Spain, Ukraine, and the Renewed Call for an EU Army

https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/spains-pm-sanchez-calls-for-eu-army-stronger-global-role

Donald Trump hates the centre-left Spanish government of Pedro Sanchez. It has refused to cooperate with Trump's agenda and has pointedly condemned US actions against Iran.

The Super Bowl Half-time Show and All the Wonderful Things Taking Place Under Trump

Lately I've heard repeated references to how things are looking up and how we as Christians are obviously thankful for all the wonderful things that have taken place with Trump in office.

Evangelicals, Grace, and Baptism

https://www.christianpost.com/news/nfl-legend-jim-kelly-gets-baptized-god-changed-my-life.html

Alas, this story was troublesome on many points. A few things can be gleaned from it.

The Christian Post on Super Bowl Athletes and Newsmax

Two headlines at The Christian Post recently caught my eye. As expected the Evangelical outlet wants to praise the Christian football players involved in the Super Bowl.

Evangelicals Once More Celebrating Disobedience and Stupidity

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/high-school-football-coach-scores-big-win-supreme-court-post-game-prayer

Given the magnitude of the Dobbs v. Jackson abortion decision, the Kennedy v. Bremerton ruling regarding the religious liberty of a football coach was in many ways under reported. It's getting some attention but if Roe v. Wade had not been overturned, this ruling would be front and center. Its implications are potentially vast.

Rejecting the Sodomite Rainbow

Evangelicals were thrilled when several Tampa Bay baseball players refused to wear the 'rainbow' patches on their uniform for some kind of Sodomite pride day – something their team wishes to promote. As Sodomy is all the rage we are subjected to rainbow-washing in all sectors of society. Not saying something is to say something and so many companies and institutions that probably don't care all that much about the issue are keen to make a statement even if it's just a token one.

Some Comments on the Ukraine Invasion and the Motivations of Putin and the Western Leaders Who Oppose Him

An old friend (from my shameful Air Force days) shared a link with me:

https://unherd.com/2022/02/putins-spiritual-destiny/

It's a problematic article on many levels and in terms of theology it's highly dubious. But it touches on a lot of things I've been writing about on these sites for the past twelve years.

I wrote to my friend the following (slightly edited) as a response:

As a Dog Returns to His Vomit

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/seminary-president-nfl-head-coach-indianapolis-colts-frank-reich/

The Gospel Coalition doesn't disappoint, it continues to put out a stream of Dominionist filth, glorying in what should be a mark of shame.

In the name of the so-called Cultural Mandate the organisation celebrates the Christian defection of Frank Reich. This man, famous in the NFL for one of the biggest comeback games in history... incidentally it was the last NFL game I ever watched. I had turned it off at halftime and only later discovered what had happened. Not too long after I became a Christian and my interest in the NFL (and many other things) all but evaporated. I had wasted too much of my life on such things which I immediately realised were worthless and a waste of time.

The Empty Nike Controversy

I find this whole discussion to be somewhat silly but it's getting so much attention that I feel compelled to say a quick word.

New Testament Christians don't show reverence to the flag and don't participate in patriotic rites and ceremonies. While I don't 'take a knee' I don't stand for the national anthem and I will not say the pledge of allegiance. That's fairly basic to me but I realise Evangelicals in their confusion and distortion of the Scriptures believe the exact opposite is not only right but mandatory and something that should be performed with great zeal and a spirit of devotion.

North Carolina, the NBA and the Christian Response

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-north-carolina-feature-idUSKCN10B0F7

If Evangelicals want to be consistent, the time has come to turn off and abandon the National Basketball Association. The NBA caved to public pressure and moved the All-Star game from Charlotte because of the North Carolina law against trans-gender inclusivism. If the NBA has embraced sin, then it must be rejected and not supported through television commercial revenue based on ratings and/or ticket and merchandise sales.

A Lost Soul, an Icon... with some integrity

Muhammad Ali was an intriguing figure regardless of whether you like boxing or not. I grew up in the household of a boxing fanatic. Even though my father was about as Right-wing as they come, Ali intrigued him. His conversion to Islam and his anti-war stance were not appreciated but when the guy appeared on the scene he could fight like no one else.

He was by all accounts amazing even if obnoxious and outrageous in his presentation. He came across as unbelievably arrogant and yet he could back up his words.

And yet he gave it all up because he refused to go to Vietnam.

Bloodsport, Profits and Social Ethics

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, a professing Christian made disparaging comments about homosexuals. While correct, I find these public declarations are sometimes less than helpful.