Showing posts with label Trump. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trump. Show all posts

Monday, May 14, 2018

Jerusalem II

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Today is the 70th anniversary of the modern state of Israel's coming into existence, an event of immense significance in our understanding of God's rule in the end-times.

Today, after 70 years, the Trump Administration moved the American embassy to Jerusalem.

There is predictable protest and rioting by Palestinians, with scores of deaths.  There is predictable rejoicing by Israeli nationalists, and by American "Evangelicals" who interpret Jesus' teachings as supporting Israeli nationalism.

The dedication speech of the American ambassador to Israel stressed that today's great event was brought about entirely by President Donald J. Trump.

The Trump administration also brought in two of their strongest "evangelical" supporters to give a "Christian" blessing to the great event.  The preacher who gave the invocation (pastor of the largest Baptist church in Dallas), thanked God for bringing about the great event by giving America Donald J. Trump as president.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also gave Trump personal credit, thanks, and praise, on Israel's behalf.

I wrote about this matter last December (which is why I've entitled this post "Jerusalem II"), when Trump first announced that the embassy would move to Jerusalem:

"...I'm greatly put on guard when a world-leader who's established himself as a "man of lawlessness" (II Thessalonians 2:3) postures, for his own self-glorification, about the status of Jerusalem, the city of the Great King."  (https://cross-purposes.blogspot.com/2017_12_06_archive.html)

That concern is confirmed by the excessive glorification of Trump in today's ceremonies.

And that concern has been heightened in the interim.  Trump has, of course, continuingly shown himself a man of satan's character, lies and murder, as Jesus said in John 8:44 (the latter of which Jesus defines as bad-mouthing and hating others, Matthew 5:21-22).  But I've also been thinking, as recently as last week, about Trump's character as a covenant-breaker.

I'm always surprised that American "evangelicals," especially those who blindly support "God's chosen people," don't understand that the Jews' standing with God is based on His covenant with Abraham.  Or that God takes covenant so seriously He decrees judgement on covenant-breakers: even those who do it to get out of what they perceive as "a really horrible deal for America."

Listening to the effusive praise today at the great event in Jerusalem, it was clear that Israel's ruling faction and their American "evangelical" allies consider Trump "God's Man" for Israel, and the Jews' greatest friend.  Thinking of Trump's character,  I had to think of Daniel 9.

That chapter is usually considered prophecy of end-time events and the restoration of Israel.  It prophesies a man who is a key figure of ungodliness in the end-times,, "one who makes desolate," who will enter into "a firm covenant" with the Jews for seven years, but break it after three-and-a-half years (v. 27).

Jesus twice referenced Daniel's "one who makes desolate" (Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14: Luke  21:20's warning of Jerusalem's "desolation" may also allude to Daniel 9:27)  He seems to want us to pay special heed to Daniel's prophecy.  Christians who have usually consider that "the one who makes desolate" is probably the end-time personage we call "antiChrist:" about whom, of course, Christians have come up with thousands of theories.


I have to wonder if the time for theories is past, and we should look at the reality before us.  Not that God's given me new light (or even a new theory) about anti-Christ, in today's events in Jerusalem.  Rather that we should know what scripture has always said: that he will be a man who embodies the spirit of satan, as Jesus embodied the Spirit of God.

So we have always known (or should have known) that he will be especially distinguished by the spirit of lies and murderous hatred, as Jesus says satan is.  That anti-Christ will be a man of overweening pride, satan's own original sin: and a completely self-willed man, in rebellion against any authority over him, as satan is.

I don't have any special light from God about who antiChrist is; or even whether he's currently alive and operative on the world's stage.  But if Daniel 9:27 indeed speaks of antiChrist, one of his signal prophetic acts will be making a covenant of friendship with Israel, and subsequently breaking that covenant.

My thought on this significant day is simply that we should closely watch any world-leader who manifests satan's character, and vaunts himself on his professed friendship for Israel.  That we should closely, spiritually, watch and discern current world-leaders and events  Amen !

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Blasphemy

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              



This ideal of America is the hope of all mankind. That hope drew millions to this harbor. That hope still lights our way. And the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness will not overcome it.


--  George W. Bush, 9/11 anniversary speech at the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, 11 September 2002

 

 I was riding with my then-pastor the morning of 12 September 2002.  We were listening to N.P.R.'s "Morning Edition," which played a clip of Bush's speech on the previous day.  When I heard his above words, I could only gasp, "That's blasphemy !!"

I haven't changed my mind.



Every critic, every detractor, will have to bow down to President Trump.  It’s everyone who’s ever doubted Donald, who ever disagreed, who ever challenged him.  It is the ultimate revenge to become the most powerful man in the universe.

--  Omarosa Manigault, former "Apprentice" contestant whom Donald Trump appointed Director of Communications for the Office of Public Liaison (a position someone characterized as "head cheerleader").

Blasphemy.



In its simplest terms, blasphemy is when anyone equates something else with God.

Both the above speakers blaspheme Christ, by ascribing His attributes to something or someone else.  George W., by proclaiming that the "ideal of America" is the light of the world, which is not overcome by darkness.  Omarosa, by saying Donald Trump is "the most powerful man in the universe," to whom even his enemies will have to "bow down."

Both the above speakers claim to be followers of Jesus.  They surely know the scriptures that say Jesus is the Light of the World, and that every knee will bow to Jesus.

"Christian" blasphemers surely know what they do.  They presumably also know God's judgement on blasphemers.

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Was it "God's Will" Trump Be President ?

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

I recently read the following comment on a Christian blog I follow.  It's a common belief.  A common deceptive belief, I think; so I wrote a reply to it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I know God put Donald Trump in the White House, there is no possible doubt about that since every country leader in the world is God ordained.  What is unclear now is the purpose.”

You reference Romans 13:1-4, that all human (worldly, or "secular") authorities are "ordained" by God.  I'd urge you to look into the Greek word there: understanding it to mean that God "chose" or "caused" all human authorities is not entirely an accurate take-away.

That passage absolutely teaches that we should obey human authorities, in recognition that God’s Authority is the ultimate and ONLY one which exists. It also teaches that rebelliousness against human authorities likewise equates to rebellion against God’s authority; satan’s own sin.  (A sin very prevalent among some "political Christians" during the previous President's tenure.)

(The debate about when and how we must distinguish between God’s commands and those of human authorities…as in Acts 4:18-20…comes in here: but is not my point.)

That scripture does not teach, however, that because a man holds a position which carries God’s Authority, we should deduce that individual occupies that position by God’s will. God’s Authority is vested in the function (or office, or position) of ruling: not in the ruler. Jesus attested (at least some) men seize the kingdom of heaven (denoting God’s rightful Authority, Realm, and Rule) contrary God’s will, “by force” (Matthew 11:12).

God’s will and purpose throughout all history is that He Himself rule, and that He Alone be glorified. He characterizes mankind’s contrary desire for human rulers as “rejecting” Himself (I Samuel 8:7).   No human system of government could be more contrary the rule ("the Kingdom") of God than men's belief in “demokratia:” that the people (“demos”) should rule (“kratia”).

The existence of the American presidency (or any other human position of authority) can’t itself be said to be God’s will. The human system which puts anyone in that office cannot be said to be the working of God’s will: rather the opposite. There’s even less reason to believe the man who currently possesses that office does so by God’s approbation.

There’s good reason to believe the current president gained that office by deceit and corruption (possibly even corrupt dealings with nations who wish America’s destruction); or as Jesus said, “violence” contrary God’s will.

He has further distinguished himself as a man of lies: which makes it hard to believe he’s “God’s Man” or God’s “choice” in any way whatever, when he so overwhelmingly manifests the character of “the father of lies” (John 8:44).  Manifests too an extreme tendency to glorify himSELF, and not God: which is also a prominent fact of satan's character.

God’s purpose and will, His rule and His glory, will be enacted despite, and even in, whatever evil men may do. But you say rightly that we can’t yet see in what way God will manifest His rule in America’s current situation. Keep in mind there are times He manifests His rule by watching over people, even His Own people, for disaster and destruction (Jeremiah 31:28, 44:27ff).

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Wednesday, December 06, 2017

Jerusalem

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

The president declared today that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, against almost universal warnings by people who have a burden for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalms 122:6).

With all the Baptist end-times preoccupation I soaked up as a kid, I've long regarded Israel as key in God's end-time plans (sorry, American nationalists); and Jerusalem as the apple as His eye.
 
In 1967 (certain of God's destiny for Jerusalem, though at best a superficial believer) I eagerly wrote the Israeli embassy in Washington, volunteering for the Israeli Army when the Six Day War began.  (The war was over by the time I got a reply.)

When I became a Christian, it was under the ministry of Derek Prince, a man whose "dangerous privilege" (he said) it was to have lived in Jerusalem during the War of Independence, and who maintained a home in Jerusalem all his life.

Brother Derek was the most profoundly scriptural preacher I have ever heard.  All his life he taught that we owe a debt of gratitude to the people whom God chose as His own, through whom He gave us the Torah and Jesus; and that we must recognize Israel's special place in God's affection.

(I'd hasten to add Brother Derek also preached that God repeatedly said His laws in the Torah, and the just society He enjoined on Israel, were for both the Jews and "the alien [alternatively "stranger"] who sojourns among you:" and that "...the aliens who stay in your midst...shall be to you as the native-born among the sons of Israel..." [Ezekiel 47:22].  His love for Israel was entirely based in scripture, and not in nationalism.  His family comprised Jewish, Palestinian, and Kenyan orphans.)

When I went back to college in the mid-70s, U.M.K.C. had a new program in Judaic Studies.  I was a new Christian, and wanted to know as much as I could about everything in the faith: so I took as many of its courses as I could, and graduated with a minor in Judaic Studies.  My wonderful Hebrew teacher, Tzivia Gaba, was the wife of a man who'd helped smuggle arms to Palestine before the War of Independence, whom I was honored to meet one time.

I consider myself a staunch long-time friend and admirer of the Jewish people and nation.

I am nonetheless conflicted by Trump's rash action today.

And I have to say I'm greatly put on guard when a world-leader who's established himself as a "man of lawlessness" (II Thessalonians 2:3) postures, for his own self-glorification, about the status of Jerusalem, the city of the Great King.

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

I've been hearing a lot about the Republican tax-cuts.  We all have.  It's doubtful anyone who has listened to a radio or a TV in the past month is unaware of the matter.

In one way, it's not at all a "spiritual issue."  Other than general scriptural admonitions (such as Romans 13:8's "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another..."), there are probably no specifically "Christian" issues involved; at least, not in the way that the political manipulators make issues "Christian" issues today.

But of course no human thoughts or deeds are ever truly "non-spiritual."

I know very little about financial matters; especially governmental financial matters.  But it looks to me like all the evidence is that the Republicans' "middle-class tax-cut" will primarily benefit the already-wealthy, and corporations.  That's the finding of the non-partisan Congessional Budget Office, whose job it is to tell Congress (and us) how their legislation will play out in financial reality.

The Republicans' plan seems very similar to Republican Governor Sam Brownback's 2012 tax-plan for Kansas, and predicated on the same "conservative" theory.  That theory is that if businesses pay less in taxes (Brownback eliminated corporate taxes altogether), they will use their increased wealth to create more jobs, and we will all benefit from a stronger economy.

That theory hugely failed in Kansas.  It essentially bankrupted our state.  And every citizen of Kansas suffered because of it, in cuts to our state's education-system, roads, and health-care.

They say that true insanity is doing the same thing again, and expecting different results.  By that rule, Republicans are insane.  I'm not.  If the Republicans impose their failed "tax-cut" theory on America ...if it passes the Republican Congress, and is signed into law by the Republican president who's been demanding it...I expect it will do unimaginable damage on our country, the way it did to Kansas.

I could be wrong.  I'm little knowledgeable about financial matters, especially governmental financial matters.  I can only go by the realistic financial analysis of those whose job it is to do realistic financial analysis, and our experience of Kansas' disastrous tax-cut "experiment" (as Sam Brownback called it.

If the Republicans' "tax-cut" becomes law, as it now looks like it will, and proves as disastrous as it seems it will, we'll probably see a great many people turning against Trump and the Republicans.  No doubt that will include many of their "Evangelical base" who have overwhelmingly supported that faction and its candidates for 40 years.

I'd have to understand such economic "repentance" a profoundly spiritual event.

It seems very few of the "Evangelical base" have turned against their political deceivers because they teach evil.  Because of Reagan's doctrine of rebellion ("Government IS the problem"), for example; or the anti-Christ Mormon spirit Mitt Romney worships; or George W. Bush's blasphemy that "the ideal of America" is the light of the world; or their continual lying (who'd Jesus say is "the father of lies" ?), like the current president.

The "Christians" who comprise those politicians' "Evangelical base" have shown no discernment, and no fear of offending God, in their willlful disobedience to Him when His commands contradict their political "principles."  And acting by their political "principles," they have inflicted great harm on our country.

So if the "Evangelical base" finally turns against their political (and their "Christian") (mis-) leaders because of economic collapse, it would be a good thing...though probably too late.

But what does it say about a people who willfully ignore The King's commands, continually offending the God they say they love...if they finally "repent" when their financial well-being suffers ?

My spiritual take-away would be that it shows the god they truly love, and trust in, and serve, and worship in their heart, is Mammon.

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Two Choices

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

There seem to be two choices being enacted among American Christians in these dark days.

Probably some actually believe their (or their mis-leaders') justification that Donald Trump is a Christian, and "God's choice man."  Maybe I'm too charitable, but I think very few Christians truly, wholeheartedly, believe that.

My perception is that most Christians actually see what Trump is (it's impossible to miss)...but want to believe they are justified in supporting him.  When we want something, even (especially) if we know better, we all have infinite capacity for self-delusion.

But there seems to be a division in the ranks of Trump's supporters who (thus far) can still see the truth.  After a year of his foolish misrule, they are going one of two spiritual ways.

Some have turned decisively against the lies from Trump and about Trump.  And thus far, God is still merciful to forgive any of us who admit doing wrong, and being wrong.  Thank God, some who were not fully deceived, but persuaded themselves to follow lies anyway, have now turned back to God, and repented.

Others are still in danger.  They see even clearer, as the lies come thicker and faster, that there is no truth in Trump and his way.  But they still want to support him...

The rationales I hear from friends in that situation are, "That's just Trump," or "He doesn't really mean that," or "It's just politics."  All of which are ways of saying "I choose to accept lies."

Their danger is incremental acceptance of evil: the "cooking lobster" effect.  We eventualy become comfortable with every "new normal."  We persuade ourselves that it's O.K. that our country is being led in the spirit of lies. or that mass-shootings can be expected to happen every month or so.  After we cross God's inflexible moral line against evil, we easily adjust and accept it when evil becomes only slightly worse next week, then a bit moreso with the passage of a month, and moreso a year on.

Perhaps some in that dangerous position think they'll be safe because they can still see the evil.  Perhaps they persuade themselves that being able to see, they will be able to spot the moral "point of no return," and will not follow after evil past it.

They delude themselves.  Without the Spirit of God's illumination, no one can discern between good and evil.  There is indeed a "point of no return"...but we do not determine it.  The point beyond which no one can any longer see Truth (Who Jesus said He IS), and can no longer choose to turn back from following evil to its destructive end, is when God chooses to withdraw His Spirit from our lives.

He withdraws His Spirit from those who continue in refusing the Spirit's illumination...those who can see what's evil, but continue to WANT to follow it, making excuses to themselves for following evil.
God's "point of no return" may be very near for some today: much nearer than they delude themselves it is.

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Calling Out Franklin Graham

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Donald Trump gave a speech at the United Nations last month.  In part, he said,

"The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.”

I'll admit, I've become so used to his appalling bombast that I don't even hear it anymore; or if I do, I just ignore it as meaningless, as Trump being Trump.

If I thought about his words at all, it was only about his attempted cleverness in denigrating Kim Jung Un as "Rocket Man."

Benjamin L. Corey's blog made me remember that words, even Trump's words, have real meaning.  Made me remember that Jesus said, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36, NIV).

Corey pointed out that Trump's speech (even if it was Jesus' definition of "empty words") was a threat to kill 25 million people.  That his words meant he would kill all the civilians in North Korea.  Kill all children and babies who happen to have been born in North Korea.  Incinerate all its citizens who hate the government of North Korea, as well as the brainwashed millions who love it.  Kill all North Korean truck-drivers, grandparents, Christians, housewives, foreign diplomats, nurses as well as soldiers, because of where they live.

Even for those who accept Augustine's "just war" theory, Corey pointed out, Trump's threats do violence to all Christian understanding of Jesus' teachings, and all that He calls Christians to be.

Franklin Graham evidently didn't get it, says Corey.  Graham seems to have missed what Trump's words mean, or what Jesus' words mean.  Graham's facebook comment on Trump's speech was

"Thank God we have a president who stands for truth and is not afraid to speak truth to the whole world. President Donald J. Trump's address today to the United Nations General Assembly may have been one of the best speeches ever given to that body. It made you proud to be an American. I hope you will join me in praying for this man, that God will guide and direct him. He reminded the world, 'If the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph.' "

Corey's full blog-post is at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/franklin-graham-trumps-kill-speech-one-best-ever/.

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Weighing Trump


                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Those of us horrified by Donald Trump have to be careful that we don't spend so much time and thought on his evil idiocies that he becomes the central figure of our lives and our world-view.  When we do, we become mirror-images of Trump's followers.

But worst of all, that would be to share Trump's hyper-inflated self-image of his own magnificent importance in EVERYTHING.  Sharing Trump's thinking in any regard is disgusting.  Concurring in his self-image would be

So I'll affirm, once and for all, that Donald Trump himself matters in human affairs and world history less than a pinch of owl-dung.  Human affairs and world history are the story of mankind's relationship with God, written by God.  Donald Trump is a transitory bit-player under God's stage-direction.


Contrary his own belief, Donald Trump is not the main character in that story.  Neither is Hilary Clinton or Barack Obama (both of whom I mention only because Trump seems to somehow think they are his rivals for the title of History's Most Important Person Ever: though I doubt Clinton or Obama either one thinks of themself in Trump's terms).

But Trump is not deterred, believing that his personal importance is proved by the fact he holds the highest office in the Greatest Nation in the World.

Trump has to affirm that about America.  It would diminish his personal sense of his own glory if "his" nation was anything less than the Greatest, Strongest, Most Wonderful, Richest, Most Powerful country that ever existed.  But those of us not in Trump's perceptual-thrall don't have to be, and shouldn't be, as delusional.

In the story God writes of human affairs and world history, there's no good reason to consider America anything more than another kingdom of men.  No reason to believe Trumpland is God's ultimate be-all and end-all for humankind.

Trump himself, and the fake-news "America" which he creates for himself, matter less than a pinch of owl-dung. 

But in a regard Trump seems not to recognize, both have significant weight on God's scale of mankind and his history.  On God's scale, Trump and his alternative-reality nation weigh in as a huge spiritual evil: man's self-pride vaunting itself against God.


                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Who Is Mike Pence

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

When Mike Pence was announced as Donald Trump's running-mate last year, we were all hearing that he was chosen because he was a stalwart "evangelical" who would appeal to that Republican "base."

It seemed to work for some supposed "values voters" I knew, who were torn about voting for Trump.  I don't think any of us had really heard much about Pence before: but the "buzz" (doubtless produced by the "Christian" political machine) was good, and I heard people bring up Pence' name as the reason they thought voting for Trump was a "godly" choice.

Seeing how his relationship with Trump played out, I didn't buy it then, and don't buy it now.  Pence has defended Trump, and "interpreted" his lies to make them seem palatable: he's had no discernible influence in changing Trump's character.  Bottom line, Pence has seemed merely another shameless sycophant of the kind Trump likes around himself.

But my biggest problem with Pence was that he used his "Christian" reputation (even if it was mostly political hype) to whitewash Trump's character.  One time my daughter and I were talking about the role Pence had played in some Trump outrage, and found we had come to think of him in exactly the same words: "Christian whore."

My friend Tim in Australia and I were discussing some months ago where Trump might fit in God's end-time workings.  Neither of us considered that Trump could himself be anti-Christ.  Scripture portrays that man as a uniter, likable, a professing "believer," and widely popular: a master-deceiver, able to hide his evil spirit from his followers.  That's obviously not Trump.

But we didn't really go on to consider that any constitutional process replacing Trump (following his death or impeachment) would give us President Pence.

I blogged several months ago that post-Trump politicians (of all factions) will undoubtedly try to bring forward "...a 'leader' perceived as more honest, intelligent, and likeable than Trump," to whom people will gladly give their allegiance.  ("Who's Next ?", 6/16/17).  Again, thinking of him entirely as a creature of Trump, Pence didn't even cross my mind.

But a profile of Pence in the New Yorker this week makes me think I'd better consider Pence actually could be "who's next."   Rather than a creature of Trump, Pence has long-time personal ambitions, telling high-school friends that he was going to be President.  Nobody but Pence can know how sincere was his conversion to evangelical Protestantism; but he's certainly made it part of his political persona.  He has also cultivated a mutual relationship with the Koch brothers, espousing their causes and accepting their contributions.  Over it all, he projects a voter-friendly image of "Midwestern nice."

I highly recommend the New Yorker piece for its insight into Mike Pence' character and intentions.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/10/23/the-danger-of-president-pence


                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Where Is God When Disaster Strikes ?

                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                              

In the last few months the U.S. has suffered repeated and unprecedented catastrophes.

We've had such a series of devastating hurricanes back-to-back the past couple months that they've blurred together in our memory.  We remember the name of Katrina, standing out for the unbelievable damage it did to New Orleans' buildings and social structure in 2005.  But even these few weeks later, who can remember which of this year's hurricans was which ?

Which one made half of Floridians flee the state, with the governor warning people that if they stayed, "you will die" ?

Which one flooded Houston like no American city has ever been flooded before ?

Which one caused devastation and social dislocation that Puerto Rico is still digging out of ?

Even before we could sort all that out, Las Vegas seized the headlines from Puerto Rico with the largest mass-shooting in American history.

Then last week and this week California suffered the most destructive wildfire in its history.

Any single "largest" or "worst" catastrophe used to be taken as a sign of God's displeasure, and make people look for a spiritual explanation.  And perhaps that's not a "primitive" or unsophisticated response to disaster.

After all, the truest answer to "Where is God ?" is always that He reigns.  It makes complete sense then to ask, of circumstances among men, how it serves His purpose for the world.

Jesus warned against the smug cause-effect theology that sees sin as the reason for every misfortune (John 9:1-3).  But He in no way disavowed the theology that God punishes sin, mercifully warning us against continuing to choose evil: and that His warnings sometimes come in the form of heightening disaster.

These are unprecedented times in America; and not just in the catastrophes enumerated above.  Another is that we have an unprecedented human ruler...one who prides himself on doing what no president before him has ever done.  One who daily says incredible things...things literally "incredible," because they're not true.  One who makes catastrophic policy-decisions, breaks his word, insults, bullies, and lies...to "make America great again."

America's "faith-leaders" told us he was "God's man."  Americans chose him...American Christians most strongly of all groups...and, even having seen his true character, many continue to choose him.

Maybe America...especially American Christians...should ask if we have offended God.