Watchdogs

Muslims And Christians And Jews, Oh My!

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Treatment of Women Under Sharia Law in the UK

A recent report from the Times of London have highlights the challenges faced by Muslim women in the UK seeking Islamic divorces. An investigation by The Times reveals that some women encounter significant obstacles when attempting to dissolve their marriages through sharia councils.

These councils, estimated to number around 85 in Britain, often impose stringent conditions that favor men, leaving women like Aisha—who was asked for a large financial payment by her husband—feeling as though they must “pay ransom” to exit their marriages. The report underscores concerns about discriminatory practices within these councils and calls for greater oversight to ensure fair treatment of women.

Thankfully there are no U.S. communities currently under sharia law or subject to sharia councils. Lets be sure to keep it that way.

Clergy Sexual Abuse in Michigan

This from the New York Post:
A five-year investigation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has identified over 50 clergy members, including 48 priests, accused of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Lansing, with cases dating back to the 1950s. This investigation led to 11 charges and nine convictions, highlighting systemic issues within the diocese.

Bishop Earl Boyea has issued an apology, condemning the abuse and expressing deep sorrow for the victims.

Jesus also had something to say about this kind of behavior: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (KJV)

Resisting the Draft in Israel

In Israel, Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews are facing increased pressure to serve in the military, despite their traditional exemptions. Recent conflicts have intensified calls for their enlistment, leading to thousands of draft notices and arrest warrants for non-compliance.

The Haredi community argues that their religious studies are essential for Israel’s spiritual protection and fear that military service would force them to abandon their religious practices.

This issue has created tensions within the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is attempting to balance national security needs with the demands of his Haredi political partners.
https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war/article/ultra-orthodox-jews-israel-military-service-gaza-xqkwzr688

Haredi Jews, often referred to as Ultra-Orthodox Jews, are a religious subgroup within Judaism characterized by their strict adherence to Jewish law (Halakha) and traditional practices. They prioritize Torah study and observance of commandments, often maintaining a distinct lifestyle that separates them from broader secular society.

Watchdog Alert: Is Legal Pot A Good Thing?

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Elton John says legalizing marijuana was a mistake

There’s an interesting news piece on CNN reporting on Elton John’s view of weed.

In an interview with Time magazine as part of their Icon of the Year coverage, the legendary singer shared his thoughts about the legalization of cannabis in parts of the US and Canada.
“I maintain that it’s addictive,” he said. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.”
“Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”

This is a bigger deal than it appears at first blush. Sir Elton is a living legend with tons of influence globally, and his statement about marijuana addiction and it’s effect on one’s thinking abilities is worth noting. Is the cultural landscape as it relates to marijuana legalization shifting?

School shooting at Wisconsin private Christian school

What a brutal, sad, and tragic day on Monday. One student dead. A teacher dead. Teen shooter dead. Six more injured.

Fox News report and updates here.

There are lots of questions that come to mind about this horrible incident, but the obvious one is: Why does God allow this kind of evil to happen?

The world is a dark and broken place. Evil is real. It’s all too obvious that the ‘Christian’ designation on a school, or church, or person doesn’t provide an automatic exemption from the harm our spiritual adversary always seeks to inflict.

God can and does protect his people, but that requires an intentional applied faith through ever vigilant prayer on OUR part.

We are also advised to be wise as serpents. It is reported that the Wisconsin Christian school doesn’t have metal detectors or a school resource officer.

We Are Watchdogs

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image from Korhan Erdol pexels.com

In my post from yesterday about the Church of Satan I mentioned that paying attention to the culture and world around us is our responsibility as watchers on the wall. That’s a big part of the mission of this blog.

I like the ‘watcher on the wall’ metaphor, but as I’ve been thinking about it I actually prefer the term ‘watchdog’, because a watchdog is a guard, an alarm, a defender, and a loyal friend all rolled into one. A watchdog is always ready and able to warn us, but also to fearlessly defend us from attack if necessary.

What are we as watchdogs tasked with watching over?

  1. First, each of us has to guard our own hearts and minds from the self-debilitating influences of a dark and broken world and from the wicked, deceitful intrusions on our lives and souls by our adversary and adversaries.
  2. We are tasked with being watchdogs over our families and homes from the very real dangers of our times.
  3. We must also be guardians of our sacred faith and it’s undiluted message and purpose.
  4. We are called to be watchers over our communities and neighborhoods.
  5. And finally, we are sentinels over our nation’s culture and our way of life as Americans.

Are you a watchdog? Are you ever vigilant for the things that matter? Are you ready bark loudly and clearly when threat and danger are approach, to bare your teeth and let that dawg out if necessary?

That is the mission and purpose of the Bible Rebel blog and all of our future projects.