turned so many people into secularists in this country.

Seriously. Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly are thugs. They are obnoxious. They are undesirables.

What the world needs is a Christian who stands out similar to how the Dali Lami stands out for the Buddhist community. An example admired by the secularist community.

There is none. All the Christians in the public square are obnoxious undesirables.

And hence secularism looks good by comparison.

religeous leaders on politics
I thought that your article was very insightful. And after reading the many comments written in I felt the need to also respond. I notice, thankfully that there were a few Catholics that came forward to express that our leadership does speak out and in many other countries are killed for speaking out against moral and human issues that pioliticians use to get elected. What I didn;'t realize was that except for a few Protostant leaders that try to get themselves elected the same isn't true.
The separation of Church and State came about because of atrocities that our Roman Catholic Church committed, but that has not stopped our leaders from speaking out. Thank God. Christ didn't run for office- He spoke out and gave us examples of how to live.
The Protostant followers that so vehemently attacked this writer for the contents of his article need to talk to theirs leadership that only speaks out come election time when they're trying to get votes for the people they support that are running for office. Rarely do you hear any denouncement from them at any other time.
While its true that Catholic priests don't come out and name names they are constantly making commentaries about the issues. They don't tell you how to vote because they understand that the Lord gaves us free will.

Precious Jen
Jen you are precious. I don't want to do anything to knock anyone off their path.

Jen has gone from self-interest to love and that is beautiful.

I just wish people would spend more time loving God, Himself.

He is amazing.


Doug
I envision many of these churches who don't stand for the truth, and those who are silent, even those who promote this heathen named Obama will begin to crumble. They say nothing about children singing songs to him, nothing about youth calling him Alpha and Omega. Nothing about Farrakhan calling him the messiah. Nothing.

Many of them have found a new God, the color of their skin. You'll see the tables being turned over and the Pharisee's being kicked out. They have a form of godliness," but deny the power. God is love, but his eternal wrath on the wicked, should be shouted from the roof tops, these false churches will cause many to suffer eternal damnation.

The Problems Goes Deeper....
The problem Giles addresses isn't limited to the Christian media or mega-churhes. Sadly, it includes a growing consensus of church leadership that believes it must use the world's methodologies to bring in new converts. Case in point, two weeks ago our daughter walked out of the weekly junior high worship service because she was disgusted with the "gross food games" that were supposedly the entertainment for the evening. The game that night involved placing melted chocolate in a baby diaper and daring the junior high kids to eat it. Fear Factor meets Junior High Worship! How having adolescents simulating eating feces -in clear violation of Ephesians 5:4- is edifying is beyond me. Needless to say, our family has confronted our leadership staff. This issue may seem trivial on the surface, but it is an example of how our churches are so desperate to be relevant, even in their entertainment, that they are completely forgoing Biblical principle as a means to justify their ends. These games have become standard practice in many youth groups with pastoral websites promoting these "gross food games" as a means to intice kids into churches. If we are promoting filth within our churches, how we can expect anything but filth to come out of them?

Compromisin faith
It is time for Christians to wake up and realize God offers more than mercy and grace. Opening the congregation to anyone that does not repent, then claim it is the Christ thing to do. Aids is the wrath of God, it is the kick in the butt someone needs. It is generational curses of the childern of the disobedient. It is the promise of God for the deceiver/wicked,his childern,and his childern-childern to be punished for defiance against the will of God. It takes the sharing of contaminated blood for this disease to spread.As Christian it is our responsibility to pray for those infected not just with aidds but with all diseases and ailments. Pray that the light of Jesus expose the corruption,just as DNA test and audits does in the court of law.

Pastors
I tired of wrting letters and E mails. I am a Christian Consrvative Republican mother of four Suffice and know I am a believer but there is a reason that so many Christians and selculars are not going to rally for A McCain /Palin. They stink ! FIRST of all DUH !!!!!!!!!!!!! She has four children at home.... who in their right mind could really agree that if one is a Christian with Christian beliefs that it can be justified that she leave them to go save the world !?????? Thats NOT to mention she isnt qualified. She does not have what it takes. Not by a longshot.Then there is the stupid proganda and emails I have personally received from so many CHRISTIANS talking about the Muslim sacre tactics and silly Ayers issuethats is prehistoric. Fox news has lost their minds and become so objective and Biased that I as a fan have turned tham off. I cannot belive what they have stooped to. I am sick of seeing Conservatives stoop just to win The talking heads that do this for a living to get reveiws have dominated all the reason out of this.ITs absurd. I am ashamed the way they have conducted themselves adn I hope that No decent pastor that has a lick of sense says anything to favor this behaviour. Its horrible. I have voted Republican for years I am ... This year
unless something really changes I am voting Democrat. I honestly think Obama may do a very good job. He has shown more calm andI am prqying for him to have wisdon beyond his years to solve these crises. The present administration... most of them have really messed things up they gave up their right to rule when they became so greedy and chose to walk in darkness .I cannot and do not feel Pastors across the country should now bail them out. They now will reap what they have sown.Obama deserves a chance to do better if he is elected. It would be hard to do worse.BTW Palin was the owrse thing that could have ever been done

I've decided
to start a blog. That way I can continue to state my opinion definitively without perhaps hurting anyone.

http://www.marystorah.blogspot.com

I haven't started writing yet, just a picture of one of my dogs.

Shirley of GA is A LIAR
She's allowed to have her opinions, but she says that she's a Conservative, Christian, Republican and then goes on to mention every single Godless, Liberal, Democrat talking point.
I see this all the time on all sorts of blogs and postings and it's always Dems pretending to be Independents or Republicans. There were so many spelling mistakes because she so very busy, she has more to do, more fake rants to post. Why do you guys lie so much?

Lame Christian Media?

Yes Mr. Giles, you should know.

Rev. Giles hits another homer
Jesus said take up your cross, leave all behind and follow me. Most professed Christians today, chiefly those in authority aren't. To compromise with the world as they do puts them in jeopardy of eternal damnation in a place of pain and horror.

Jesus also warned Christians about the wide and nerrow road, along with the narrow gate to heaven at the end of that road in which only a few would enter. I understand full well what he was warning about. We have become a nation of believers but not practicers of God's word.

Almost 90% of Americans say they believe in God, but what I see going around me, especially within the Christian community I have to ask what kind of god do they believe in -- possible Allah AKA Satan the god of this world. Like Rev. Giles said . . . good luck on judgment day, and you can take this to the bank as real currency of realm -- that day will be sooner than you think.

The Turban Torpedo

Giles...you are an idiot. :)
Thats pretty much it :)

Shirley --
I truly cannot understand how people who are SO WORRIED about Palin's supposed "lack" of qualifications for the presidency can support putting a GROSSLY unqualified moron like OBAMA directly into the Oval Office! What the H__L has HE done that qualifies him to step directly into the position of leader of the free world??? He's a JOKE!

--and it's downright LAUGHABLE that the same "feminists" who proposed that women are capable of "having it all," -- raising our families while climbing the corporate ladder -- are now screaming about Palin "ignoring" her family for her own ambitions! I look at her as a woman who is willing to sacrifice her time, effort and privacy to try to DO something to right the wrongs she perceives in a world in which her children will be growing up. Many of us COMPLAIN, but few step up to the plate to try to DO something about righting the injustices in the world. As Edmund Burke wrote, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

...oh, and one more thing... it is a gross insult to TRUE Christian Conservatives when you state that you are one of us, because of your willingness to put a man in office who supports the murder of the unborn, who has done everything in his power to prevent a ban on the barbaric procedure of "partial birth abortion," and who voted more than once against BAIPA (Born Alive Infant Protection Act).

Go back to the Huff Post where you belong -- you're not fooling anyone here.

What I believe
and I have no interest in debating the reality of Jesus, my Saviour. This is a decision I have made and I will stand with until I face judgement. Child like? Maybe. But it's how He said I should come. End of discussion.
Now....as to the matter of His church and it's fear of losing it's 501(c)(3) status. He gave us the lesson of the 501(c)(3) in Matthew 22:15-22. It's a trap and if His Church is going to lose it's right to free speech or be taxed...like He said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."(NIV)
There ARE a few churches that are not being intimidated by such loss and they are standing with their God given right to address the issues that could cause them to lose their tax exempt status. Good for them! I wish my church was one of them....I wouldn't hesitate to continue tithing for fear of losing the pittance of a write off to my taxes.
The man that led me to the Lord was fond of saying..."You can't outgive the Lord.", and I've found that to be true for many years.
Fear not, y'all...God's in control. And just in case you haven't read the Book...I don't want to ruin it for you or anything, but....HE wins!

Shirley in GA
You state you are a "Conservative mother of four." Therefore, I am confused by your description of Gov. Palin as the "worse thing that could have ever been done," and you go on a rant that she leaves her children to go save the world. Is that the worse thing?

As a Christian, I believe she is one of the BEST things to have happened to the Conservatives. I am so thankful that Gov. Palin elected to give birth to her baby, Trig, knowing his disability beforehand. She believes all children are God's creation and deserving of life--no matter what!

Sen. Obama does NOT believe that, and has even stated he would not want his daughters "punished with a baby, if they made a mistake."

In my view, the two choices are not even close.


Shirley wrote:
"I honestly think Obama may do a very good job. He has shown more calm andI am prqying for him to have wisdon beyond his years to solve these crises."

You'd better pray REALLLLLLY HARD! This is the same guy who, during his VERY short time in the Senate before starting his presidential campaigning, voted "PRESENT" on over 100 votes! (His Senate voting record is easily verified online -- check it out for yourself if you don't believe me). Does that sound like someone who is going to solve the SERIOUS issues facing this country and the world today? On the issues in which he DID state an opinion, he voted 100% of the time along the Dem party line. He has NEVER had the yorbels or the decisiveness to confront or to disagree with members of his own party -- as McCain has done NUMEROUS times to the Republicans.

Your "messiah" candidate is an unprincipled PUPPET, who was put into his position by the corrupt Chicago political machine. If you want a black man of HONOR, PRINCIPLE and INTELLIGENCE as your president, write in Thomas Sowell's name -- THIS "whitey" would be the FIRST IN LINE at my polling place if he were running for president!

lame Christian media
lame Christian media is purely a function of lame churchocracies which in turn are a function of lame Christianity. It goes way deep and way back - see http://www.justiceforjesus.org for a good start on getting It Right.

Jeff in CA
You may be interested in Christopher Schlect's Critique of Modern Youth Ministry published by Canon Press in 1995.

Tax exemption is a lame excuse
The tax exempt thing is a lame excuse. I know of several churches who voluntarily gave up tax exempt status so they are never tempted to skirt, hedge, soften, avoid, fudge, or ignore the truth.

You want to talk about "lame?"
Okay. Let's say Christians just sit around eating "spiritual candy," for the sake of argument.

Let's say that men who stand up and teach the Bible, and do not mention candidates by name, are a shame to their profession and their country. Let's grant the author that Charles Stanley, Chuck Smith, Bill Ritchie, Haddon Robinson, Raul Reis, Elizabeth Elliot, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and many others have been totally remiss in teaching the Bible. Let's just say, shall we?

Let us examine the record of those who have ALL DAY LONG and enormous salaries to deal with political candidates (by name), as well as specific economic and social issues. How are they doing? Has anyone else noticed that every single solitary one of them has !!SUDDENLY!! become an expert on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as ACORN, just 30 days before an election?!

I attend the church of Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh occasionally, but I am telling you, they did not see this coming because they were so busy with the news cycle, and the AP ticker tape, and the polls, etc.!

Suggesting that Pastors who teach the eternal word of God have failed is really not going to get it. Mr. Giles has not made the case.

How do you change man's heart?
What Mr. Giles is implying is that the pastor who sticks to preaching the Bible and not dabbling in political and cultural sermonizing is somehow irrelevent. I would concede that many pastors come woefully short on making proper and current applications in their preaching, but only God's Word can change a man's heart and mind. No amount of pro-life, pro-family, or pro-freedom-of-speech rhetoric will convince the critic. The Bible, in all of its relevance, and the clear and unashamed proclamation of it, will bring about cultural change. That is what a pastor has been called to do.

lame Christian media
Mr. Giles,
First of all, the USA is not a Christian nation. The founding fathers obviously did not mention religion except to explicitly say that the State will not create an 'official' religion. You must recall (if you studied history) that the founders were much closer in time to the bloody European persecutions of people who didn't adhere to the 'official' religions of various countries (the Spanish Inquisition, 'Bloody' Queen Mary, etc.) so they made sure that no State religion would ever be created.
I read your articles because they are a constant source of amusement to me because of your total lack of writing skills and your flawed view of American life.
We experience the most freedom of religion of any country in the world yet you and your ilk constantly bemoan the fact that the country resists being cowed into accepting Christianity as the 'official' religion of the United States. Are Christians being thrown into prison for their beliefs? No. Yet fanatics like yourself are constantly attempting to force your beliefs on the rest of the country. You should be glad that you live here where your nutty ideas are not persecuted by the gov't. You are free to express your opinions just like anyone else. That, sir, is why our country is so great.
NJ Liberal

Shirley of GA
What in the world do you know about Sarah Palin's qualifications? You are so ignorant you aren't even qualified to have an opinion! To call Obama's Muslim and terrorist connections "silly" is beyond our comprehension. Did you finish school? Did you even attend school? Get real! Maybe you can learn something here. Keep trying, you need it.

jnik
Previously jnik wrote:

AMEN, BROTHER!!
Get out the dunking chairs for those heathens who won't go to church, and let's burn some Wiccans and queers at the stake! Send the filthy Jews back where they came from! Gimme that ole time religion!
It's time America followed the teachings of the Reverend Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church, and we'll have a BIBLE BELIEVING COUNTRY again!
PRAISE THE LAWD!!!
I'm assuming that most of Rev. Giles's fans don't adhere to this philosophy but let's face it, this guy (or woman) is NUTS! Do you repudiate these comments, Mr. Giles?
NJ Liberal

Christian Nation
NJ Liberal...It never ceases to amaze me how some people can go through life and not even be aware of what is going on around them. You Liberals are liberal with other people's money and your idiotic ideas. Period!

We may not live up to Christian ideals as Doug pointed out, but we were founded by Christians so Christians could worship without persecution and harrassment.

We observe Christian holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter,etc.

Our first public schools were founded by Christians so Christian children could learn to read the Bible. Harvard University was founded by Christians so that young men could prepare for the ministry.

Look in the Yellow Pages and see how many Christian churches are listed. Look at our laws and legal system based on Christian/Judeo principles.

Whether you like it or not, we are a Christian nation.

Your post sounds like the typical Liberal, which exemplifies what the Bible says: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

NJ Liberal
The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. (from the Bible, in case you didn't know)You are found short!

Doug G, Mary, and Libs
First,NJ Lib, We Christophiles can and must take a stand against Chritophobes such as yourself. We are in an unholy land-abortion, greed, in-your-face homosexuality, which God calls an abomination, are rampant, and even valued by humanists. We are not a Christian nation, yet the Christian doctrine of personal and corporate morality was expounded by the founding fathers, even Franklin, more so than any other belief system. Revisionist history does not count, sir.
Mary, Great. You say you know the Torah. So what. You don't know Christ. If you did you wouldn't trying to impress us with your Hebrew riddles. Speak English, engage in a discussion honestly, and allow the LOVE of Christ, whom it appears you have rejected, to melt your seemingly hardened heart.
I'm sorry NJ Lib. I'm forcing my belief system on someone. You're not to be left out though. Christ loves you and died for you too. Just ask Him.
As for Doug G., I agree with you to a point. The problem of cancerous evil in this country lies with all of us Christians who follow our flesh rather than our spirit. Truly, if ALL who claimed to love Christ voted as best as they could discern from His Word, we would not have to worry the outcome of an election such as this. I realize the GOP has flaws, but I do not believe they arrogantly stand opposed to Christ as do the Libs. If any do not believe me, read what God hates, what He detests, in Proverbs, and see which party stands against Him.
An unChristian country can only stay so by us allowing it. Share Christ, stand firm, try to be holy for He is Holy. This is what we must do. Christ says the world will reject us, but He will not.

You Hit It Again Out of the Ball Park
Doug, again great writing. Man, is the church going to get it when we get up there. I don't mean a that-a-boy or a pat on the back. But, a good kick-in-the-butt!!!

Like Keith Green sang long ago, "We are asleep in the Light". We are failing in all areas of "working" for the Lord.

Evangelicals used and abused by GOP
O’Reilly, Hannity, Beck are not journalists. They are not defending Christian values if they are busy telling either lies or half lies. That is not Christian. Sorry. Evangelicals have been used by the Republican Party and then kicked to the curb. Republican leaders with the help of their media henchmen, as mentioned, O’Reilly, Hannity, Beck, help throw the country and GOP party under the train. Where were these blow hards when the crap was hitting the fan? Eating and Drinking well!!! Did they shout to the rafters on how we are blowing billions of dollars on a war that was started by a LIE? Did they take Bush to task for not going directly to Afghanistan to find the mastermind of 9/11. Did they shout the to the rafters about how Bush created the largest federal government of all time and being totally incompetent at the same time. Did they take to task Bush when he turned out the Justice department. The Katrina debacle portend to the present situation. God is God. Don't try to use God to persue your political ends. That is blasphemy. Evangelicals don't want to be used again.

amen brother
A smackdown has been long overdue for these christian profiteers.

Al and evangelicals
What do you know about evangelicals being used and abused by the GOP since you are neither? You've got a Democratic Congress that has spent like a drunken sailor and your slick Willy "cooked the books" to hide his big time spending. And you have the audacity to accuse Hannity, OReilly, Beck, etc. of telling lies? Do you know the meaning of "IS"? Have you ever heard of Chappaquiddick? Joe Biden's falsifying his credentials? Barney Frank and his corrupt relationship with Herb Moses? Sandy Berger with his stuffed socks and pants? You're blinded by hate so don't cast a stone at others.
Good night!

To Doug Giles

Doug Giles takes megachurch pastors to task in this article for not speaking up for Biblical truth. Yet several months ago he mocked Rev. John Hagee so badly, I realized Giles didn’t care as much about the Body of Christ, the church, as he did about excoriating others. It’s your style, Giles. Sometimes it would be better if you muted yourself.

Change hearts and minds
The calling of pastors is to change the hearts and minds of people,not change their political party. If the pastor can lead his flock to the lord he will not need to direct them polically. Does this Author really want pastors on the air waves and in the pulpit raving on about government screw-ups, or maybe what propostions we a should vote for. We would have a country full of Jerimah Writes beacuse we have a country with many divisions in religion and beliefs even in Christianity. We need to be united in Christ and that is where the Pastors need to stay focused.

Blame the Christians
Wow!!! first is was the Liberals blamimng the Christians and the courts for thier losses in the last two elections now the Republicans want to blame them. Anyone want to blame Chrstians for the economy? This article is a hastly written article playing the blame game. We havent lost yet and he has obviously thrown in the towel.

What happened?
Vlad the Impaler was a Defender of the Faith...

Woodstock turned Jesus into a hippy...

Christianity in the US fundamentally changed...

Their orthodoxy is lost till they stop being ashamed of, and apologizing for, their Christian forefathers...

Jeff
If it is so painful staying here why don't you people get deported to Vatican

Could It Be...
that some people interpret the Bible as a call to personal salvation rather than a call for teh salvation of the worldy empire?

Just asking

Matlock #133
So your response to anything that is remotely critical of the current administration is to drag out the old Chappaquidick/Kennedy thing? You go Gurl!

The Dems have been spending like drunken sailors. Are they the Dems that had the White House, Congress and the Senate from 2000 to 2006?

Just asking.

It's easy to accuse the Hannity/Rush/Beck crowd of lying because that is predominantly what they do, extol lies to placate their sycophant listeners into buying their products.

Pablo St Cruz
Socialist/liberal keyword in arguing "old".

pablo
"Are they the Dems that had the White House, Congress and the Senate from 2000 to 2006?"

No, they're the Dems that have had control of Congress for the last two years, and have a lower approval rating than the President.

You Mr. Giles are ignoring some of our
true heroes. I do not listen to any of the new preachers since they all seem caught up in a psychologically soothing gospel. But we do have J.Vernon Magee who though he is now with Christ his Bible bus is still on the radio. He is very feisty. And calls hippies and their socialism pantywastes which I love. Even in my church not a word has been mentioned about abortion and voting. All is about giving to the poor. Which is fine if they are really poor. When we didn't have money to purchase new clothes, toys, shoes, coats for our children we went to the thrift store. We weren't buying lottery tickets or alcoholic beverages or cigarettes or jewelry we could not afford.

There is
one program on AM, FM, Satellite, avemariaradio.net. catholic online radio and EWTN. The program originates in Michigan. Host, Al Kresta. Nothing cowardly or effeminate about Al. Give him a listen.

Yes, at last, the Bishops of the US have finally starting to speak out against the culture. Culture of death. Took them long enough. The moral corruptness of today is linked to the culture of death.

AL
It's hard to talk to someone that bases all of his arguments on non-truths. In Iraq we were fighting Al Quaeda. Even if we got ahold of the master mind what do you think would have happened next. Would everyone have gone home? There are quite a few terrorists out there. Do you think we should appease terrorists then perhaps they will make nice?
Come out of your dream world.
We are fighting for survival here and hopefully will not loose the last place on earth where goodness has a chance to thrive.
Katrina (I was there) can be totally blamed on the Democratic Party and their misuse of public funds throughout the years. New Orleans is a hedonistic town. No one cares about fraud and corruption. We all just laughed. And the Dems stayed in power because the city is 85% Democrat. And most importantly it is impossible to be prepared for a storm of that magnitude and if you remember correctly was hard to predict. We did not have time to leave nor was the gasoline available to do so. Don't forget we are merely human beings.To blame George W is the height of foolishness. Although he always makes himself available for all the blame.

Let's talk Fannie and Freddie. Democrats, Black Caucus, Acorns and intimidation shall we.

Al, George W appointed good judges that believe in our Constitution and will uphold it not Progress through it.

Al, People that are our enemies and are not citizens do not have and should never have our civil rights. We cannot protect those that want to destroy us.
A nation is held to different standards than believers. If a government does not do it's appointed duties such as punishing criminals and killing enemies then there will be no nation.
A nation is not told to turn it's cheek.
Al although socialism may sound kind to you. It is not. It comes out of an evil world-view and has evil consequences.
Give to the poor out of your own wallet.



Not surprised
As with every one of our institutions, government, media, entertainment, especially indoctrination, ah, ah, I mean education, etc., religion has been infiltrated and taken over by liberal tolerance, diversity, make nice nonsense. I for one have no tolerance for diversity. Between the financial meltdown (caused mostly by liberals) and the upcoming Communist Obamanation the perfect storm has arrived – kiss Amerika goodby boys and girls.

Christian media
I must tell you that Scott Wilder on "The Word" daily radio show in Texas does give very heated political arguments. He's great!

Blog
I posted my first writing at my blog. It is about the character of a person and what happens after death.

http://marystorah.blogspot.com


You go, Doug!
Doug gets it. He knows that Christianity is really a political religion, that it is, in fact, the religious arm of the political Right. Ideas like tolerance and civility were invented by liberal secularists; the place for real Christians is in the front lines of political combat, and the place of Christianity is in government, and in the driver's seat, where it belongs. Doug understands the fight well enough, but he doesn't think clearly about the final solution. Christian theocracy is self-evidently the best political order for Christians. The principles of Christianity would be backed up by the power of government, and Christian laws would prevail. While Doug has good instincts, he needs to become a serious student of Christian political theology. When he does this, and comes to the correct conclusion that Christianity must rule by all means necessary, then he will have done the work for which his temperament is so clearly suited.

1 - Their Jesus is a hippy…
‘God wants you rich’ is irrationally on the right side of the cold war, because they think personal ownership of wealth is okay, God said to Abraham: ‘I will bless you, you will be a blessing, and in your seed all the nations will be blessed.’ They are right, the blessing is about us getting God’s message to all the nations. They are wrong about this is the way you rub God’s rock, to get rich.…

‘White liberation theology’ like Bill Clinton’s pastor Tony Campolo is irrationally and intentionally on the wrong side of the cold war, because they wrongly think God opposes the rich and powerful. God is on the side of the poor and oppressed victims. It doesn’t come from their Christianity, but rather comes from their Marxist expectations of equality wealth, and cultural Marxist expectations of equality of power…

‘Black liberation theology’ like Barack Obama’s Rev Wright, is irrationally and intentionally on the wrong side of the cold war, because they wrongly think God is against the whites because they are rich and powerful. God is for the blacks because the are poor oppressed victims…

2 - Their Jesus is a hippy…
White and black liberation theologies were intentionally on the wrong side of the cold war because they were anti-establishment counterculture rabble-rousers… We shall overcome… every mountain shall be brought down… every valley will be raised up is national suicide if we attempt it now. It brings down Wall Street, causes lawlessness on the streets and in families, and leaves the country defenseless. It’s for when Jesus returns and conquers all the nations and personally rules all the nations, for a thousand years…

All three tribes have what Bonhoeffer called: ‘Cheap grace, amounts to the justification of sin, without the justification of the repentant sinner, who departs from sin, and from whom sin departs.’ So they never defeat evil in their own lives, or in the culture. So we have the result of our prisons full, epidemic mental health problems and attempted suicide, and over a hundred street gangs in every city and town, because God is love…

They will solve these problems when they rediscover the God of Vlad the Impaler who kicks some a**…


The silence of the LAMBS
Hey, it's not only the christians that have been silent. How about the muslims? They know who the islamo-facists that are in their midst, but yet they also keep quite. They hear their IMAMs speak about going JIHAD against the Jews, Christians, Hindus, included in this, the peaceful muslims, who just want to left alone. What's the saying "for evil to succeed, honest men must keep silent". In my opinion, these people, christians, jews, muslims, hindus, etc, etc, etc, are all culpable. When these people start going after them, they cannot say "we didn't know".

GOD BLESS YOU DOUG!!
You speak the absolute TRUTH!

I have "Christian" friends who are voting for Obama. They have been thoroughly indoctrinated by their foolish, weak-kneed "pastors" who don't have a spine or a set of balls to speak God's Word and boldly refute the leftist propaganda.

Policial correctness is killing this country. It is one thing for stupid people like my friends who have fallen for the devil's lies, but whoa unto the leaders of the Christian/Catholic churches who remain silent and allow this once God-fearing nation to go hell in a handbasket all because they are too afraid to "offend" anyone.

My friends, I fear, are lost to Satan's deceptions, but I pray that enough people DO wake the HELL up and stop the Obama wrecking train.

And for the love of God and country, if you attend a church with a limpless pastor who does not preach the Word, get the Hell out and support a strong pastor who speaks God's truth!

God help America

Jeesh, What an Idiot...
What is it with these douchebags who keep acting like the secularists are going to wreck our country? I've got news for you: IT'S THE FUNDAMENTALIST CHRISTIANS WHO ARE WRECKING OUR COUNTRY. They have been doing it every time they try to bring upon us a fundamentalist society where they use thought control in the form of censorship of the movies, TV and the comic books. What I am wondering is: why don't you get a life and stop imposing your views on us?

Forget Doug Giles, I rather listen to the J. Geils Band. And no, I don't excuse the pun.

Tribalism...
You'll take my J. Geils from me when you unwrap it out of my cold dead fingers...

The country clearly must be divided...

I would agree wRecovered Lib's post if
Doug Giles were talking about apostate churches. He is not. He is talking about Bible teachers, who have half-hour programs on Christian radio. Most of them are sound theologically, and not liberal, or compromised into a social gospel.

And these solid, wonderful teachers do indespensable work. By the way, has the author ever noticed that the Bible addresses the issues we face today? Any faithful pastor who is teaching his congregation the Scriptures IS dealing with everything we face in modern life, on both a personal and a societal level.

I am being very specific about the radio teachers. In reality, Doug Giles and all of us are being protected by the teaching of God's word, the result of which is: saved marriages, putting in a hard days' work, honesty in business, enlisting, volunteering, tithing, giving, donating, repenting, voting, prayer and properly disciplining and loving our own children. How he can possibly put that over on the failure side of the ledger, he has not made at all clear.

Truthful, Bold Speaking is what we need
I think Doug has spoken what alot of Christians believe. Sometimes I could cry in gratitude of the fight that I see and hear from Shawn Hannity. Very few leaders in the Body of Christ in America seem to have the guts that he does. I appreciate your strong rebuke because there are many of us out here that may not have the platform to be heard yet our hearts are awaiting for that voice that does have a platform to stand for real truth, unafraid, that we can stand and fight along side with. Thankyou again Doug, for speaking the bold truth you did. I have never heard of you before until I saw a link from Dr. Michael Brown's ministry... "Line of Fire Radio" in a comment from a listener that wrote in. I will check out your site as well. Keep speaking out, some of us are listening. Annette Gaston, Phoenix,AZ

Lame Christian Media is Culpable for Our
Dear Doug:

I am regular reader of Townhall and have a file of your columns which goes back years.

I have one comment to make on a statement in your most recent article:
“As far as I’m concerned, if Christians don’t speak, sing or write to the serious issues of their day then they’re about as useful to us and to God as teats on a boar hog.”

It is a common misconception that teats on a boar hog are useless. They are not.

When I was a kid my father raised registered hogs. In order to register a boar he had to have at least 8 teats because if he had less, then he might pass fewer teats to his sow offspring. And it was assumed that 8 teats on a sow were necessary for economic purposes - at least 8 for a economically productive brood.

This requirement (8 teats on a boar hog) may not be true today, but the expression you use goes back at least to my youth, so it has been around for awhile.

Consequently, 8 teats on a boar hog are not useless.
You know what happens to a boar piglet that doesn't have 8 teats don’t you?

As a Pastor, I would agree, Ministers should speak out on the issues of the day. And maybe do, both the high-profile and the local church pastors.

Billy Bob from Virginia

"End-Time Politics?"
McCain is no match for the Anti-Christ.If you haven't already seen my posts about this,I'll be brief and let you search more in depth for yourself.Barack Obama and Bill Ayers owe their inspiration for "Community Organizing" to a man named Saul Alinsky,who wrote the "Rules for Radicals" that is a blueprint for the way they've run their campaign,their agenda,etc...The disturbing fact is,the book is dedicated to LUCIFER. Add that to world events lining up exactly how Biblical prophecy said it would, there's no wonder Obama has risen the way he has. I will come back to this post soon with other things I feel led by God to share,at the risk of sounding crazy,or worse!I'm not advocating what you should do or think,but it helps to see all the angles and decide for yourself.Thanks for listening.

Adventures in missing the point
You make one fundamental assumptive error in your article...that Christian media is actually reaching the non-christian audience. Not so my friend. Even if "they" did start directing their words to "them" it wouldn't reach. "They" aren't listening anymore.

it's time to re-think faith-based media.
kc
Sign Up to Post Your CommentsSign Up to Post Your Comments
If you are already registered, click here to login. Otherwise, please take a few seconds to register with Townhall.com. Once you sign up, you’ll be able to post your comments immediately, use the action center, get podcasts, and more!
Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.
Salutation:
First Name:
*
Last Name:
*
Email:
*
Nickname:
*
Note: Nick name will be shown when you post comments.
Address 1:
*
Address 2:
City:
*
State:
*
Zip:
*
Phone:
      
Your daily must-read of conservative columns, cartoons and news. Coulter, Sowell, Krauthammer and more.
(Bi-Weekly) We highlight the best opportunities from our partners for surveys, action items and more.