In 1996, Congress passed the “Defense of Marriage Act.” This law defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The law also says that no state, territory, or possession of the United States is required to treat as a marriage a same-sex relationship considered a marriage in another state. The “Defense of Marriage Act” is an act of Congress, and it is the law of the land.
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Update on Said Musa
Bob Smietana of The Nashville Tennessean reports that things are looking up for Said Musa, a Christian imprisoned in Kabul, Afghanistan who is under threat of execution for his conversion to Christianity (read my earlier post). Smietana says that Said’s wife and children have already fled the country, that Said has been moved to a safer prison, and that the Afghan authorities are feeling the pressure from American officials to release Said himself. Smietana’s report appears in this morning’s edition, and here’s the latest on Said’s situation:
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Pray for Said Musa
If you haven’t done so already, please pray for Said Musa who awaits execution in a prison in Kabul, Afghanistan. His crime? Converting to Christianity from Islam. Said Musa is married and the father of six young children. He has been a Christian for eight years. Compass Direct News reports: “In the two-page letter, a copy of which Compass received in late October, Musa addressed Obama as ‘brother’ and pleaded with the international community: ‘For [the] sake [of the] Lord Jesus Christ please pray for me and rescue me from this jail otherwise they will kill me because I know they [have] very very very cruel and hard hearts.’
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Catherine Clark Kroeger (1925-2011)
I just read the sad news that Dr. Catherine Clark Kroeger passed away on Monday. Dr. Kroeger was a noted egalitarian scholar and author who founded the organization Christians for Biblical Equality. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard Clark Kroeger, and she is survived by her five children and ten grandchildren. Memorials have already appeared at several places online: The Boston Globe, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Mimi Haddad (for CBE). RIP.
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Revolution in Egypt
NBC News (Feb 11): Crowds in Tahrir Square erupted in jubilant cheers on Friday after Vice President Suleiman, appearing briefly on Egypt state TV, announced that President Mubarak has stepped down from presidency.
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Major Dick Winters (1918-2011)
Major Dick Winters, whose WWII heroism was made famous in the book Band of Brothers, died last week at the age of 92. Winters was a true American hero. He was a part of the 101st airborne division that was dropped behind enemy lines just before the D-Day invasion. He and the men he commanded from Easy Company fought all the way from Normandy to Hitler’s Alpine retreat at Berchtesgaden, Germany. His bravery and leadership is the stuff of legend, and that is why there is a book and a movie telling the tale. If you have never read Band of Brothers, read it. And take moment to give thanks…
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Weep with Those Who Weep
The horror of Saturday’s shooting has only increased with the release of the names and faces of the victims. Every person who lost their life that day leaves behind family and friends who are facing a dark season of grief and loss. Since this all began, I have been particularly cut by the report of the 9-year old girl who was shot in the back and killed. Her father appeared on “The Today Show” this morning (see above), and it was gut-wrenching. I can only imagine the feelings of bottomless grief and anger that he must be experiencing. We need to pray for this man and the family he represents.…
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Homeless Man with a Golden Voice
This homeless guy has a voice like butter, and he’s getting a second chance because of this viral YouTube video (see above). He has already received offers from the NFL and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just today he appeared on “The Today Show” (see below), and it’s a fascinating interview. I share the concerns of Meredith and Matt, but I wish him all the best.
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TIME’s Person of the Year
Time magazine has announced its person of the year to be Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. What do you think about the selection?
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Enter Rob Plummer
My friend and colleague Rob Plummer has just entered the blogosphere. Besides being a professor of New Testament at Southern Seminary, Rob is an elder at Sojourn Community Church and the author of the blockbuster book 40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible. One of his first posts is an excerpt from his recent ETS paper, and it’s titled “Taco Bell and Biblical Interpretation.” See, you’re already hooked!