April 3, 2024

Trump Sells Bibles, MAID in Canada, Richard Dawkins

April 03, 2024


April 3, 2024

“God is more concerned with conforming me to the likeness of His Son than leaving me in my comfort zones.”

Joni Erickson Tada

MAID in Canada

Over the weekend, a Calgary judge ruled in favor of a 27-year-old woman granting her access to medical assistance in dying (MAID) despite her father's attempts to block the request. This young woman, lives with her father and was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, expressed her desire for MAID, and scheduled her death for earlier this year, although it was temporarily halted by an interim injunction granted to her father. The judge's decision ultimately prioritized the young woman’s right to self-determination and dignity and autonomy in choosing between life and death.

Over the last several months, various states, and nations around the world have considered and/or passed "Death with Dignity" bills containing the right for individuals to terminate their lives medically. Monday, The Free Press ran a story about a young woman in Germany with both mental health issues and a diagnosis of autism who plans to end her own life in May under the supervision of a doctor. 

Extending dignity to someone who clearly exhibits signs of mental illness involves compassionate care (Ephesians 4:32), biblical counsel (Proverbs 9:9), and community support (Galatians 6:2), not a “controlled” suicide. We grieve for these two young women and the countless others who have been deceived into thinking death is the only way to deal with their pain (John 8:44c, 10:10a; Jeremiah 17:9). Love does not stand idly by when sheep stumble towards slaughter (Proverbs 24:11); love opens its mouth for the oppressed, marginalized, and disabled (Proverbs 31:8-9). Love speaks the truth, faithfully “wounds” (Proverbs 27:5-6), and surrounds the hurting with prayer (James 5:16b), psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).

When a nation or state begins to legalize the right for the mentally or physically impaired to end their own lives, they are communicating that the lives of such individuals are not worthy of protection. Such legislation, and the legislators and lobbyists that champion them, are champions of death (Proverbs 6:17-18) and are signaling their values (or lack thereof) rather than serving their citizens. 

The chronically ill, disabled, and all those who suffer should be reminded that our King will soon wipe every tear from their eye (Revelation 21:4). Your suffering and the suffering of the ones you love is not lost on Him, even though you “suffer for a little while, the God of all grace… will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). Many Saints have gone before you in your suffering and found the path to be difficult but doable in light of the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God (Romans 5:3-5, Psalm 34:19, John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Be encouraged by one of the most powerful examples of this today. 

By: Kirby Mankin

Trump Sells Bibles

Former President Donald Trump is promoting the sale of the "God Bless the USA Bible" through his Truth Social platform, urging supporters to purchase it for $59.99. This coincides with Trump's financial challenges amid mounting legal bills resulting from criminal indictments and civil charges. Despite Trump's involvement in various commercial ventures, the Bible's website asserts that it is not political and is not owned or controlled by Trump or his affiliates. Trump's promotion of the Bible aligns with his efforts to appeal to his base, including white evangelical Christians, despite past controversies surrounding his religious statements and actions.

Meanwhile, The White House has been spending the last few days defending President Biden's proclamation on Easter in support of transgender people. White House spokespersons emphasized Biden's commitment to unity and the dignity of all Americans. Despite the conservative backlash, Biden's allies and supporters stood by him, dismissing the controversy and highlighting the importance of transgender visibility.

There is a lot to process in the above news, and people who buy and read Bibles from Zondervan, the Lockman Foundation, Tyndale, or on Truth Social should be equipped to adequately speak to all of it (2 Timothy 3:17). 

Whether it is a for-profit publishing house, a non-profit 501c3, or a former president, believers should rejoice that the Word is being printed and promoted. While we can be sure that some publish out of "selfish ambition rather than from pure motives" (Philippians 1:17), at the end of the day, we can rejoice that in "every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed" (Philippians 1:18). God's Word, faithfully reproduced and shared, will always accomplish what God desires and succeed in the matter for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11). If publishers want to attach study notes, copies of the US Constitution, insights for business leaders, historical insights about our nation's founders, helpful encouragement to specific age groups or principles for leaders in order to sell more copies, so be it. Whatever the motive of the seller, we can pray it changes the hearts and manner of those who purchase it. 

There is much greater danger in pastors and "prophets" making a particular candidate a messianic-like figure than there is in worrying about whether a former president should promote the purchase of a Bible to make a profit (Micah 7:5). There is a greater danger still in supporting a president whose administration promotes infanticide, celebrates mental illness and mocks the Lord's created order through proclamations and policies (Romans 1:32). 

Our nation and its leaders need to read and apply the Scriptures much more than it needs to worry about who publishes and promotes them (James 1:22). 

By: Todd Wagner

Richard Dawkins “Chooses” Christianity

Renowned atheist advocate Richard Dawkins, widely known for his book "The God Delusion," has recently described himself as a "cultural Christian." Despite maintaining atheistic beliefs, Dawkins acknowledges the cultural impact of Christianity in Britain, expressing appreciation for its traditions and architecture. While critical of certain aspects of Christian doctrine, he contrasts Christianity favorably with Islam, particularly concerning the treatment of women. Dawkins dismisses Christian tenets but recognizes their cultural significance, stating, "I sort of feel at home in the Christian ethos." He emphasized Britain's cultural identification with Christianity and opposes the substitution of any alternative religion. Dawkins remains steadfast in his atheism and opposition to religious fundamentalism, including pro-life activism and young earth creationism, which he labels as "pernicious nonsense, of course."

Richard Dawkins may correctly see cultural value in Christianity, but cultural appreciation doesn't equate to spiritual truth. The fool denies God's existence, but the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 14:1, Proverbs 9:10). Dawkins' expression of "cultural Christianity" mirrors the age-old struggle of worshiping created things over the Creator (Romans 1:25). While he appreciates some aspects of Christian traditions, it's Jesus, not cultural artifacts, who offers true life (John 10:10).

Desiring the kingdom without the King is mere folly, and secular liberalism's slow realization of its own emptiness underscores humanity's desperate need for the Savior (Colossians 2:8). Cultural appreciation won't secure a spot in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). It is only through the blood of Jesus that we can be saved (Ephesians 1:7).

Pray that Dr. Richard Dawkins and those like him come to know that true fulfillment is found only in surrendering to Christ's lordship.

By: Jamie Wilder

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