In Defense of Anonymity – In Christian Cyberspace and Beyond

There are calls on both sides of the Atlantic to eliminate Internet anonymity. The arguments are made on the basis of social discourse, the preservation of democracy, legal concerns and questions of security. Once again the Establishment is indicating that the Internet project has gotten away from them and has spiraled dangerously out of control.

Orwell and the Bolivarian Dream: When the Law Becomes Sin

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-zte/

This is of course a somewhat self-serving article on the part of Reuters as the news agency is in this case serving the Anti-Chavez/Maduro campaign that has been mounted by the West.

And yet, it is disturbing to say the least. As the Bolivarian experiment has collapsed, the rulers of Venezuela (Maduro and the military) wish to retain control and are apparently willing to open some dark doors to do so. I don't think Simon Bolivar would approve.

The Atlantic Article on Empty Church Buildings

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/11/what-should-america-do-its-empty-church-buildings/576592/

This article has been getting some attention as of late. While listening to 'Christian' radio the other day I heard an interview premised by it and they had a local pastor on the show to discuss the demise of the Church. It was yet again a case of blind leading the blind. The pastor had nothing to offer. He wasn't even able to offer the normal combative narrative that it's the liberal churches that are closing. In the end he said, it comes down to poor leadership.

The Cruelty of Theonomy and its Counterfeit Zion

A response to a garden variety sermon called 'The Cruelty of Piety'

https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=624181330317

https://huffduffer.com/jonesay/497939

or click here to play from my Google sites page

N.B. - The Sermonaudio link seems to be dead and so I've provided a substitute.

Though I am convinced the New Testament stands in diametrical opposition to Theonomy I cannot but help and have a certain affinity with some of its advocates. I share in their anti-Establishment attitude and frustrations with regard to the Reformed mainstream. I too have no love for the OPC or PCA and have been at times angered by their bureaucracies and frankly with the deceit of some of their officers. At one time I was on a course to be ordained in one of these denominations and yet today, I wouldn't even consider attending one of their congregations.

That said, apart from a conflict with bureaucracy and institutionalism I have no commonality with Theonomists and their wayward and even twisted interpretations of Scripture.

Butina: Mainstream Media Hype and Deception

Marina Butina entered the scene making splashy headlines. A pretty Russian spy seeking to infiltrate US political circles and sleeping her way to the information at that. The media loved it, especially as Trump had just met with Putin and angered many in the American Establishment. It was like something from a television programme or a movie.

But then they had to back off. The portrait they painted of her started to fall apart. Well now with her 'guilty' plea deal they've got some solid evidence. Right?

The Vocational Fog

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/not-all-vocational-pursuits-are-equal/

Though I disagree with the foundational premise of the article I am appreciative of the fact that the author is at least willing to admit that all jobs are not equal and that some occupations in fact contribute little to the Kingdom of Christ... even to the Dominionist view of the Kingdom advocated by The Gospel Coalition.

The End of Christendom and Evil Unleashed

Overall I am greatly appreciative of Martyn Lloyd-Jones when it comes to the Kingdom and issues regarding Christendom. He was repeatedly sceptical regarding attempts to forge a Christian society and deemed all such endeavours as doomed to failure.

And yet he was not always consistent. Often he would assume that Christendom produced a general morality and that society in some ways had reflected Christian values and was (in the 20^th century) departing from them.

A Watershed in Genetic Experimentation

There was great consternation at the recent report regarding genetic modification experiments being conducted in China. While such experiments have been done openly on embryos and in other contexts, this was a live experiment done on a viable human being. In this case the gene edited babies were made immune to HIV.

Some Comments on the Mueller Probe

On this point it must be admitted that Donald Trump is right. The Mueller probe has destroyed lives. It is a case of McCarthyism reborn, a trend which seems to be popular these days. We're also seeing it (in a different form) with the #MeToo movement.

Under this type of investigation there's no assumption of innocence, there's no due process, the verdict all but precedes the investigation. The prosecutor is also the judge (in many cases) and guilt does not have to be based on evidence, but largely rests on association.

Rehabilitating and Revising Collective Memory

https://original.antiwar.com/Danny_Sjursen/2018/11/15/the-reclamation-of-george-w-bush-is-an-american-tragedy/

It used to take a generation or so for the revision to begin. And then as we entered the Internet age, things began to change. The information age turned out to be the age of myth, the age of ignorance. Reagan was scarcely in the grave and already the legend was being written and the mythology created about his deeds and legacy. We'll now see the same with regard to George HW Bush.

The US and Bahrain: The War Machine Marches On

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/One-billion-euros-from-Bahrain-for-latest-generation-US-helicopters-45493.html

Bahrain, viewed by some as a Saudi puppet state is certainly less than autonomous. The nation hosts the US Fifth Naval Fleet and thus is closely allied with and influenced by Washington.

Kazakhstani Intrigues and a Plot in Italy

http://www.ansa.it/english/news/2018/11/16/cortese-improta-5-others-indicted-for-shalabayeva_d718a8c1-09ea-41be-adb7-d6b7355c206f.html

I won't pretend to understand all the details of this case but it's safe to say there are multiple facets and layers. It's the story of Mukhtar Ablyazov, a corrupt figure from Kazakhstan. It must be remembered that in the 1990's Central Asia and indeed all of the former USSR were to some degree in a state of chaos. It was the age of the oligarchs, big business deals and lots of disappearing money.

The Blind and Dangerous Hypocrisy of Sacralism

https://www.christianpost.com/news/arrogantly-invoking-god-foreign-policy-debates-blasphemous-christian-historian-walter-russell-mead-228370/

As a Christian, this article made me quite angry but I am thankful that Walter Russell Mead and Mary Habeck are clear in what they advocate. Though couched in deceitful terms and reliant upon a perversion of Christian doctrine, their transparent idealism accommodates an attempt to expose their error and indeed the evil they advocate. And it is just that. Their form and framing of it and their ideals that govern them are especially pernicious in that their agenda is promoted in the name of Christ.

The NASB 2020

updated April 2019

https://opened-heart.com/2017/12/11/nasb-2018-2019-release-news/

There are some noteworthy changes taking place in the pending edition of the New American Standard Bible, set to be released in 2020.

I count these changes as unfortunate and the episode serves as yet another warning. Though the publishers of the NASB defend their use of gender-inclusive language on non-feminist/non-egalitarian grounds, I am not convinced. Not one bit.

False and Dangerous Coverage Surrounding the INF

I have listened to several reports dealing with the US withdrawal from the INF, or Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty which was signed by Reagan and Gorbachev in 1987.

Almost all the reports I've heard give only the US side of the story and buttress Washington's claims that Russia is in violation of the treaty and thus since it has been rendered practically obsolete, the US withdrawal only reflects the on-the-ground reality and will afford Washington the legal cover for further production of intermediate range weapons. Russia is clearly made out to be the villain.

But this hardly the whole story.

A Murder in Mali

https://theintercept.com/2018/11/16/seal-team-6-green-beret-death/

I had almost deleted The Intercept from my bookmarks. The news magazine started out as one of the most interesting and cutting edge news websites in the aftermath of the Snowden affair but has since been appropriated and even dominated by reporting more or less in line with the Left-wing of the DNC. It went from being Anti-Establishment to being reformist and advocating many of the pseudo-Left views represented by people like Bernie Sanders. For some time it has seemed like Glenn Greenwald is about the only reporter left who has anything interesting to say.

Reformation Myths

https://thecripplegate.com/reformation-affects-life/

This article typifies the myth-making surrounding the Reformation. First, we're told that before the Reformation you couldn't read the Bible in your own language. It's as if until the Reformation no one had even tried or attempted to translate the Scriptures. The only way you could access it (we're told) is if you had taken holy orders.

Bolsonaro's Biblical Principles

http://evangelicalfocus.com/world/3950/Bolsonaro_truth_and_biblical_principles_will_bring_change

The symbolism was both powerful and by some estimations poignant. With the Bible and the Brazilian Constitution on the table before him, Jair Bolsonaro proclaimed the people must learn to 'coexist with the truth'.

The Real Economy

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45442596

The economy is booming we're told. It's the best ever, the president assures us. Of course economics is hardly an exact science. Or some would argue it is no science at all. Even many of the markers, statistics and concepts used to illustrate and explain it are in many cases subjective.

I drive around and see a lot of 'Help Wanted' signs and indeed a lot of people seem to be upbeat about the economy. The stock market has certainly climbed to unprecedented levels.

But does this really mean the economy is booming?

Tibetan Turmoil and Intrigue

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-Karmapa-Lama-issued-passport-of-Dominica-45369.html

The current Dalai Lama is 83 years old.

His death will create something of a crisis as the Panchen Lama is incognito. Effectively second in command the Panchen Lama also plays a critical role in the selection of the new Dalai Lama. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima who was selected as the Panchen Lama was taken by Beijing in 1995 when he was but six years old. He hasn't been seen since but it is believed that he is still alive in captivity.

Xi Jinping Reads the Writing on the Wall: China Prepares for War

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-japan-usa-defence-reagan/u-s-carrier-leads-warships-in-biggest-ever-japan-defence-war-game-idUKKCN1N80AO

https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2018/10/30/US-Japan-start-biennial-Keen-Sword-military-exercise/9731540906625/?sl=12

There have been a few headlines regarding Xi Jinping's call for the Chinese military to 'Prepare for War'. The Chinese leader wasn't suggesting that war is about to begin, but was signalling that he sees war between the United States and China as inevitable.

This statement was made two days after retired US general Ben Hodges stated that there was a 'very strong likelihood' that China and the United States would be in a state of war within 15 years of today.

Dispensationalists and Evangelicals Dripping in Blood

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/saudi-arabia-hosts-evangelical-christians-israel-supporters-181102005038899.html

American Evangelicals love Faustian bargains. The trade-off with the world has been at the core of the movement since its post-WWII inception. Bit by bit the movement has dismantled the theology and ethics of the New Testament in order to seek power and influence.

Matthew Shepard: A Sodomite Martyr and Saint

The Episcopal Church has been apostate for some time. Long before the flagrant sodomite Gene Robinson was elected bishop in 2003 the Episcopal Church had been in a state of sharp doctrinal decline. The denomination began to turn away from Scriptural authority in earnest and ordain women back in the 1970's but many conservatives held on until Robinson's ordination. At that point they began to peel off and either join the Anglican Church in North America or leave the Anglican heritage altogether.

So in other words, anyone even remotely interested in Biblical and historic Christianity has broken with American Episcopalianism.

Brunson Postscript

As a follow-up to this post:

http://pilgrimunderground.blogspot.com/2018/10/brunsons-testimony-negated.html

It remains to be seen what he will do, but given that he's eagerly making the rounds on the news circuit there is the real possibility that he will grow quite wealthy as a result of this experience.

The Khashoggi Affair

First let it be stated that there's little doubt that agents of the bin Salman government killed Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. The dissident journalist had angered the Saudi regime and clearly was targeted for assassination.

The Western media Establishment has gone haywire and the coverage has been relentless....

And yet consistently shallow and as a result misleading.

Brunson's Testimony Negated

It will come as no surprise to regular readers that I am critical of the events that led up to the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson.

I don't doubt his innocence and that he was caught up in a geopolitical tug-of-war between Washington and Ankara. Erdogan lost the showdown and as a consequence has egg on his face. Brunson was freed which (as Christians) is something we should all rejoice in but sadly the circumstances surrounding his freedom are in fact a source of concern... and for American Evangelicals yet another mark of shame.

From Brunson's perspective, I'm sure he just wanted to be released and who can blame him?

Cold War II: Update from the Armenian Front

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Yerevan,-Katolikos-Karekin-II-resigns-45030.html

They're calling it the Armenian Velvet Revolution. It's velvet because it was soft and non-violent and was (supposedly) in the spirit of the peaceful 1989 uprisings that removed the communists from power in Czechoslovakia.

French Fighter Jets, the BJP and 2019 (updated)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45636806

N.B.- I had to make some changes to this article. Modi has just stunned everyone by cutting a deal with Putin. The narrative has shifted. These moves will certainly be the talk of the town for the people within the military-intelligence complex. For them this shift will be a far bigger story than the Supreme Court circus.

The information here is hardly earth-shattering but nevertheless indicates and confirms a few points.

India is clearly expanding its military and making plans for the possibilities of a two-front war. The ever closer Pakistan-China alliance and the fact that India has fought wars with both countries means that New Delhi believes it must plan accordingly. A future conflict could quickly become multi-faceted and escalate into a regional war.

GCHQ: Spying on Brussels at America's Bidding

https://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/belgian-inquest-implicates-uk-in-phone-spying/

This won't exactly endear London to the folks in Brussels and it demonstrates once again that the UK (more than ever) is Washington's lap-dog.

Social Upheaval in Modi's India

India is experiencing a strange dynamic. The Modi government is involved in a clampdown against dissidents and the RSS paramilitaries are harassing Christians and others who are deemed less than Indian.

The EU, Nationalism and Censorship

Politico reports that European Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova has given a speech in Vienna in which she discussed the problem of rising nationalism.

Trump +610: Mueller Probe Misperceptions and Whitewater Ghosts

https://www.thenation.com/article/the-mueller-investigation-is-sending-people-to-jail-but-not-for-collusion/

The media campaign is relentless. And yet who can deny, Trump has compromised himself at various points. He's corrupt and in clear violation of numerous laws and precedents. In terms of policy, his opponents make noise but then largely capitulate. There are dozens of issues that could be pursued but instead the focus is almost exclusively on the Anti-Russia campaign.

Ukrainian Autocephaly in the Context of Orthodox Ethnophyletism

The linked articles (below) provide a Roman Catholic analysis of the pending schism within Eastern Orthodoxy. The issue is over Ukraine. While Constantinople has the historical claim of episcopal primacy, Moscow has for centuries held the upper hand in terms of the Orthodox world. This coupled with Moscow's 'Third Rome' doctrine has created some rather interesting dynamics.

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.

Encouraging reports from Central Asia

Regardless of what you think of Open Doors and Brother Andrew, these reports are encouraging. Many of these organisations can be disappointing at times and are not above doctrinal criticism... and in some cases the reports from abroad are mixed. Sometimes it's disappointing to find some bad doctrine is creeping in. We can pray for them and pray that as these churches are in their formative stages they will come under solid teaching.

Real World Elements in The Bourne Legacy (2012)

As a follow-up to the piece I wrote about Jason Bourne (2016), I thought some might be interested in a similar piece on the 2012 film.

Not as popular as the Matt Damon installments this movie also contained some interesting and suggestive elements. In some ways this episode took on a slightly more science-fiction based theme.

Suicide and Therapy: Sufficiency Denied and Disparaged

https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastors-arent-substitutes-for-therapists-suicide-survivor-apostle-bryan-meadows-says-224852/

This article came up as a suggested read in light of a 'pastor', one Andrew Stoecklein's suicide. I don't know anything about him, I can only go by what I see and read and to be honest it's not something I'm interested in giving more than a few minutes to.

In one sense I am hardly surprised that such 'Church' leaders are collapsing into scandal and now suicide. And yet who ever heard of such a thing? While the congregation is grieved I'm sure, what a startling thing to realise they were being led by someone so unqualified, so apparently divorced from New Testament Christianity! But so it is with modern Evangelicalism. Its rotten fruit is plain for all to see. Evangelicalism is built on a false foundation. Seeking friendship with the world, they've lost their way and they no longer know what the solutions are. They don't even know what questions to ask.

Beijing's Clampdown on Registered and Underground Churches

The Chinese are really engaged in big clampdown right now. I'm not sure if many Americans are able to figure out why. There is an aspect of this related to Xi Jinping's attempt to consolidate power and assert his authority but there's a larger context too. China is feeling threatened. Trump's moves vis-à-vis Taiwan, trouble brewing in Xinjiang and Western reporting about it, trade war with the United States, uncertainty about North Korea, growing tensions in the South Pacific, confrontations with Japan, a standoff with the Vatican and the list goes on.

John Owen and Oliver Cromwell's Irish Campaign of 1649

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/how-cromwell-s-irish-terror-made-a-bloodthirsty-preacher-teach-tolerance-1.3317531

This article encouraged me. Having embraced Calvinism in the mid-1990's I followed paths that led me to the Puritans and as someone inclined toward Congregationalism I had a special affinity for figures like the theologian John Owen.

Ironies Surrounding Media Coverage of McCain

John McCain has died and has (most likely) gone to hell. But as is so often the case the world doesn't see it that way and they pay tribute to one that served the Beast they all clamour to worship.

Is it not ironic that the so-called 'Liberal' media not only lavishes praise on McCain and calls him a 'war hero' but all seem to forget his record of endless warmongering and militarism? Über-nationalism and militarism are suddenly values of the 'Left'? I guess it could be if you live in the degenerate fantasy world of Dinesh D'Souza but for those who are interested in actual thought, political or otherwise this seems problematic.

Or is it that the American 'Left' doesn't actually disagree with McCain's posturing? The so-called 'Leftist' media has in fact long been a champion of American militarism. On many points it's not 'Left' at all. It is thoroughly Right-wing when it comes to Wall Street and the Pentagon, even while it clamours to support sodomy, feminism and a host of other evils. In so many ways America is an evil empire and in that sense they are right to celebrate the legacy of John McCain.

BND Agents in Kosovo

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7744535.stm

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/covert-cock-up-germany-s-failed-spy-mission-in-kosovo-a-593713.html

Is this a 'covert cock-up' as Der Spiegel puts it or is the well known German daily engaged in cover-up and damage control?

I dug these articles up from 2008 because to me they represent reasonably clear examples of the strategy of tension, false flag operations and attempts by the US/NATO (in this case via the Bundesnachtrichtendienst or BND) using terrorism to achieve strategic goals.

Israel's Murder Machine

https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/israel-behind-assassination-of-syrian-rocket-scientist-nyt-reports-1.6358886

The US has always tended to obscure its assassinations using proxies and agents that provide government agencies a degree of plausible deniability. And yet many a car accident, suicide and sudden illness are more than a little suspicious... and if there's still some doubt the media will play its part and quickly shut-down any attempts to suggest otherwise.

The US Government and Militant Salafism: An Alliance of Convenience

https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2018/0806/US-backed-coalition-cut-deals-with-al-Qaida-in-Yemen

https://astutenews.com/2018/07/27/isis-in-afghanistan-central-asia-faces-risk-of-spillover/

Even the mainstream press is acknowledging the fact that the US is in a functional alliance with Al Qaeda. To qualify, I am not suggesting that there's some kind of coordinated effort or that US agents are giving direct orders to AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) commanders. For years there have been some who have argued for this kind of direct relationship but I don't believe there's much evidence to support it.

Norwich's Byzantium

I am reasonably informed when it comes to the history of the Byzantine Empire and yet that said, its 1100 year history is complex and is worth revisiting from time to time. I've read several books on it in the past but one I've never tackled is Norwich's well known and much acclaimed three volume history.

Ukrainian Fascism

For those following the twists and turns of the Ukraine-Russia saga this piece was helpful in that it provided something of a chronological framework for the fascist movements in Ukraine.

Why did the Washington Post seemingly switch gears and suddenly acknowledge what many in the alternative media have been saying for years? That the Euromaidan uprising was fueled (at least in part) by Neo-Nazis and subsequent to the 2013 uprising (or coup) the Far Right has played a relatively prominent role in shaping the Ukrainian government.

Russians Murdered in the CAR

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russian-filmmakers-killed-in-africa-were-investigating-mercenaries-close-to-the-kremlin/2018/08/01/8dac1c8c-9589-11e8-818b-e9b7348cd87d_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.1a921da290e6

The Anti-Russia machine churns on but unlike most of the mainstream coverage, this story is actually interesting. The UN approved a deal for Russia to sell arms to the military of the Central African Republic. Of course this is spoken of in negative terms by Western mouthpieces like the Washington Post. Without a hint of irony or shame Western media outlets have in light of this story pointed to Moscow as fueling conflicts and warmongering.

Dissident Satraps and Arms Sales

https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/07/13/pakistan-chooses-turkish-t129-attack-helos-to-replace-aging-fleet/

The helicopter being referred to is a Turkish variant of the well known Italian Augusta. The Turks have modified the design making it more suitable for operations in Anatolia and the Pakistanis are interested.  Their Bell manufactured Cobra fleet is aging.

21st Century Conscription, Militarism and Exemption

https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/south-korea/south-korea-says-bye-to-mandatory-conscription-1.2243840

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/1679867/flight-or-fight-conscription-misery-south-korea

For a few decades it seemed as if military conscription was something that would soon fade into memory, at least for Western nations. Many countries were doing away with it, even the über-militarist United States.

Basically ending conscription had more or less become associated with a host of Western modernist norms and progressive reforms. With the abolition of the death penalty, anti-racism laws and many other forms of legislation we're all too familiar with, the ending of forced military service seemed to be part of the package.

The fact that this trend seems to be reversing is both a cause for concern and a sign of the times.

The Threat of Enforced EU Values

http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/3692/EU_proposes_to_close_mosques_that_do_not_adhere_to_EU_values

While it is to be somewhat expected and to a degree understandable that the EU would propose banning literature and organisations that promote anti-state violence it's a little troubling to read that they're contemplating closing mosques that 'do not adhere to EU values'.

Congo on the Knife-Edge: Kabila, Bemba and the 2018 Election

https://www.yahoo.com/news/dr-congos-kabila-promotes-blacklisted-generals-army-shake-155235623.html

At this point Joseph Kabila has nothing to lose, he knows everyone is scheming against him. His father was assassinated and while his motives are undoubtedly motivated (at least in part) by self-interest, his departure will also signal a serious change for the DRC.

Nicaraguan Sorrows

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/u-s-government-meddling-machine-boasts-of-laying-the-groundwork-for-insurrection-in-nicaragua/

https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/07/27/homage-to-nicaragua/

The situation in Nicaragua is tragic and yet it is but part of a larger sweep of recent history.

Many of us remember Daniel Ortega from the 1980's and the Contra War which followed in the wake of the Sandinista Revolution of 1979. Ortega led the country from 1979-1990 when he was forced from office.  And yet he made a political comeback, winning the 2006 election and has held power ever since. And yet Ortega II is cut from a different cloth. While still a hero and icon to some on the left, the new Ortega is a figure of compromise and corruption.

Paisley and the May Government

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44932312

This story is probably most interesting to me because it involves Ian Paisley Jr., son of the more famous Paisley who died in 2014. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) founded by Paisley Sr. in 1971 is currently in a coalition with Theresa May's Tories and while I've always followed British politics to some extent, I have as of late been paying a little closer attention.

https://pilgrimunderground.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-dup-and-ulsters-christian-witness.html

Paisley's movement has followers in the United States and there are longtime bonds between Paisley's Free Presbyterian Church and American Fundamentalist circles, particularly the Anti- Billy Graham factions centred on Bob Jones University.

Livi: A window into the mindset of dissident Roman Catholics

http://www.lastampa.it/2018/07/03/vaticaninsider/livis-anathema-heretics-and-wicked-men-are-in-power-in-the-church-J11Td6t2xLNB9gj2gGwhsK/pagina.html

The linked article by Andrea Tornielli rejects the views of Vatican critic Antonio Livi but nevertheless provides significant insight into both the mindset of dissidents like Livi and how conservatives in the mainstream might criticise thinkers like him. Overall I found it a very informative read.

Growing numbers of conservatives are concerned about Bergoglio-Francis to be sure but the real divide continues to be over the Vatican councils and their legacy.

Data Collection, The Watchtower and the Judiciary

http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/3671/Jehovahs_Witnesses_doortodoor_preaching_does_not_comply_with_new_EU_data_protection_laws

The Jehovah's Witnesses are breaking the law. They're keeping data files on the houses they visit. They must be stopped.

There are many Christians and non-Christians that would agree with these statements and yet there's an inconsistent bias at work.

Christian Persecution in Nepal

Rarely gaining much attention in the international news, Nepal is garnering attention due to its position between India and China and increasingly it's receiving focus due to religious tensions.

A majority Hindu nation, there is great concern and hostility to Christian proselytism and the Himalayan republic is starting to put pressure on missionaries and church leaders. Laws which were passed last year are now being implemented and as of August 2018 sentencing guidelines are set to become significantly harsher. Many fear the state will look the other way if mob violence is used against Christians.

South Korea's Almost Coup

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/korea-army-plot-coup-ousted-leader-power-56593736

The actual story here is that the South Korean (ROK) army doesn't act independently of the US. While officially the US doesn't take over operational control unless a war breaks out, practically speaking the South Korean military is a creature of Washington.

The Trump Trap

It's fairly obvious now what was happening. The timing of the Mueller indictments was pretty suspicious, just days before the Helsinki Summit.

I think it's safe to say it was a trap, a set-up.

Trump was deliberately placed into a Catch-22. First he was denounced for meeting with Putin. This got everyone watching, even many people who don't pay a lot of attention to the news. Some tried to warn him but Trump is not one to listen to reason.

Repeatedly he was pushed to confront Putin on the collusion conspiracy narrative. Trump walked right into it.

Did he realise it as he stood at the podium?

Lopez-Obrador, PES and Mexican Evangelicals

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Encounter_Party

http://www.mexelects.com/blogeng/mexelects/lopez-obrador-and-his-troubling-alliance-with-the-far-right-pes/

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-election-amlo/mexico-presidential-race-roiled-as-leftist-front-runner-embraces-right-wing-party-idUSKBN1EA00L

http://evangelicalfocus.com/world/3634/Mexico_presidential_election_winner_will_work_in_coalition_with_evangelicals

Now that Lopez-Obrador has won, we're all waiting to see what will become of him. He's been one of the big players at the centre of Mexican politics for some time and like Nixon he's one of the few able to make a successful comeback.

Many people are excited and believe he represents real reform and will put a stop to the pervasive corruption that has taken over Mexico these past couple of decades. Many hope he will end the Drug War which has largely destroyed Mexican society.

And yet as many have pointed out, during the campaign he was long on talk and yet pretty short on the details. Additionally there are many indications pointing to a reality that he's not as 'Left-wing' as many seem to think he is.

Brussels is not Being Idle: The EU, Albania and Macedonia

https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/opinion/albania-and-macedonia-a-ray-of-hope-and-a-warning-for-balkans/

Despite all its woes the EU is looking to expand. The only countries left within the European orbit that aren't part of the EU are countries like Norway and Switzerland which have no interest in joining, nations like Ukraine and maybe Georgia which are riddled with controversy, states like Belarus and Moldova which are hostile to Brussels and the handful of Balkan nations which are a source of contention.

Azerbaijani Sabre Rattling

Few Americans know about the disputes between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Azeris are Turks, albeit they differ from their Anatolian cousins in that they are mostly Shiite. It's almost as if their geography reflects their identity as they are culturally split between the Turkic and Persian spheres.