Politics, Culture, and Faith

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Middle East

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

Military briefing: Israel and Iran size up war damage

After 12 days of intense missile and drone exchanges, Israel’s precision airstrikes devastated Iran’s military and nuclear facilities — reportedly destroying over 120 buildings in Tehran, killing 627 Iranians and injuring nearly 4,900. Iran’s missile barrage (550 launches) mostly misfired, striking civilian zones in Israel, resulting in 28 deaths and 1,400 injuries. Analysts say Iran’s nuclear program is set back by months, though Israeli claims suggest delays could span years. From The Financial Times

Ceasefire holds — Khamenei claims “heavy slap” and warns further strikes

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared the U.S.–led strikes “achieved nothing” while warning of future U.S. base attacks. He also framed the ceasefire as a regional victory, saying Iran “delivered a heavy slap to America’s face” and hinted at further military action if provoked. From Barron’s

Pope criticizes “diabolical intensity” and humanitarian plight

Pope Leo spoke out on the “diabolical intensity” of the region’s conflict, urging more humanitarian aid for Gaza and a return to international law. His remarks highlight the growing concern over civilian suffering in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities. From reuters.com

Israel halts northern Gaza aid amid theft allegations

Israel has paused humanitarian aid into northern Gaza after video surfaced of masked men on aid trucks. While Israeli officials allege Hamas diversion, clan leaders dispute this, stating they were providing security. From reuters.com

Operation Midnight Hammer And Beyond

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Here is a brief summary of Operation Midnight Hammer carried out by the U.S. over the weekend.

Last night he U.S. executed coordinated precision strikes targeting the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites in Iran, which President Trump described it as a “spectacular military success”.

The mission involved the first operational use of the 30,000‑lb GBU‑57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker‑buster bomb, dropped by seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers.

About 125 U.S. aircraft participated—including escort fighters, tankers, support planes—undertaking an 18‑hour mission from Whiteman AFB to Iranian airspace. The mission used a deceptive tactic – some B‑2s flew west toward Guam as decoys while the main strike group flew east.

In addition a U.S. Ohio‑class submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at Isfahan’s above‑ground infrastructure.

Last week, before Operation Midnight Hammer, I posted my opinion on what an appropriate level of engagement by the U.S. in the ongoing Israel/Iran conflict should be, and this remains view today:

“Limited U.S. airstrikes with bunker-busters to take out Iran’s Natanz or the Fordow underground nuclear facility? – YES.

Defending American troops overseas and responding with devastating lethal force if even one of our people is attacked or killed over there? – YES! YES! YES!

U.S. boots on the ground in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

U.S. led push for regime change in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

Nation building after the war between Israel and Iran? – NO! NO! NO!”

Is Modern Israel The ‘Apple Of God’s Eye”?

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

The conflict between Israel and Iran is definitely heating up, and many observers in the faith community believe that the modern Jewish state of Israel is the subject of much Old Testament prophecy. Some even believe that current events in the Middle East are a precursor—perhaps even an immediate precursor—to the biblical Armageddon.

On the other hand, there are many sincere Christians with deep knowledge of the Bible who argue that today’s modern Israel, as constituted since 1948, is not the “apple of God’s eye” as it was in ancient times. They contend that, since the destruction of the Temple and the razing of Jerusalem in 70 AD—and the resulting Jewish diaspora—Jews today are not the same bloodline as the children of God’s covenant with Abraham.

It’s an interesting argument and one worth considering, but here’s where the rubber meets the road: Does America (and the rest of Western Christendom) have an obligation to spend our blood and treasure defending Israel simply because they are considered by some to be “God’s chosen people”?

In my opinion, the answer is no.

But here’s the big “but”: America should be ready to defend and support Israel with weapons and intelligence because she is our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East. Our obligation to Israel stems from modern geopolitical realities, not verses from the Old Testament.

Furthermore, our involvement in the current conflict should be limited to intelligence and material support—not boots on the ground. Israel is fully capable of handling the military personnel side of the equation, and there is no reason for American young people to fight and die in another Middle East killing ground.

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Middle East

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on national and world news and events. Here’s the latest recap from the Middle East.

UN accuses Israel of “extermination” in Gaza schools and religious sites

U.N. experts reported today that Israel has committed the crime against humanity of “extermination” by targeting civilians sheltering in schools and religious venues in Gaza. The latest findings, which will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council on June 17, 2025, highlight that over 90% of Gaza’s schools and universities have been destroyed. U.N. Chair Navi Pillay warned this campaign could devastate Palestinians’ cultural and educational future. – From reuters.com

U.S. military weighs options to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran

On June 10, 2025, General Erik Kurilla, leader of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told Congress the U.S. military is actively reviewing “a range of options” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized the readiness to use overwhelming force if necessary. The remarks came amid stalled diplomatic efforts and Iran preparing a counteroffer to a U.S. proposal. – From reuters.com.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg deported after Gaza-bound aid mission seized

Israel deported climate activist Greta Thunberg after its navy intercepted her charity boat—the “Madleen”—en route to Gaza with humanitarian aid. This occurred following her detention aboard the vessel, as Israeli forces continued detaining other activists on the boat. – From Middle East Eye

Hamas shifts stance amid Qatari pressure on Gaza ceasefire

Under pressure from Qatar, Hamas is reconsidering a response to the current ceasefire proposal, which is reportedly based on U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework. The proposed agreement would exchange the release of 10 hostages for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. From The Jerusalem Post

Watchdog Alert: SCOTUS Unanimous Ruling On Catholic Charities Tax Exemption

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Pic via Malcolm Hill pexels.com

Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission (Decided June 5, 2025)

In a unanimous 9–0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Wisconsin violated the First Amendment by denying Catholic Charities Bureau a tax exemption granted to other religious organizations.

The state had argued that the charity’s services were too secular to qualify, as they did not proselytize or serve only Catholics. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that the state’s actions showed favoritism to more overtly religious organizations, which is impermissible under the First Amendment.

The ruling allows Catholic Charities to opt out of state unemployment programs in favor of church-operated ones and may have broader implications for religious organizations across the U.S.

Creed of the Fellowship of the Nons

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Anyone who knows even a little bit about the Bible and the history of Christianity knows that it was the religious leaders of the time, along with their secular allies, that were responsible for the killing of the prophets, the reformers, and even the Son of God himself, Yeshua our Messiah.

The religious leaders. The wolves in sheep’s clothing. The whited sepulchers. The vipers. The religious leaders.

There is no new thing under the sun. Fallen human nature and the rot of man-made religion hasn’t changed since they murdered the prophets, burned the ‘heretics’, and tortured and crucified our Lord.

That is part of the reason why I do not subscribe to a modern denominational creed of set of doctrines. I don’t think that modern day Evangelicals, or Baptists, or Lutherans, or Catholics are going to burn anyone in the town square – it’s just that I don’t trust organized religion.

I’m non-denominational. I’m a ‘Non’. And there are a lot of others just like me, in fact more and more folks are fleeing traditional ‘churchianity’ every day. Why? More on that in future posts.

Here’s my one and only creed, which I’m happy share with my brothers and sisters in The Fellowship of the Nons:

Creed of the Fellowship of the Nons

Our living God is a loving God and the Bible is His revealed word and will.
Our hope and eternal salvation relies entirely on the work of God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

A huge part of the purpose and reason for the Bible Rebel blog is stated in our mission:

“To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.”

Watchdog Alert: Satanism, Witchcraft, And The Occult

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Satan has been defeated. The resurrected, ascended, and returning Son of God is victorious.

But while we await the final execution of the serpent, he runs loose for a time, all pissed off, still doing his best to steal, kill, and destroy those created in the image of the Most High God.

Satan knows he’s toast, but he will continue to deceive and seduce people into bending the knee to him. Some of those people are foolishly ignorant and think it’s a game, but some know exactly what they’re doing and, like their master, they hate God.

Stay informed.

Ex-Satanist’s Transformation

From CBN – Riaan Swiegelaar, a former reverend of the South African Satanic Church, abandoned his practices in witchcraft, psychic mediumship, and Satanism after an encounter with Jesus. His journey from the occult to Christianity has gained global attention, and he now helps others seeking deliverance from Satanism.

Occult-Related Crimes

From Independent – A man was arrested in connection with a series of sheep killings in the New Forest, suspected to be linked to occult practices. Authorities are investigating whether these incidents are part of a larger pattern of ritualistic animal killings.

Witchcraft and Social Media

From Newsweek – Young people are increasingly turning to astrology, witchcraft, and the occult, particularly through platforms like TikTok. This trend is driven by a search for meaning in uncertain times, with many embracing mystical practices as a form of self-discovery.

Pro-Trump Pastor’s Occult Burning

From Newsweek – Pastor Greg Locke hosted a book-burning event during a church service, denouncing witchcraft and the occult. He has previously spoken out against various forms of mysticism, including the “Twilight” book series, which he claims promotes demonism.

Watchdog Alert: Two SCOTUS Religious Liberty Cases

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Pic via Malcolm Hill pexels.com

Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on the U.S. Supreme Court and the impact it’s decisions make on our religious liberties so our readers can stay informed.

Oklahoma Religious Charter School Case

From ABC News – In a rare 4-4 deadlocked ruling, the Supreme Court blocked Oklahoma from creating the nation’s first taxpayer-funded religious charter school. The case revolved around whether public funds could be used to support a Catholic virtual school, St. Isidore of Seville. The court upheld the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that such funding would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin LIRC

From Religious Liberty TV – This case examines whether a religious nonprofit can be denied a tax exemption if its activities are deemed not religious enough. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Catholic Charities Bureau’s work was primarily charitable and secular, rather than religious, and therefore not eligible for exemption. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether this violates the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause.

The Tyranny Of Trump Hatred

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These are interesting times we live in, especially here in the good old U.S.A.

When I say I’m “America First,” I mean that in a political sense—it’s a patriotic statement, not a faith creed. My ultimate allegiance is to Almighty God, and my only hope and confidence is in the return of my Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the promise of everlasting life in God’s universal kingdom.

The reason I can express my support for ideas like “Make America Great Again” and “America First,” and why I can wholeheartedly pray for and advocate for President Trump’s success in his pro-America agenda, is because I know without a doubt that worldly politics and governance are temporary, transient, and fraught with human frailty. The City and Country I look forward to is eternal and perfect—my citizenship is in heaven.

But I scratch my head sometimes lately, wondering at the claims by some that supporting President Trump is akin to being in a “cult” and following an evil despot. We’ve all heard it: “Trump is a Hitlerian dictator, and those who voted for or supported him in any way are brainwashed Gestapo or Brown Shirts.”

If there was ever a God-inspired form of governance, it’s our American Constitutional Republic with its brilliant system of checks and balances. It’s troubling that so many have abandoned belief in that system and in their fellow Americans—all because of “Orange Man Bad.” How shallow and dishonest.

It seems to me that if Trump is a tyrant, then the people who are actually subject to his “tyranny” are those who allow their hatred of him to rule over their hearts and minds.

If Trump is a dictator, then those whose every thought is dictated in a negative way by whatever Trump does or says on a particular day are his subjects.

If Trump is a despot, then it’s the folks who are bent on smearing him, opposing his every action, and trying to destroy him and his family 24/7/365 who are the willing slaves of their obsession with him.

There is no cult more insidious and dangerous than the cult of hatred for one man: Donald J. Trump.

Freedom from this self-imposed Trump Derangement Syndrome slavery can only be found in trusting God, reclaiming common sense, and using the appropriate tools for change—rather than encouraging hate and violence and bending the knee to fear and disinformation.

Watchdog Alert: Spiritual Awakening, Biden, And More

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Political Leaders Pray for Biden

From Crosswalk – Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, prompting prayers from leaders across the political spectrum.

Baptize California Movement

From Crosswalk – A pastor in California claims the U.S. is on the verge of a spiritual awakening, with plans for a massive baptism event.

Brazilian Evangelicals and Politics

From Christianity Today – Evangelical supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continue to back him despite accusations of an assassination plot.

Decline of Christianity in the U.S.

From Pew Research – Pew Research study suggests that the decline of Christianity in the U.S. has slowed and may have stabilized at around 62% of the population.

G3 Ministries Controversy

From Christianity Today – Pastor Josh Buice resigned after his church uncovered divisive online behavior, leading to the cancellation of an upcoming conference.