Watchdogs

What Is Palestine? Who Are Palestinians?

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Who Are The Palestinians?

There’s a very interesting and informative article published recently on the Jewish Press website by Dr. Harold Rhode titled “Most Palestinian Families Come from Immigrants from the Past Two Centuries“.

Here are a few excerpts from his piece.

“Prior to 1948, the date when the Jewish state was re-established, practically the only people who referred to themselves as Palestinians were the Jews who lived there. The others there, mainly Muslim Arabs, referred to themselves as Muslims.” 

“…The modern Palestinian identity was largely invented in 1964, when the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was created.”

“…By the 19th century, much of what is now the West Bank and Gaza was sparsely populated and underdeveloped. Travelers such as Mark Twain and former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant described the region as barren and largely uninhabited. These accounts, written without political bias, provide insight into the state of the land before the demographic shifts that followed.”

And in his conclusion to the article, Dr. Rhode states: “The historical connections between the people of Gaza, the West Bank and British Mandate Palestine are complex—shaped by centuries of migration, trade and political shifts. They are not one people, but a hodge-podge of peoples with no prior connection to pre-1948 Palestine, who settled there during the past two centuries.”

The biblical history of the region is clear – the land and the blessing were given to Abraham and his seed through Isaac by God’s covenant.

Genesis 17:18-21 (KJV) – 18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

What Is Palestine?

The following was recently posted on the Thomas Sowell Foundation page by Mr. Sam Fregiato.

“A crash course on history of PALESTINIAN STATE:

1. Before Israel, there was a British mandate, not a Palestinian state

2. Before the British Mandate, there was the Ottoman Empire, not a Palestinian state.

3. Before the Ottoman Empire, there was the Islamic state of the Mamluks of Egypt, not a Palestinian state.

4. Before the Islamic state of the Mamluks of Egypt, there was the Ayubid Arab-Kurdish Empire, not a Palestinian state.

5. Before the Ayubid Empire, there was the Frankish and Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem, not a Palestinian state.

6. Before the Kingdom of Jerusalem, there was the Umayyad and Fatimid empires, not a Palestinian state.

7. Before the Umayyad and Fatimid empires, there was the Byzantine empire, not a Palestinian state.

8. Before the Byzantine Empire, there were the Sassanids, not a Palestinian state.

9. Before the Sassanid Empire, there was the Byzantine Empire, not a Palestinian state.

10. Before the Byzantine Empire, there was the Roman Empire, not a Palestinian state.

11. Before the Roman Empire, there was the Hasmonean state, not a Palestinian state.

12. Before the Hasmonean state, there was the Seleucid, not a Palestinian state.

13. Before the Seleucid empire, there was the empire of Alexander the Great, not a Palestinian state.

14. Before the empire of Alexander the Great, there was the Persian empire, not a Palestinian state.

15. Before the Persian Empire, there was the Babylonian Empire, not a Palestinian state.

16. Before the Babylonian Empire, there were the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, not a Palestinian state.

17. Before the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, there was the Kingdom of Israel, not a Palestinian state.

18. Before the kingdom of Israel, there was the theocracy of the twelve tribes of Israel, not a Palestinian state.

19. Before the theocracy of the twelve tribes of Israel, there was an agglomeration of independent Canaanite city-kingdoms, not a Palestinian state.

20. Actually, in this piece of land there has been everything, EXCEPT A PALESTINIAN STATE.”

The Dismal State Of Churchianity

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Is traditional denominational church attendance and membership an indicator of the spiritual health of a country or community?

Maybe. But if it is, then America and Western Europe have been are in need of an urgent diagnosis and prognosis, because the patient hasn’t been looking so good in recent years.

According to churchtrac.com, “Church membership and attendance have been on a steady decline in the United States for almost 25 years. A recent (2021) Gallup study discovered U.S. church membership has dipped below 50% for the first time in 80 years.”

In addition, according to a recent Pew Research Religious Landscape Study, “The latest RLS, fielded over seven months in 2023-24, finds that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christians. That is a decline of 9 percentage points since 2014 and a 16-point drop since 2007.”

That study also indicates that study also found that, “…for the last five years, between 2019 and 2024, the Christian share of the adult population has been relatively stable, hovering between 60% and 64%. The 62% figure in the new Religious Landscape Study is smack in the middle of that recent range.”

So, it’s possible that the decline in traditional churchianty’s attendance and membership has leveled off in recent years, but it seems to be only getting worse in Western Europe.

Catholic Membership in Germany Falls Below 20 Million for the First Time

In a March 27, 2025 piece, The Munich Eye reports that:

“For the first time in history, the number of Catholics in Germany has dipped below the 20 million mark, according to preliminary figures released by the German Bishops’ Conference in Bonn. As of 2024, the Catholic population now accounts for just 23.7% of the total German population, translating to approximately 19,769,237 members.

This significant decline comes despite a slight decrease in the number of individuals formally leaving the Church. In 2024, 321,611 Catholics exited the institution, a reduction from the previous year’s figure of 402,694.“

Why?

Well, you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, as the saying goes.

Anyone who has been paying attention to such things knows, both statistically and anecdotally, that Americans and Europeans alike have become increasingly skeptical of, and even hostile towards, denominational Christianity.

This doesn’t mean folks aren’t interested in or craving spiritual matters less, it just means that religiosity has lost much of it’s appeal and credibility.

There are a variety of reasons for this exodus from churchianity, but here are some of the reasons I have observed and noted over the years:

  • Denominational and creedal doctrines are confusing and contradictory, often not even biblical, and fail to provide direct answers to direct questions about God and the Bible.
  • Clergy and spiritual leadership are often seen as being too focused on raising resources for new buildings, administration, and church functions.
  • Church and worship services are too often centered on denominational ceremonies and traditions, which are mostly devoid of spiritual power, or on emotional experiences which are short-lived.
  • Teachings from the pulpit that are either boring and irrelevant or are focused on cultural, political, and social issues rather than on the power of the living God and the literal resurrection and literal apocalyptic return Jesus Christ to judge the world, establish His Kingdom, and bring about the everlasting reign of God.

Bible Rebel’s Creed and Mission

The purpose of the Bible Rebel ministry and blog is to provide an alternative resource and connection point for those seeking something more than stale, powerless religion.

Here is our one and only creed:
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.

You can find our Mission Statement here.

Biblical Archaeology Watchdog: Noah’s Ark And Gath

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Noah’s Ark Evidence

Analyses of the Durupinar formation near Mount Ararat in Turkey revealed traces of marine deposits and a ship-shaped structure matching biblical dimensions of Noah’s Ark.

From Townhall.com – This past week, the Jerusalem Post reported that “analyses revealed traces of marine deposits and a ship-shaped structure matching biblical dimensions” of Noah’s Ark. The “ship-shaped” mound, called the “Durupinar formation,” was first discovered in 1948 by a Kurdish farmer near Mount Ararat’s summit in Turkey. Modern studies beginning in 2021 have found more convincing evidence. Thus, if this discovery is Noah’s Ark, one can anticipate more “magic show” tales waiting to be revealed through advanced archaeological technology. 

Rephaim Valley Location

A study suggests the biblical Valley of Rephaim may lie closer to the ancient Philistine city of Gath, rather than near Jerusalem as traditionally thought.

From Greek Reporter – A new study challenges long-held beliefs about the biblical Valley of Rephaim, offering a fresh perspective on its location and historical meaning. Researcher Sabine Kleiman suggests the valley may lie east of the Elah Valley, closer to the ancient Philistine city of Gath, rather than near Jerusalem as traditionally thought.

Watchdog Alert: Latest News From Religion

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on what’s happening in the world of religion and churchianity.

Evangelical Clergy and Climate Change

A recent survey revealed that nearly 80% of evangelical Protestant pastors reject the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. This contrasts with clergy from other Christian traditions, such as Catholics and mainline Protestants, who are less skeptical.
See more at Religion Unplugged

Protestant Denominations Facing Decline

Historic U.S. Protestant denominations, including the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches, are experiencing declines in membership and funding. This has led to staff cuts and efforts to explore new strategies to adapt to changing social contexts.
See more at Baptist News

Combating Anti-Christian Bias

Discussions around anti-Christian bias have emerged, with debates on whether certain actions represent genuine concerns or reactions from specific ideological perspectives. This topic has been highlighted in the context of faith-based initiatives and their evolution over different U.S. administrations.
See more at Atlanta Daily World

Watchdog Alert: War News

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Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

Some of the latest war news

Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine

After a call between Trump and Putin, Russia agreed to a limited ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure. This step is seen as a precursor to potential full-scale peace talks, with further negotiations planned.

From USA Today – A call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin ended with a limited agreement for Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, but stopped short of a U.S. proposal for a temporary truce.

Violence in Syria

Hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Syrian forces and Assad loyalists. The violence has escalated significantly, with accusations of civilian executions.

From NBC News – More than 1,300 people have been killed in an eruption of violence in Latakia and Tartus in the last 72 hours, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Electricity Cuts in Gaza and End of Ceasefire

Israel has cut electricity to the last facility in Gaza receiving Israeli power, affecting a desalination plant. This move has been criticized as part of a “starvation policy” by Hamas.

From CNN – Gaza’s fragile ceasefire was shattered early Tuesday as Israel carried out what it described as “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets. After the ceasefire ended, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir said he would rejoin the government. Separately, several Arab nations accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.

Watchdog Alert: Persecution And Massacre In Syria

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While many Christians in America were enjoying their Sunday at church, Christians in civil war-torn Syria were being slaughtered, along with Muslim Alawites and other minorities.

Being mocked online or marginalized because of their faith is the only ‘persecution’ many modern American Christians ever have or ever will experience. Put simply, we have it easy here compared to the very real horror, death, and destruction that other Christians around the world suffer because of their confession of Jesus Christ as Lord.

Here’s one example happening right now in Syria.

From Newsweek

Now, with Alawites no longer in power, reports of revenge killings have emerged. Local reports have also highlighted targeted killings of Christians, who have a significant community in Latakia.

The patriarchs of Syria’s three main Christian churches, the Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox and Melkite Greek Catholic Churches, issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning the violence and “massacres targeting innocent civilians.” The religious leaders called for “an immediate end to these horrific acts, which stand in stark opposition to all human and moral values.”

…Greco-Levantines World Wide, a nonprofit, wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, post on Friday: “Tony Petrus and his son Fadi Petrus, two Antiochian Greeks, were killed today in the pogrom launched by HTS against the mixed Christian and Alawite region.”

In a Saturday post, it noted: “The father of Fr. Gregorios Bishara, priest of the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, was martyred this morning at the hands of the pro-HTS armed factions that raided the city of Baniyas.”

From Sky News

The situation in Syria has been extremely dire, with recent reports indicating that hundreds of Christians and other minorities have been killed in brutal attacks. Over the past few days, clashes between Syrian security forces and militias loyal to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad have resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 people, including many Christians. The violence has been described as some of the deadliest since the Syrian conflict began.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented at least 745 civilian deaths, along with 125 government security forces and 148 pro-Assad militants killed.

Watchdog Alert: The Pope, Episcopal Politics, And Church Homeless Camp

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Update on Pope Francis

My wife and I just watched the award-winning movie ‘Conclave’ which portrays the political machinations and processes involved in how the Catholic Bishops choose a new Pope when necessary. Very good movie, highly recommended.

The Vatican has been providing regular updates on Pope Francis’ health. The Pope is currently receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and has undergone bronchoscopies to address his respiratory issues. His prognosis remains guarded, and he continues to receive respiratory physiotherapy. – More at Catholic News Agency

Episcopal churches offer ‘Ashes To Go’ for Ash Wednesday

As I have pointed out previously, the Episcopal Church is becoming a woke, politically far left-leaning organization which is trying to push the gospel of Jesus Christ and his coming Kingdom as a modern social justice message. Reading the headlines and items from the ENS, linked below, is like reading a political agenda statement.

“Episcopal congregations churchwide will begin Lent by offering Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday, March 5, as a convenience for people unable to attend worship services in the middle of the week.” – More at Episcopal News Service

Montrose judge denies city emergency request to potentially clear church camp for unhoused

We went through the very same issue with a United Methodist Church in my hometown, Great Falls MT, a couple of years ago. We eventually were able to clear the ‘homeless’ camp on the churches parking lot because of the drugs, violence, public defecation, and even prostitution disrupting the homes and businesses surrounding the church.

We didn’t need a court order because our citizens spoke up and the church poobahs gave in and posted trespass notices so that law enforcement could intervene and stop the crimes being committed. The ‘homeless’ folks dispersed soon thereafter.

Yes, we’re to love our neighbors and take care of the less fortunate. But that doesn’t mean we allow our community to be destroyed by irresponsible, many times criminal, people who don’t want to live by the same rules the rest of us have to live by.

“At a hearing in Montrose, on Wednesday, Municipal Court Judge Erin Maxwell rejected a city request for an emergency abatement on a camp of unhoused residents sitting on Montrose United Methodist Church grounds. The abatement would have permitted city authorities to go onto private property to potentially clear the camp, which has drawn controversy in recent weeks.” – More at CPR News

The Prosperity Gospel, Part 1

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Did Jesus teach the ‘prosperity gospel’? Did the Apostle Paul? Should we? These are some of the questions we’ll attempt to address in this ongoing series.

What is the prosperity gospel?

The prosperity gospel, or the health and wealth gospel, is a theologically based school of thought that teaches that God provides financial prosperity and physical health through faith, positive thinking, and positive affirmations of material success, health and prosperity.

Along with faith and positive thoughts and confessions of course donations to the preachers’ ministry will greatly help seekers along the path to personal success, abundance, and happiness.

It’s basically Norman Vincent Peale, Jim Rohn, and Zig Ziglar all rolled into one, but with some Jesus and a few Bible verses sprinkled in.

Who are the top proponents of the prosperity gospel?

There are several, but here are a few of the most popular and recognizable:

Joel Osteen: Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Known for his charismatic sermons and positive affirmations, Osteen’s televised sermons reach over 100 million households in the United States every week. His teachings emphasize the power of positive thinking and faith in achieving financial and personal success.

T.D. Jakes: T.D. Jakes is the founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. Renowned for his powerful preaching and motivational speeches, Jakes has written over 40 books, many of which have become New York Times bestsellers. His messages often focus on overcoming adversity and achieving prosperity through faith and determination.

Joyce Meyer: Joyce Meyer is a prolific author and speaker who emphasizes the importance of applying biblical principles to everyday life. Her ministry, Joyce Meyer Ministries, operates in over 200 countries and provides humanitarian aid and support to those in need. Meyer’s teachings often highlight the connection between faith, personal growth, and financial success.

Others include Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Paula White.

Is the prosperity gospel biblical – or a scam? We’ll start the deeper exploration of that question in Part 2 of this series coming soon. Stay tuned.

Watchdog Middle East Alert

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Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

Whether or not you believe that the Holy Land holds any modern day relevance in biblical prophecy, that region of the world is most definitely vitally important when it comes to global affairs and geo-politics.

Because we are always to be vigilant and aware, Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events around the world and here in America.

Here’s the latest from the Middle East.

Mass starvation looming in Sudan

“More than 600,000 people in Sudan are “on the brink of starvation” as famine stalks the war-torn country, the United Nations has warned.” – More from Al Jazeera

Hamas ready to negotiate Phase II

“Hamas said Thursday it was ready to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after a swap overnight in which it handed over what it said were the remains of four hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian detainees held by Israel.” – More from gwire.com

Israel underestimated Hamas’ terror intentions and abilities

“An investigation by the Israeli military has determined that Hamas was able to carry out the deadliest terrorist attack in Israeli history on Oct. 7, 2023, because the much more powerful Israeli army misjudged the militant group’s intentions and underestimated its capabilities.” – More from CBS News

Terrorist injures 13 in car attack in Northern Israel

“A Palestinian man steered his car into a crowd of people waiting at a bus stop in northern Israel on Thursday in a terror spree that left 13 people injured, including a teen hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.” – More from the Times of Israel

Church Watchdog Alert: LGBTQ Stance

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on the state of denominational churchianity. Here’s some of the latest.

Church splits over LGBTQ stance

33 Christian Reformed ministers take oath to a rival denomination as church split deepens

Pope Francis is critical but stable as “lifewatch” continues

The current vigil for Pope Francis, referred to as a “lifewatch,” emphasizes the importance of reflection, contemplation, and prayer within the Catholic Church. This period is seen as a time for the Church to prepare for the possibility of the Pope’s passing. See latest from National Catholic Register here.

Alfred Street Baptist Church Ends Contract with Kennedy Center:

Alfred Street Baptist Church in Virginia has decided to end its contract with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts due to the center’s new leadership. The church cited the new leadership’s opposition to honoring artistic expression across all backgrounds as the reason for the decision. See latest from MSN here.