Unbounded Hubris and the Pastoral Office

https://byfaithonline.com/sjc-issues-decision-in-te-burk-parsons-appeal/   

Reading about Burk Parsons and his disciplinary issues with the PCA, I'm reminded again as to why I rejoice in the fact that I escaped Presbyterianism. To be fair, it's not just Presbyterianism but largely a question of denominations and their politics. The Presbyterian system is particularly odious to me as its bureaucratic labyrinthine way of doing things is galling, made doubly so in that they absurdly insist that it's all Biblical. In reality it's as degenerate as the worst forms of episcopacy - the very point John Milton tried to make.

A Potential Right-wing and Eurosceptic Political Bloc in Romania

https://www.politico.eu/article/romania-siegfried-muresan-political-deadlock-risks-handing-power-far-right/    

Romania and Spain were the last of the European nations to avoid a return to Right-wing politics. Spain spent decades under Franco and only returned to democracy in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Romania had been under fascist rule during World War II and then fell under communism for the duration of the Cold War. Since then it has emerged and while always battling corruption and other issues, the Right was kept at bay.

The Biblical Sacred-Secular Distinction - Its Necessity and the Danger Posed by its Loss

https://www.ilfordipc.co.uk/the-bible-teaches-the-sacred-secular-distinction/   

This was a refreshing read to say the least. It exhibits the very rare case in which someone seems to be able to grasp that while every aspect of our lives is shaped by our faith, there is nevertheless still a critical distinction between the sacred and secular and that it's something explicitly taught in Scripture.

The Sanctified Gods of Christendom

https://breakpoint.org/a-theology-of-idolatry-for-the-twenty-first-century-part-1/    

The Family Life Network (FLN) has replayed this BreakPoint commentary more than once and after hearing it again, I felt compelled to comment. It is a very rare occasion indeed that I find myself agreeing with these commentaries. In fact it's remarkable to me how one organisation can so consistently be wrong, how even when some truth is arrived at or spoken about it is immediately thrust into a theological, ethical, or other interpretative framework that turns it all on its head.

Craig Murray's Portrait of Russia

https://consortiumnews.com/2026/09/27/craig-murray-four-days-in-ekaterinburg/     

Craig Murray is certainly a controversial figure that raises hackles in some quarters. He's perceived as being pro-Russian and he upset many by standing close to Julian Assange through his many struggles. Murray is also tied in with the Scottish Independence movement and has clashed with the Crown judiciary over leaked information resulting in a short jail sentence. In other words, he's a polarizing figure.

American Gas, the Balkans, and Brussels

https://www.politico.eu/article/us-push-to-flood-balkans-with-american-gas-sparks-concerns-in-brussels/ 

Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia are all deeply indebted to Washington which in turns exerts considerable influence within their systems. In other words they are client states - Kosovo being more akin to satrapy. This gas deal is a case of reciprocity. It's wanted in Washington and Wall Street, which creates political pressure in these countries. The people who implement it locally (often connected to if not sponsored by American institutions and interests) will in turn profit from it as well. Everyone in the circle is happy, but in this case it's an issue that is not a private business deal with limited impact but one that profoundly affects society at large and from the standpoint of Brussels - the entire European Union will be impacted.

The Humanist Gospel of CCM, the Definition of Grace, and the Inward Turn

After forcing myself to listen to the local Evangelical station, I was again struck by the constant refrain found in the latest CCM songs - themes that were not present in the music back in the 80's. Over and over again the singers talk about believing lies about themselves and how now they understand they are wanted, special, etc.

To understand the shift I thought of some questions or statements and how today's theology (expressed in music) understands and answers them.

For the Ruler of This World

https://www.htpctampa.org/pro-rege-speakers/     

This conference is For the King we're told and yet what king we wonder?

The Lost Battle to Oppose the Surveillance State (2001-2016)

https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/06/20/the-origins-of-anonymous-and-the-private-intelligence-complex-w-barrett-brown/

I found this interview with Barrett Brown somewhat entertaining as it took me back more than a decade to that period in time when Wikileaks was shaking the corridors of power, and revelations were made regarding state surveillance and the degree of illegality, cover-up, and government take-over of society's data. The culture of lies was at its height as Washington attempted to cover up its crimes and deceptions connected to the farcical War on Terror.

The Water Crisis in Central Asia and its Impacts on Culture, Geopolitics, and Missions

https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2025/09/afghanistan-water-supply-central-asia   

Generally speaking I'm not a fan of the Carnegie Center or the many think-tanks like it. On one level they are all in service to the Establishment, producing work for policy makers and yet very much affected by values, commitments, and sometimes stated agendas connected to powerful interests in government and finance.

Gasoline Prices and the (Evangelical Assisted) Swindle of American Energy Independence

Returning home on Saturday evening, I was just north of Pittsburgh and saw diesel had crossed the $7 a gallon threshold. Regular gas (petrol for some) is pushing $5 a gallon. Pennsylvania pays higher taxes on fuel and unfortunately due to the deep corruption within our Department of Transportation (PennDOT), we don't always see a lot for it. But our poor roads (even poorer in the winter) are another matter. The corruption within Pennsylvania government cannot account for the present crisis in gasoline prices. Many connect the spike to the Trump-Netanyahu decision to attack Iran - but that doesn't really explain it either. Because we were promised by the Right that something else would happen the next time the Middle East blew up.

The Clancy Trial - Indict the Psychiatrists as Accessories to Murder

Readers don't need me to tell them that the Lindsay Clancy case has exploded into controversy and has (like everything else) been politicised. The Left and the Feminists view her as victim who should be the subject of pity and mercy. The 'tough on crime' Right views her solely as a murderer and believes she should be executed or spend the rest of her life in prison.

A Deceitful Commentary by a Confessional Christian

https://www.creators.com/read/erick-erickson/08/26/our-broken-trust

My local newspaper often features columns by Erick Erickson and what's most upsetting to me is that this man professes Christ and is part of the PCA. It would be one thing if he were a Southern Baptist or something, but he's part of a Confessionally Reformed denomination. And yet what has happened to his understanding and his conscience that allows him to replace reality with fantasy and be so utterly lost in a labyrinth of lies.

Armenia's Turn to the West

https://www.euractiv.com/news/armenia-to-start-eu-bid-in-near-future/    

The struggle over Armenia and the Caucasus continues. The region has been caught in geopolitical wranglings since the fall of the Soviet Union thirty-five years ago.

The Geopolitical Consequences of American Decline and Democratic Downgrade

https://www.politico.eu/article/americas-democratic-slide-is-becoming-europes-problem/

This article is primarily of interest in that it counters the 'Make America Great Again' narratives of the Trumpite cult. China has indicated that Trump has provided them with a golden opportunity as his administration is unilaterally dismantling the Empire's institutions and alliances. They're loving the Trump era. It's a gift to Beijing.

Different Takes on the Geopolitics of the Nepal Floods

https://strategicspace.nbr.org/strategic-spaces-of-the-sino-nepali-borderlands-making-and-breaking-trans-himalayan-trade-relations/

https://www.asianews.it/en/east-asia/china/the-himalayas-why-gyirong-is-a-key-location-for-beijing

https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/nepals-floods-upset-its-china-india-balancing-act/

The Strategic Space article helps to explain the geographic divisions with Nepal and the nature of China's relationship to the region.

The second article is from Asia News, a Catholic publication focused on Eurasian issues and as such has a slightly different read on Beijing's motivations visa-vis Nepal. Both articles speak of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the role China plays in the northern region of Nepal. But the Catholic article is far more cynical, viewing China's incursion as not merely motivated by trade and a desire to police its own borders (and the critical border with Tibet), but to expand and dominate.

PragerU's Propaganda Mill

https://consortiumnews.com/2026/07/15/an-indoctrination-plan-for-us-schools/

I remember when I first encountered PragerU and its videos. I wrote them off as ridiculous but subsequently discovered their impact. On one level it's a brilliant model. People don't read, don't have much of an attention span, lack the ability to think critically and work through tough questions. PragerU is made for just such people.

Mao and Xi

https://www.asianews.it/en/east-asia/china/fifty-years-after-mao-s-death-what-s-left-of-him-in-china

Though you aren't likely to hear 'Red China' these days, it's common for Right-wing media to speak of 'Communist China'.

And yet in reality, China abandoned that system in the late seventies, just a few years after Mao's death on 9 September 1976. Under Deng Xiaoping's tenure (1978-1989), the Chinese government embraced capitalism - though it did not develop on Western or American lines.

Dominionism and the Danger of Social Gospel

https://oldlife.org/2026/08/31/does-aaron-renn-really-think-elites-will-save-us/

Hart sounds the warning here and I greatly appreciate it. I've written before about the problems associated with Aaron Renn and American Reformer. In this case, Renn seems to argue for a kind of top-down influence, wanting Evangelicals in 'elite' and controlling positions within society and culture. It would seem that he believes such attainments will help advance the Kingdom. I would like to see some evidence from the New Testament that suggests this. I can point to numerous verses that suggest the opposite.

Re-migration, Revisionism, and Romanticism

https://www.politico.eu/article/afd-vox-mingle-with-ex-us-border-patrol-chief-white-nationalist-leader-at-remigration-summit/

https://firstthings.com/the-england-i-knew-is-gone/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/15/dutch-far-right-influencer-eva-vlaardingerbroek-banned

I don't think there's anything terribly surprising to be found here. Politico reports on a 'Re-migration' summit back in May 2026 that took place in Portugal. The article simply demonstrates the degree of overlap and how these issues are bringing together the various Right-wing parties within Europe - each with their own nuance and degrees of restraint.

The AfD Leaves No Doubts

https://www.politico.eu/article/former-neo-nazi-activists-germany-far-right-ulrich-siegmund/

In less than a week, Saxony-Anhalt will likely see the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) come to power, perhaps even with an absolute majority. Should this victory occur, Ulrich Siegmund will become the state's premier. This would constitute a major victory for the AfD and the crossing of a significant hurdle in terms of national politics.

The Coming Peasants' Revolt

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/26/nx-s1-5943289/electric-bills-summer-heat-oklahoma-power

Are these exorbitantly high electric bills simply a case of supply and demand?

The Dolly Parton Deception

I had no intention to offer any comment on the death of Dolly Parton, a subject I deem to be a waste of time. However, the Christian community has chosen to celebrate this woman and seen to want to claim her as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Common Grace, Psychology, and the Ghost of Abraham Kuyper

https://zacharyconover.substack.com/p/the-lie-behind-all-truth-is-gods   

In a time when Evangelicals are speaking in materialist terms of anxiety beginning in the hippocampus and resiliency and character being tied to the development of neural networks, we find an equally robust embrace of psychology (which ironically is rather subjective), dealing with concept of 'mind' as much as brain. Though I note that often the two seem to be conflated and confused. I suppose they would say integrated.

Austrian Evangelicals Reject the Sufficiency of Scripture

https://www.christiandaily.com/news/austrian-church-to-broadcast-pop-style-worship-service-live-on-national-tv      

Some will celebrate this as a mark of success and entry into the mainstream of society. In reality it simply testifies to Evangelicalism's truncated understanding of Scriptural authority. While lip service is paid to Scripture Alone, an episode such as this reveals how the doctrine becomes an empty and hollow profession when divorced from the concept of Sufficiency.

NATO Shapeshifting, Arms Dealing, and Empire

https://natowatch.org/default/2026/shape-shifting-nato-keeps-transatlantic-arms-flowing-loyalty-alms-us-president    

This article provides a different assessment of the July 2026 Ankara NATO Summit than what you'll commonly find in the mainstream media. The website is not anti-NATO in any way shape or form. These are true believers but ones wary of corruption or mission creep. The site exists as a means to promote serious discussion and inquiry toward holding NATO accountable and keeping the alliance (as they see it) on course.

The Pseudo-Left and the Triangulated Far Right Join Forces Against Immigration

https://www.euractiv.com/news/meloni-and-frederiksen-urge-protection-of-europes-christian-heritage/

This exemplifies the kind of power Meloni wields within the EU. This is all the more true given the present political weakness of both France's Macron and Germany's Merz - despite their larger economies. This is not to say they don't wield influence but Meloni is still able to ride pretty high and is viewed as a critical component to holding the EU together, and keeping the Right within a EU-friendly orbit. It's something that the leadership in Brussels loses sleep over.

High Corruption on the High Court

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/11/samuel-alito-oil-gas-assets-supreme-court-analysis

I remember listening to the confirmation hearings for Alito back in January 2006 on NPR. I also recall being less than impressed, especially when compared to John Roberts who had undergone the same process just a few months earlier.

VCY's Americanism - Heresy in Plain Sight

This arrived in my inbox the other day. See additional comments below.....

America 250 in Philadelphia!

October 13-16

Join us on a VCY / Stories in Stones Christian Heritage tour of historic Philadelphia. You will see the sites of the Miracle at Philadelphia in Carpenters Hall when the Declaration of Independence was developed, drafted and debated. Independence Hall where the Constitution was signed. Along the way we will see the Betsy Ross House, The Liberty Bell, Christ Church & the Old Burial Ground, the Ben Franklin Museum, the Revolutionary War Museum and the Philadelphia Society of the Bible.

Our tour will also include the Philadelphia Museum (The Rocky Steps) and one a stop at one of the the famous Philly Steak & Cheese shops. We’ll also head to Lancaster and experience the world-famous Smorgasboards (included in pricing), the Tabernacle experience, and will also include an afternoon presentation at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster for a performance of Joshua!

--------

Missing the Forest for the Trees: The 1960's and Revisionist History Through Omission (II)

I really object to the notion that 'legislation' feminized the Church. The connected issue (if one accepts their assumptions) is not the legislators per se who are officials in the Babel-kingdom of America. The issue is Church leaders who did not teach their people the difference between the holy and the profane, who did not separate Christian identity from American citizenship. Brown has no standing on this point as he is guilty of the latter and heavily promotes the Christian America mythology and the muscular pseudo-piety of the Christian warrior. As such he celebrates America's wars and all the lies, murder, and bloodshed they represent. I laugh at his concerns regarding women able to get into West Point, VMI, The Citadel, and the like. Paul would say, 'what have I to do with those who are outside? God will judge them.'

Missing the Forest for the Trees: The 1960's and Revisionist History Through Omission (I)

https://agendaweekly.com/the-war-to-destroy-the-family-and-feminize-the-church-with-scott-brown/     

I was disappointed but not surprised to find that Scott Brown appeared on the podcast run by Curtis Bowers, a far-right lunatic and disinformation agent that holds a seat in the Idaho House of Representatives. I thought Brown was (despite his grave errors) a little more sober and grounded - in possession of some degree of dignity. I guess I was wrong.

The British Monarch as Defender of the Faith

https://firstthings.com/no-faith-worth-defending/

Trueman continues to baffle me. I once appreciated this man and considered him to be rather insightful - even when I disagreed with him. But something has changed and now he's teamed up with the Colson people and Grove City College, and has become seriously engaged in the Culture War.

The man who in 2010 wrote Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative, seems to no longer exist.

Lamech-Like Violence and Evangelical Apostasy

https://diakrisis-project.com/2026/06/29/christian-violence-the-ultimate-oxymoron-by-a-pastor-who-so-many-think-is-a-hero/

This article is by Alan Morrison, an English pastor that (last I knew) had relocated to the Continent. His criticisms of the Charismatic movement made him a lot of enemies in years past and I think the criticism and threats nearly broke him, and for a time he more or less dropped out and seemingly fell off the grid.

While not agreeing with him all the time, I've benefitted from some of his writings and still appreciate his efforts and so I would 'keep an eye out' for him and from time to time see if he was back online. He did re-emerge in the 2010's and I've checked in on his website from time to time.

The CIA and Burma

https://smallwarsjournal.com/2024/12/19/how-memoirs-by-american-officials/

This article provides a quick summary of the facts connected to CIA operations in Burma and the various memoirs that omit this reality. Their reasons undoubtedly vary and are not always clear, but are (in themselves) food for thought.

Bolivian Intrigues

https://thegrayzone.substack.com/p/evo-morales-to-the-grayzone-the-people?

I was not surprised to learn that a plot was in the works to kidnap Evo Morales right around the same time the US launched the Maduro raid in Venezuela.

Managing the American Drawdown in Europe

https://www.politico.eu/article/france-orderly-us-military-drawdown-alice-rufo/   

It needs to be remembered that Politico is explicitly a pro-European and thus pro-EU publication. The fact that an American drawdown from Europe is being openly discussed and even advocated - that's noteworthy.

The Immigration Crisis, New Outsourcing Plans, and Related Christian Ethics

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-countries-eye-setting-up-migrant-return-hubs-in-rwanda-and-uzbekistan/

The UK plan to outsource its immigration crisis to Rwanda collapsed and was cancelled by Keir Starmer. Despite this, Rwanda is still looking to sign up and receive European funds. And Paul Kagame has his takers as nations such as Denmark, Austria, Greece, and Germany have expressed interest.

A Few Thoughts Regarding Paul Helm (1940-2025)

https://banneroftruth.org/us/reports/obituaries/2026/paul-helm-1940-2025/

Given that Helm died last December and the fact that this is only now appearing will give readers some sense of how far behind I am in terms of my articles list.

Evangelicalism in Venezuela - Celebrating the Empire and Rejecting the New Testament

https://www.facebook.com/reachjulieroys/posts/latino-evangelical-christians-are-celebrating-the-us-capture-of-venezuelas-nicol/1442902880524692/

The article is sad enough to read but I found these Facebook comments to be even more depressing. It demonstrates just how the Dominionist mindset has infiltrated Latin American Evangelicalism. All across the region Evangelicals are lining up behind Right-wing candidates, demonstrating how easily they are manipulated by propaganda - much of which finds it origins in projects launched by their 'brethren' in the United States over the past few decades. It's a vicious and evil cycle.

Filing a Lawsuit Against Another Christian is Grounds for Church Discipline and Ultimately Excommunication

https://ministrywatch.com/mclean-bible-church-lawsuit-lives-on/

This sort of article both frustrates and baffles me. Everyone claims to follow the Scripture and yet this is a clear (and recurring) instance of indisputable Christian disobedience and the complete setting aside of Scriptural imperatives.

Christians do not use the courts.

But they especially do not sue other Christians.

Von der Leyen in the South Caucasus

https://www.euronews.com/2026/07/02/von-der-leyen-unveils-major-eu-support-initiatives-in-strategic-trip-to-armenia

Given Armenia's recent tilt away from Russia, and Azerbaijan's mostly pro-US stance, the moment seems ripe for the EU to sweep into the South Caucasus and do some bridge building. As I have long suggested, the EU offers a Western and yet non-American alternative, and one more attractive given the geographic proximity to the region.

The Return of the Visegrad Four (V4)

https://apnews.com/article/central-european-leaders-meet-hungary-visegrad-summit-f0171d43c8aa5fbd2f285e42dffae190

This certainly caught my eye. The Visegrad Four (V4) has been basically dead since 2022 and the Ukraine War. The bloc comprised of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia represented a semi-dissident group within the EU. It was receiving particular notice during the years when Orban ruled Hungary, and the PiS was in charge of Poland.

The Ethics of Millionaire Status

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/24/cory-doctorow-on-elon-musk-ai-bubble-bosses-cruel-fantasies

This AI-related article is mildly interesting but also dubious at points. In addition to other issues, it touches on the growing concern surrounding the AI-bubble. Regardless of what AI does or fails to do, this hype alone and the potential for a burst and the economic fallout that results is becoming a substantial story on its own merits.

Fundamentalism and Vocation

https://rootedthinking.com/2026/04/09/did-god-call-me-to-my-work-is-calling-a-christian-notion/

There's some good balance in this article. By the time I was a third of the way through it, I wanted to know who the author is. I was surprised to find that he's a Fundamentalist. This smacks of the older Fundamentalism that is all but obsolete in our day. While I cannot agree with them doctrinally there is a counter-cultural and ethos of antithesis about them that I always find refreshing - I just don't find it much any more.

An Evangelical Call for the State to Sanction Religious Speech

https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/35103/patriarch-kirill-has-built-a-theological-architecture-built-to-sanctify-aggression

It would seem Tatiana Kopaleishvili, a female theologian from the Evangelical Alliance supports the notion of EU sanctions against Kirill, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The charge is that he has employed propaganda in which the war against Ukraine is deemed by Kirill, a holy conflict. As such, given his teachings are deemed authoritative by his flock, he is guilty of war crimes and worthy of sanctions.

A Balanced View of UK Immigration

https://www.evangelical-times.org/as-nigel-farage-surges-in-the-polls-is-immigration-a-christian-issue/      

Generally speaking I have not been overly impressed with the Evangelical Times. The reasons for this are varied, but I found this article both balanced and even refreshing as the author (Mike Judge) demonstrated a willingness to break with mainstream political thought and to challenge (and likely offend) many who are committed one way or the other. As is often the case, those one step removed from the American political scene exhibit a little more in the way of sobriety and wisdom.

Erasing the Eastern Front and the Soviet Defeat of Nazi Germany

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/06/10/sove-j10.html

This WSWS article expresses something my household has noted for some time - the end of World War II in Europe is being subjected to revisionism.

Starmer's Fall

The political Right on both sides of the pond will celebrate the fall of Keir Starmer. And while his fall marks no great sea change, the Right will mark the moment as a victory and one in which Labour has been weakened.

Gordon Wood, the 1619 Project, and the Radical Nature of the American Revolution

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/11/28/wood-n28.html

Given Gordon Wood's recent death (1933-2026), I thought it worth revisiting his comments on the 1619 Project - the attempt to cast colonial and Revolutionary War history in terms of attempts to promote and preserve slavery. For those who don't know, 1619 signifies the year slaves were first brought to colonial Virginia.

In other words (according to 1619), the whole reason there was a revolution to begin with was to defend slavery (against Britain's growing anti-slavery advocacy) and in fact British colonization was (to begin with) little more than a platform for profiting from slavery.

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.

America's Biolab Archipelago

https://www.trtworld.com/article/e176f6eb7b05 

This TRT article caught my eye because while it seems to justify Right-wing narratives about either labs in China or perhaps a US-China collusion and Covid cover-up. The reality is the US has been engaged in this kind of research (and pernicious activity) for some time - and I'm not talking about a manufactured pandemic or even a Coved cover-up.

Violence, Pacifism, and Straw Men

https://theaquilareport.com/a-consideration-of-certain-of-the-pope-of-romes-remarks-on-palm-sunday/

I both agree and disagree with Hervey regarding the pope's statement - 'God, who always rejects violence'.

Prevost/Leo made what could be described as a sloppy statement. It needs clarification.

Michael Youssef, AFR, and The Great Replacement

https://www.globalpublishingpartners.com/unholy-alliance-michael-youssef

American Family Radio continues to push the Great Replacement theory and one means by doing so is by linking up with Michael Youssef - a millionaire mega-church pastor from Atlanta who has marketed his Egyptian heritage. I've listened to him many times on the radio and not only have I found his teaching to be defective, there is something of the charlatan and fraud about him. There are so many 'experts' that emerged after 9/11 that have cashed on on Middle-Eastern and Islamic backgrounds - and yet so many have been exposed as frauds.

Sacralism, Smartphone Technology, and a PBS Report on Chinese Underground Christians

https://www.pbs.org/video/crackdown-on-christians-1761415813/

Sadly this reporting reveals a direct correlation between American geopolitical and economic pressure on China and Xi's decision to persecute Christians.

Haunted by the Ghost of Berlusconi

https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-silvio-berlusconi-bunga-bunga-scandal-giorgia-meloni-carlo-nordio-pardon/

Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) came to power in 2022 primarily because it was the party that refused to be part of Mario Draghi's Unity Government. This was also undoubtedly connected to some of the public anger over Covid and continued immigration.

Re-writing History and the Indictment of Raul Castro

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/5/20/cuba_raul_castro_peter_kornbluh

https://thegrayzone.substack.com/p/the-us-indicted-raul-castro-for-deterring

The recent indictment by the Trump Justice Department of Raul Castro relies on a false narrative. Basically they're asserting that these innocent humanitarian planes were shot down over international waters and as such Castro is guilty of conspiracy and murder. If it only it were that simple.

And why is this indictment being handed down now?

Blinded by Cal Thomas

https://calthomas.com/2026/05/to-the-complainers/

Readers will know I do not hold Cal Thomas in high regard but I do remain frequently baffled by the fact that his name is associated with 'retreatism' or Christians getting out of politics. Because he (kind of sort of) disavowed the Moral Majority, people act like he's a Two Kingdoms guy or almost like Anabaptist or something.

The Taliban in Belgium

https://www.euractiv.com/news/taliban-envoy-abdul-qahar-balkhi-to-lead-delegation-to-brussels/

The Taliban does not want to do business with the United States. Given the bad blood connected to the horrific war of the 1980's, it's surprising that Kabul would want anything to do with Moscow either, but indeed it would seem the two nations are proceeding on the basis of common interests. China looms over all and while the Taliban looks to Beijing as its primary foreign investor, the Afghan leadership knows that it's in their interest to diversify - lest they become wholly dependent on Beijing.

Finneyite Conversionism: Crossing Sea and Land to Bring Cheap Grace to Belarus

https://www.christiandaily.com/news/thousands-respond-to-franklin-graham-s-gospel-message-at-historic-belarus-evangelical-festival

Some will find this report exciting - the fact that Franklin Graham (fresh from the Nationalist celebration on the National Mall in Washington) arrived in Belarus to launch an 'Evangelical' crusade akin to the type of events held by his father Billy during the second half of the 20th century.

A Sordid Tale of Ecumenism and Apostasy: American Christianity and Memorial Day

I happened to catch Paul Batura from Focus on the Family being interviewed in reference to Memorial Day and he insisted that the whole 'Christian Nationalism' charge and scandal was a farce. He knew of no serious Christians who would own that label - which is completely untrue. Russell Vought and many others immediately come to mind. They embrace it and are proud of it.