Politics, Culture, and Faith

Watchdog Alert: Pope Leo XIV Is Wrong

Rick Tryon1 Comment

In his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Leo XIV explicitly that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war,” quoting Isaiah 1:15: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”

The Pope is counting on the biblical illiteracy of Christians when he isolates this verse from Isaiah without regard to its context and uses it as a universal proclamation against all war for all time.

Isaiah chapter one is specifically referring to the idolatrous and exceedingly sinful nation and people of Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 1:4 (KJV) – Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Of course God heard and answered the prayers of His prophets, kings and others during their wars and delivered victory into their hands. Just read the Bible.

Moses & Joshua — Israel defeated Amalek when Moses interceded (Exodus 17).

Joshua at Jericho — Victory came and God commanded the battle (Joshua 6).

David — Before fighting the Philistines, David repeatedly asked, “Shall I go up?” and God answered (2 Samuel 5:19).

Jehoshaphat — God delivered Judah miraculously when they prayed and worshiped (2 Chronicles 20).

The Pope is wrong. The Bible is clear.

What Is Twelver Shi‘ism?

Rick Tryon1 Comment

Twelver Shi‘ism (the dominant Shia branch in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and elsewhere) teaches that there are twelve divinely appointed Imams. The line ends with the Twelfth Imam, also called the Hidden Imam or al‑Mahdi, who is believed to be alive but concealed by God until the appointed time.

What Twelver Shi‘ism Actually Teaches

Twelver Shia Muslims believe that God appointed a line of twelve Imams, beginning with Ali and ending with Muhammad ibn al‑Hasan al‑Mahdi, born around 870 CE. According to this doctrine, the Twelfth Imam entered ghaybah (occultation) — a state of divine concealment — in the 9th century. He is considered still alive and will one day return as the Mahdi, a messianic figure who will establish global justice.

Watchdog Alert: The Difference Between Sunni And Shia Muslims

Rick TryonLeave a comment

For many people, the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims can feel confusing, but it actually begins with a very simple historical question: Who should have led the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad died in 632 CE?

Sunni Muslims believed leadership should be chosen by the community, and they supported Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad. Shia Muslims believed leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, beginning with Ali, his cousin and son‑in‑law. What started as a political disagreement eventually grew into two distinct traditions with their own practices, scholarship, and spiritual leadership structures.

Over time, Sunnis developed a system where no single leader holds divine authority. Instead, religious understanding comes from scholars and four major schools of interpretation. Shia Muslims, especially the Twelver branch, believe in a line of Imams—descendants of Ali—who carry spiritual guidance and authority. These differences shape how each community approaches religious leadership, law, and devotion, even though both share the same core beliefs about God, the Qur’an, and the Prophet Muhammad.

Today, Sunni Muslims make up the vast majority of the global Muslim population—about 85 to 90 percent. Shia Muslims represent roughly 10 to 15 percent worldwide, forming significant communities in places like Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Pakistan.

The most notable Shia‑majority nation is Iran, where about 90 percent of the population follows Twelver Shi’ism. This identity became central to Iran’s culture and religious life beginning in the 16th century under the Safavid dynasty.

Coming next: What is “Twelver Shi’ism”?

Watchdog Alert: Nigerian Palm Sunday Massacre

Rick TryonLeave a comment

At least 15 Christians were slaughtered by extremists using guns and machetes during Holy Week observances. Homes were torched; survivors fled into the bush.

“On Palm Sunday, suspected militants reportedly killed at least 15 Christians in a raid near Jos, Nigeria. Attackers on motorbikes used guns and machetes to target the farming community, leaving many injured and homes torched. While three suspects are said to be in custody, the massacre highlights escalating land and religious tensions in the country’s Middle Belt.“

From latestly.com – read the whole article here.

Watchdog Alert: Continuing Christian Persecution

Rick TryonLeave a comment

It would be easy to allow the war in Iran distract us from the horrific persecution going on elsewhere in the world, but let’s not allow that to happen. Our adversary is still busy all over the globe killing, stealing, and destroying. Because he knows his time is short.

Pray for our brothers and sisters who are being relentlessly persecuted for their faith in our Lord, and do what you can to help.

Nigeria

Over 50,000 Christians killed since 2009, new report finds

A Nigerian rights group (Intersociety) reports that 52,250 Christians have been murdered since the Boko Haram insurgency began, with 18,000 churches and 2,200 schools burned. The violence continues into 2026 with over 1,000 Christians killed this year alone.

UK lawmakers warn of “persistent and entrenched” anti‑Christian violence

British MPs echoed U.S. concerns, noting that more Christians are killed in Nigeria each year than in all other countries combined. The debate highlighted killings, kidnappings, and legal suppression targeting Christians.

China

China intensifies crackdown on underground churches

China has escalated arrests of pastors and Christian lawyers, including revoking legal licenses for those defending persecuted believers. At least 18 members of Zion Church are detained, with experts warning the crackdown is now a national security priority for the CCP.

North Korea

Under Kim Jong Un’s renewed term, religious freedom worsens

North Korea continues to be the world’s most dangerous place for Christians. Open evangelism is impossible, and Christian radio broadcasts into the country have dropped by 80%, further isolating believers who already face imprisonment or execution if discovered.

Lions Don’t Have Masters

Rick TryonLeave a comment
Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

So far this year, I’ve read two books on Israel’s history and military—The Lion’s Gate by Steven Pressfield and Six Days of War by Michael Oren. Anyone who thinks Israel and the IDF need the USA to do their work for them should read up on the modern history of Israel and the region.

Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, the Six-Day War in 1967, and their numerous subsequent fights for survival have proven time and time again that Israel can take care of itself quite ably in a very, very rough neighborhood.

Israel has been surrounded by hostile enemies who hate them with a perfect hatred and who have ceaselessly sought to annihilate them since their modern rebirth in 1948. They have prevailed against astonishingly superior forces every time.

And they have beaten impossible odds even without American help—just read the history.

Israel is definitely not America’s puppet, and America is definitely not Israel’s puppet. Israel is our friend and ally, as it should be, since they are the only Western‑style democracy and modern free society in the region.

Israel is not our master, and we are not Israel’s master, because lions don’t have masters—lions can handle the wolves and jackals together, or on their own if need be.

Operation Epic Fury Isn’t In The Bible

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Operation Epic Fury isn’t a biblically prophesied event.

Debating whether modern Israel is the same as ancient, biblical Israel or whether modern Jews are from the same bloodline as the original Twelve Tribes muddies the issue and misses the point.

America is working in tandem with, and supporting, a long-time friend and strategic geopolitical ally, Israel, to neutralize a common existential threat. Doing so isn’t “serving our Zionist masters” or “sending our young people to die for Netanyahu.” It’s common sense and the right thing to do because it’s a national-security necessity.

Nor is it against God’s will to oppose the ongoing conflict with Iran. In fact, the current conflict with Iran shouldn’t be cast as a biblical issue at all.

Chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is effectively code for “Wipe Israel off the map and exterminate the Jews,” a goal the mullahs in Iran have openly stated. Therefore, Israel is fully justified in taking strong military action against that threat.

Chanting “Death to America,” regarding our country as the “Great Satan,” building nuclear weapons, and working tirelessly to find ways to continue to kill Americans and destroy our way of life—which the current Iranian regime has been doing for over four decades—are reason enough for America to declare, “Enough is enough.”

We don’t need biblical affirmation, prophetic permission, or a “standing with God’s chosen people” rationale in order to work with an ally to remove the malignant tumor that threatens our kids and grandkids. All we need is the wisdom and courage to see it through.

Watchdog Alert: Who Does Scripture Belong To?

Rick TryonLeave a comment
Photo via Julius Silvers, pexels.com

This from EWTN News on Thursday 2/12/26:
Pope Leo XIV affirmed Wednesday that sacred Scripture has been entrusted to the Catholic Church — that she preserves and explains it, and supports its purpose of making Christ known to the world.

“The Church is the rightful home of sacred Scripture,” the pope said during the general audience on Feb. 11.

Say what?

Pope Leo went even further in his address, stating the following:

He quoted from Pope Benedict XVI’s postsynodal exhortation Verbum Domini. In that document, Pope Benedict affirmed that “the intrinsic link between the word and faith makes clear that authentic biblical hermeneutics can only be had within the faith of the Church, which has its paradigm in Mary’s fiat… the primary setting for scriptural interpretation is the life of the Church.”

Mary drove a Fiat? Kidding.

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) is Mary’s fiat according to Catholic tradition. However, I don’t see any correlation between Luke 1:38 and the idea of Scripture belonging solely to the Catholic Church.

Although Pope Leo XIV says some helpful things about the inspired nature of the Bible and the importance of Christians studying and meditating on God’s Word, he completely misses the mark by claiming that “…biblical hermeneutics can only be had within the faith of the Church.”

That is complete and total nonsense.

Ye Shall Be As Gods

p.s. tryon1 Comment

The theory of religious relativism is gaining ground in our culture. Simply stated, this type of relativism promotes the idea that there is no Truth, but that every person perceives their own truth as derived from their own experiences and perceptions.

While it is true that we all filter our experiences through our own unique personality and understanding, and that we can change and improve our lives by adjusting our thoughts and words, the basic tenet of relativism – namely, there is no Truth – proposes serious problems for the Bible believing Christian.

Let’s begin with the theory of relativism itself. If truly there is no truth, then that itself becomes Truth, which is counter-intuitive to the foundation of the theory!

Truth be told, the heart of relativism is a useful tool in the arsenal of tools used by our spiritual adversary, the devil, to delude mankind. Relativism must deny not only the existence of a One True God, who is Truth, it must also deny the need for a savior to get us back to God, whom we know to be Jesus Christ. Finally, it must deny the existence of the devil.

Voilé! The deceiver has achieved his ultimate goal: if we do not believe he exists, then evil can be counted for good and good for evil. Nothing we do is “wrong.” No need for repentance or salvation.

Not only that, but “Ye shall be as gods,” becomes cultural truth. The first lie of the devil to mankind is still his greatest promotional tool today. What I find fascinating is that the second part of the devil’s comment to Eve, that not only would they be as gods, but they also would “know good and evil,” fades away into nothingness. There is no good and evil as one embraces relativism and becomes as a god. What a trickster the devil truly is!

In addition, how could we know God anyway, when there is no Truth from which to discern his will, his ways, and his very nature?

The Bible becomes a nice, historical fairy tale about man’s moral condition, with no answers as to how man should conduct himself or how God might be trying to connect with His creation. Creation is not, after all, something God did.

It all begins with the devil effectively negating the reality of Truth. Welcome to Relativism! I once heard the statement concerning the devil, “The secret of his success is in the secrecy of his moves.” I found that to be true then, and I find it to be true now. If we fail to recognize there is Good and there is Evil, then everything can be called good. After all, one cannot judge another man’s truth. Then the worst crimes and the worst criminals must be embraced as part of a positive human experience.

Somehow, I just can’t buy it.

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Holy Land

Rick TryonLeave a comment
Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from the Middle East and around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers.

Israeli forces capture militant figure in Lebanon; drone strike kills 3

Israeli forces conducted a cross-border operation in southern Lebanon, capturing a local militant allied with Hamas. Separately, an Israeli drone strike in the region killed three people, including a child, amid continuing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border — highlighting ongoing tension with Hezbollah and allied groups following the 2023–24 conflicts. AP

U.S. issues new guidance for ships near the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. government issued updated navigation guidance for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for oil exports, urging caution amid rising tensions with Iran. The advisory follows several confrontational incidents between Iranian forces and commercial vessels, even as diplomatic talks continue with Tehran. Reuters

Iran arrests leading reformist politicians

Iranian authorities detained at least four senior reform-minded political figures, accusing them of plotting to undermine the government. The arrests occur amid internal unrest and growing pressure from international tensions — including negotiations with the United States and continued protests. Financial Times

U.S.–Iran tensions persist as Tehran downplays military buildup

Amid continued U.S. military deployments in the region, Iranian officials stated that additional American forces in the Middle East “do not scare us,” while reaffirming Tehran’s position on uranium enrichment — a key sticking point in tensions with Washington. Hindustan Times