“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”

^{St. Augustine}

Table of Contents

1. NPR Network Bias

2. NBA Lifetime Ban

3. Mens Conference Drama

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

6. Share this newsletter

NPR Network Bias

In an essay, former NPR executive Uri Berliner criticized the network's alleged shift towards activism and away from open-mindedness. This sparked a controversy, culminating in Berliner's resignation and a clash with new CEO Katherine Maher. Berliner's accusations, including claims of biased coverage, lack of politcal diversity, and ideological clustering, were met with rebuttals from NPR staff who defended the network's journalistic integrity and editorial processes. Amidst the turmoil, concerns were raised about the impact on NPR's reputation and the precedent set by public criticism from within.

Everyone has a "religion" (Jeremiah 10:2-5), even if that religion is a commitment to not having one (Psalm 53:1). Everyone has a worldview, a lens through which they see, understand, and make sense of their world (Matthew 6:22). Jesus warns us of the dangers of having a dim or darkened “lens,” “if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness" (Matthew 6:23). Katherine Maher, the former CEO of Wikimedia and the new CEO of NPR, has been wildly open about her beliefs, even going so far as stating that the only reason she cannot fully accomplish the advancement of her ideas is that pesky first amendment right which gives others the ability to speak. She could, and admits that they did, suppress certain truths on Wikipedia, and she admits she would like to be able to suppress truth with taxpayer money at NPR.

In her TED talk titled What Wikipedia Teaches Us About Balancing Truth and Beliefs, she said, "Our reverence for the truth might be a distraction that is getting in the way of finding common ground and getting things done." "We acknowledge there are many different truths, so in the spirit of that, I am confident that the truth exists for you… we all have different truths."

If this in some way sounds reasonable to you, you may find the originator of such nonsense reasonable as well (John 8:44). 

Wikipedia's co-founder, Larry Sanger, is even stronger in his condemnation of NPR's hiring and the future of Katherine Maher. Based on his experience and observations with her, he boldly states, "If NPR were committed to truth, it would fire her "right away." Meanwhile, Berliner's essay is not the first time an employee of a media company has publically written about having to leave her employer in defense of objectivity in reporting. Bari Weiss' resignation letter from the New York Times is worth reading, as it will remind you why you must be a discerning reader and listener every time you pick up a paper, read a book, scroll the internet, watch a news broadcast, or listen to a pastor (Acts 17:11).

We encourage you to be discerning when you read the remnant news and our perspectives on the world as well. Please pay special attention to the scriptures we insert throughout our responses so you can see and evaluate the worldview we are seeking to represent. As I previously wrote here, truth isn't something we can play with 'on our own terms' without finding out what justice looks like in eternal terms.

_{By: Todd Wagner}

NBA Lifetime Ban

The NBA just issued its first ban for gambling in 70 years. Jontay Porter, a forward on a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, received a lifetime ban from the NBA for violating league gambling rules, including disclosing confidential information, limiting his game participation for betting purposes, and placing bets on NBA games. The league's investigation revealed Porter disclosed his health status before a game, leading to suspicious betting activity. Although Porter's bets did not involve games he played in, his actions breached the league's strict gambling policy.

According to the Bible, there's a distinct contrast between "worldly wealth and true riches," yet God desires His people to manage both wisely and for His glory (Luke 16:11, 1 Corinthians 10:31). Contentment is rooted in the assurance that God will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). All kinds of evil are rooted in the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9-10). And true life is not found "in abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15), but in knowing the one true God (John 17:3).

While acknowledging Porter's mistakes, it's equally prudent to recognize the NBA's hypocrisy. Just as Jesus warned against the Pharisees' outward righteousness masking inner corruption (Matthew 23:27-28), the NBA's condemnation of gambling's risks while profiting from its promotion reveals a similar insincerity.

 _{By: Jamie Wilder}

Mens Conference Drama

Following a sword-swallowing performance at a Men's Conference, Mark Driscoll took the stage and condemned the conference's choice to platform the performer, who allegedly has a promiscuous past). A few minutes into his message, the conference host, John Lindell, publicly asked Mark to step away from the stage. Drama has ensued as the Christian world watches and comments on the words and actions of the two men, their motives, and the overall spirit of the conference.

The line between entertainment and excess, creativity and cultural relevance is difficult to be dogmatic about, but it is not difficult to dogmatically speak to the responsibility of elders and pastors to never compromise biblical truth or proper spiritual leadership on the altar of attention-getting, crowd-gathering, or personal promotion (Acts 13:10). Compelling visuals like sword swallowers and tanks crushing cars in and of itself isn't a sin… but why you are compelled to use them might be. Men without shirts climbing poles doesn't have to make you think of Asherah poles and strippers; tanks crushing cars doesn't mean you're endorsing war and violence, but if it does - you probably shouldn't be a part of the conference (Romans 14:22). This writer may have great pause concerning their choices and methods, but our greater concern must always be focused more on their message and messengers (Philippians 1:15-18). While God has willingly used both the denomination and the men associated with the conference, there is no assurance that their beliefs and behaviors are endorsed by God (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).

The only thing the enemy may love more than the church getting caught up in showmanship is when believers start making assumptions about one another's motives. We can know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:15-20), but to assign motive or make accusations about other's intentions is dangerous and damaging to the cause of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:5). What is obvious is this: a watching world that already questions the church's ability to demonstrate what it means to be a Godly man or woman, has not been helped by the events of this last week. Anyone who is making an effort to advance the Kingdom is to be celebrated, but they are also to be appropriately evaluated, admonished, helped, and encouraged to do better (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Finally, while it is appropriate to comment on and as necessary speak truth regarding the efforts of others, we should be careful to make sure our comments are rooted in concern for our brothers and those potentially hurt by them more than an opportunity to get clicks with our criticisms (Galatians 6:1-2). If our prayers for others are outpaced by our pride in judging others, we are sure to bring more shame to God's family than sharpening. 

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Other news you should know

🪙 $68M in coins is thrown away every year.

🔍 Occupy Google? Anti-Israel employees arrested after sitting in the CEO’s office.

❌ Iran getting hit with increased sanctions.

💰 Not a movie script, 6 arrested after $22M gold heist.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Another European country has paused puberty blockers for children.

🚹 Not the most sustainable trend.

Remnant Resources

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