Quote of the day:

"The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children."

^{- Dietrich Bonhoeffer}

Share The Remnant with your friends now!

Today’s Headlines

Papacy Leaves Biblical Orthodoxy (Again)

The Vatican released a statement saying that transgender Catholics can be baptized, serve as witnesses to weddings, and be godparents (same-sex couples are still not allowed to serve as godparents together). This is a big change, since many US Catholic bishops reject gender transition. The Vatican said trans people can take part in these things as long as there is no resulting confusion, “pastoral prudence requires that this not be permitted when there is a danger of scandal, undue legitimation or disorientation of the ecclesiastical community in the educational sphere” (Document online in Italian, thanks Google Translate).

Pope Francis continues to make efforts to welcome and accommodate LGBTQ people, without changing teachings against same-sex relationships.

This came shortly before Pope Francis forcibly removed Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, known for his conservative views and criticism of the pontiff's priorities, particularly on LGBTQ+ issues in the Catholic Church. Strickland, 65, refused to resign following a Vatican request and faced an investigation into his governance, including claims of unorthodox statements. The move sparked backlash from conservative and traditionalist circles, with some viewing it as a threat to Church fidelity.

________

The Remnant's Response

Convictions can be expensive. (Hebrews 12:4, 11:37-38) And if something is so expensive that it changes what you say or do, then you are not a person who understands what a conviction is. While there is nothing in the Scripture that suggests Bishop Strickland should be supportive of the office of the Pope, but there is plenty to suggest that he should speak loudly when it comes to confronting error that the Pope speaks.. (Jeremiah 1:17) Pastors and popes who are unwilling to maintain theological convictions are not faithful pastors or popes. We are all sinners in need of grace and redemption (Romans 3:23) and in need of care and correction. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) When the church uniquely emphasizes the sins of LGBTQ+ individuals to the exclusion of heterosexual immorality or other more common struggles, it is in need of correction. But it also needs correction when it overcorrects by failing to call LGBTQ+ individuals to repent in light of their sin. (1 Corinthians 6:9) It is not a good sign for the Roman church that a man like Bishop Strickland would be removed from his position of leadership for raising concerns about his leaders weakening on issues central to an orthodox understanding of God’s word. Our world needs more men willing to speak up like Bishop Strickland and say that they “reject their leadership’s program of undermining the Deposit of Faith” when they wander away from God’s word. Speaking up for Truth is always costly, but not as costly as maintaining silence when Jesus expects us to speak. (Matthew 10:32-33)

Israel Update: Hostage Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at a potential deal for releasing hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, involving the exchange of 80 women and children for Palestinian prisoners. However, the details of the deal remain unconfirmed.

Complicating negotiations is the Israeli military's current engagement near Shifa Hospital in Gaza, a strategic Hamas command center. Despite Israel's offer to assist the hospital, facing challenges due to a lack of electricity and supplies, the situation remains critical. The IDF denies claims of a siege at Shifa Hospital and pledges to help move babies to safety. Meanwhile, five soldiers, including a Hamas commander, have been killed in the conflict. The IDF spokesman asserts that Hamas is losing control, citing the evacuation of around 200,000 people from the Strip's north.

Additionally, the IDF rejects allegations of hitting Shifa Hospital, emphasizing its focus on combating terrorists in close proximity to the hospital. The military is intensifying operations in Gaza City's al-Shati neighborhood as part of its strategic efforts. In the midst of these developments, Netanyahu suggests that increased military pressure on Hamas may contribute to securing the release of hostages, a viewpoint at odds with the American preference for humanitarian pauses.

________

The Remnant's Response

It is unloving and unwise to encourage peace when it is time for war. (Ecclesiastes 3:8) Negotiating with fools is foolish. (Proverbs 29:9) Men of bloodshed don't care about innocent life, (Proverbs 29:10) and therefore, cannot be assumed to care about negotiating in good faith. Evil will not be appeased; it must be dealt with severely. (Proverbs 25:26) Vengeance is the Lord's (Romans 12:19), but in times of evil, He lends His sword to nations so they can remove wickedness and its horrors from the earth. (Ezekiel 30:22-25) It is good not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good, (Romans 12:21) and while it is good to give a cup of water to a thirsty enemy (Romans 12:20), only the naive believe it will transform their wicked ways. The wicked only understand affliction (Psalm 34:21), and the God-fearing strong must give it to them. The wise do not love war, but they are not afraid of it. As President Garfield famously said, “Of course I deprecate war, but if it is brought to my door, the bringer will find me at home.” We should always delight in peace, however it is accomplished, but it is more often brought about through breaking than brokering. (Proverbs 17:10)

SPONSOR

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE REMNANT

This newsletter serves many powerful purposes. One is getting to highlight, promote, and garner business for companies we believe are seeking to be a part of the remnant. If you are a business owner who thinks your business or product would resonate with our readers fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out to you.

As we seek to elevate the truth and embolden the faithful, we hope to empower companies, individuals, products, and services seeking to do the same.

DISCLAIMER: Not all sponsors will be fully aligned with us, but we are committed to making sure companies aren’t directly at odds with our mission or values.

Miss Universe Files Bankruptcy

JKN Global Group, the Thai owner of the Miss Universe pageant, has filed for bankruptcy just a year after purchasing the competition for $20 million. Facing a "liquidity problem," the firm, led by transgender CEO Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, aims to address its financial challenges through restructuring. The company, which funded the acquisition through bonds, missed a $12 million repayment deadline on September 1. JKN's share price has plummeted by over 80% in the past year.

The Thai Bankruptcy Court has scheduled a hearing for the business rehabilitation petition on January 29. Under JKN's ownership, Miss Universe has embraced "inclusivity, allowing mothers, married women, and at least two trans women" to participate. Formerly part of Donald Trump's business empire, the Miss Universe Organization was co-owned by Trump from 1996 to 2015 before being sold due to controversy surrounding his comments.

________

The Remnant's Response

JKN Global is facing financial bankruptcy, largely due to its leadership being bankrupt epistemologically (Proverbs 9:12). Leadership is crucial, as it significantly influences how organizations, companies, and families make decisions; these decisions impact everything (Proverbs 13:20). Indeed, there were concerns about Miss Universe even before it came under Jakrajutatip's leadership. Since he took charge, he has allowed and encouraged men who identify as women to participate in his pageants, which apparently has not been beneficial for the business. The clear-minded can be thankful for this (Isaiah 5:20; Deuteronomy 22:5). Mr. Jakrajutatip should be more concerned with his spiritual indebtedness to God's wrath than his business missteps or any human agency or bankruptcy court (Colossians 3:5-6). While we can appreciate that his folly does not lead to prosperity, we should never take joy in the suffering or impending judgment of fools (Proverbs 24:17-18, Ezekiel 18:23). We can hope that business failures and worldly sufferings lead people to recognize their greater trouble in turning away from the Lord. Meanwhile, the faithful must be ready to offer the comfort and hope found in Christ with love (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

 Other news you should know

🔥 The best severance package ever

🇸🇩 EU condemns violence in Darfur, warns of "another genocide"

🍎 Apple to pay $25M for discriminating against U.S. workers

🗳️ Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has dropped out of the 2024 GOP primary

😢 Four members of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department have died by suicide in the last week.

Share your thoughts at [email protected] 

You can read all past editions at mail.theremnantnews.org