Watchdogs

Bible Rebel: Curious Fearless Faith

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The Bible Rebel blog is a resource for those seeking original and curated content, including news and commentary, covering faith, biblical studies and interpretation, and the intersection of politics, culture, and the Bible.

Curious Fearless Faith

Curious faith asks questions. Fearless faith doesn’t blindly accept the religious status quo.

Is the Kingdom of God now, or future?

If Jesus Christ is God then isn’t Mary the mother of God?

Is the Christian’s destiny to die and ‘go to heaven’ – or to be transformed while alive or raised from death and corruption into the renewed and restored creation?

Our Mission

  1. To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
  2. To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
  3. 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’.
  4. To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.

Contact us at in**@********el.com

Watchdog Alert: Mary As’Co-Redeemer” And More From The Catholics

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Photo via Julius Silvers, pexels.com

The third item below is interesting – apparently the Pope has decided that Mary, previously called the “Co-Redemptrix”, is no longer needed for the finished work of redemption and has been demoted to just the “Mother of the Faithful”.

Neither one of those titles is biblical, they are both the results of doctrines of men.

Investigation of a Spanish bishop

  • The Vatican has opened an investigation into Rafael Zornoza, bishop of the Diocese of Cádiz-Ceuta in Spain, following allegations of sexual abuse dating to the 1990s involving a teenage boy. Reuters
  • Zornoza denies the accusation, has suspended his duties, and pledged full cooperation. Reuters
  • This is significant because it is reportedly the first public case of a Spanish bishop being publicly known to be the subject of a Vatican‐level inquiry. Reuters.

Alleged antisemitic incident involving the Swiss Guard

  • The Vatican is investigating an alleged incident in which a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard reportedly made a contemptuous remark (“les juifs”) and a spitting gesture toward two Jewish women, during a papal audience on October 29. AP News
  • The guard denies the remark and accuses the women of lying; the investigation is still in its early stage. AP News
  • During the same audience the Pope reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to Catholic-Jewish relations and condemned antisemitism. AP News

Doctrinal Note clarifying Marian titles

  • The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), approved by the Pope, released a doctrinal note stating that the Virgin Mary should be referred to as “Mother of the Faithful” rather than the title “Co-Redemptrix.” Vatican News
  • The document also calls for special attention to the use of the expression “Mediatrix of all graces.” Vatican News

Appointment of a new Vice-Regent of the Pontifical Household

  • Edward Daniang Daleng, O.S.A., has been appointed by the Pope as the new Vice-Regent of the Pontifical Household. Vatican News
  • Paulina of Nigeria and an Augustinian religious background. (He had been procurator general of the Order of St. Augustine.) Catholic News Agency

Watchdog Alert: Kazakhstan Signs On To Abraham Accords

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The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, starting in 2020 refer to formal peace and normalization agreements between Israel and the following countries:

  1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – signed August 13, 2020
  2. Bahrain – joined September 15, 2020
  3. Sudan – announced October 23, 2020
  4. Morocco – announced December 10, 2020

The accords were brokered by the United States under the Trump administration, led by Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and now Kazakhstan has been added to the list of participating countries as of this week.

They marked the first major Arab-Israeli peace agreements in over 25 years, following Egypt’s (1979) and Jordan’s (1994) treaties with Israel.

The name “Abraham Accords” was chosen because Abraham (known as Ibrahim in Arabic) is a biblical patriarchal figure shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. So, the name highlights religious and cultural unity as the foundation for political cooperation and coexistence.

Watchdog Alert: What Are The Methodists Up To?

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Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events concerning denominational religion and brings that content to our readers. Here’s the latest from the United Methodist Church.

Annual Conferences voting on constitutional amendments

The UMC is currently in the process of ratifying four constitutional amendments that were passed by the 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. These include: (1) regionalization of the global church structure, (2) adding “gender” and “ability” to the list of protected categories for membership, (3) a racial justice amendment, and (4) changes around clergy delegate election. wnccumc.org

The UMC’s Council of Bishops will meet in early November 2025 (Nov 3–7) to canvass the votes of the annual conferences and certify results. unitedmethodistbishops.org

Judicial Council ruling on clergy conscience and same-sex unions

The UMC’s Judicial Council (its denomination’s “supreme court” equivalent) delivered a ruling that confirms: “All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing.” arumc.org

In effect, this ruling maintains that while the broader denomination may permit same-sex unions or other changes, individual clergy cannot be compelled to perform services they conscientiously object to.

Food-pantry and social-service pressures amid federal policy shifts

In October 2025 the UM News Digest reported that UMC ministries across the U.S. are facing increased demand for food, utilities, rent assistance amid the suspension of federal food benefits. The UMC’s mission agency (the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries) and local churches are stepping up grants and pantry efforts. United Methodist News Service

Watchdog Alert: Israel-Hamas War News

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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. Here’s the latest from the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Targeted Israeli strike in central Gaza

On 25 October 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a strike in central Gaza targeting a member of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine who was allegedly planning an attack on Israeli troops. The strike took place despite the cease-fire in place since earlier this month. Eyewitnesses reported a drone attack on a car injuring four people, and shelling by Israeli tanks in eastern Gaza City.
Reuters

Nearly 100 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the cease-fire began

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 93 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli attacks since the cease-fire went into effect on 10 October 2025. Reports also mention Israeli forces shot and wounded at least six Palestinians in various parts of Gaza.
Al Jazeera

U.S. and Qatar engage in Gaza peacekeeping / mediation roles

On 25 October 2025, during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar expressed willingness to contribute to a peacekeeping force in Gaza. This comes amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to shore up the cease-fire and define post-conflict governance in Gaza.
The Times of Israel

Unexploded ordnance injures children in Gaza as families return home

In Gaza City, six-year-old twins Yahya and Nabila Shorbasi were critically injured when they mistook unexploded bombs for a toy in rubble from their damaged home, following the cease-fire. Health officials say hundreds more children have been wounded in similar accidents. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports over 560 unexploded items found during the cease-fire in Gaza, with many more likely hidden under debris.
AP News

Free Bible Rebel Newsletter And YouTube Channel

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Please take a minute to subscribe to the Bible Rebel monthly newsletter – it’s free and will keep you up to date on all our articles, videos, and features.

Our Mission at Bible Rebel

  1. To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
  2. To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
  3. 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’.
  4. To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.

At Bible Rebel, this 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.

So, expect some controversial viewpoints and uncomfortable ideas in some of the coming content from Bible Rebel.

Coming in October/November

More in our “Your Life and What Comes After” series.

More in-depth content on deeper biblical studies and theological issues.

You can find all of the current Bible 101 episodes and One-Minute Mini Messages here on our YouTube Channel, and you can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

We’ll also be continuing our regular features, guest articles, and series:

  • Biblical Literacy: What the Bible does and doesn’t say
  • They Said It: Poignant quotes on a variety of topics
  • Guest articles
  • And more…

Watchdogs

As always, we’ll be keeping a watchdogs eye on all of the latest political, religious, biblical archaeology, and cultural news and events from around the world and bringing to you in bite-size chunks to keep you informed.

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Watchdog Alert: Faith Leaders’ Reaction To Hostage Release

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Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events in the areas of religion and faith from around the world and brings the information to our readers in bite sized chunks. Here are some reactions from various faith leaders about the recent ceasefire and hostage release in Israel and Gaza.

Christian Leaders / Institutions

  • Bishop Robert Stearns (Eagles’ Wings Ministries) spoke of “hope amid historic ceasefire,” saying that God works in the midst of our pain as families reunite. The Jerusalem Post
  • Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed the hostage release “with joy,” calling it “a first step” and hoping it would mark “the beginning of the end of this terrible war.” They emphasized urgency of humanitarian relief and the path toward healing and reconciliation. Religion Media Centre
  • The Anglican bishops in parts of England (Southwark, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Norwich) issued statements welcoming the Gaza peace deal, praying for immediate relief and comfort, and calling for a “fundamental shift in attitudes and behaviour” to avoid a return to violence. Religion Media Centre

Faith / Aid Organizations

  • Tearfund (Christian relief agency) welcomed the agreement but stressed that unless the ceasefire holds and humanitarian aid flows without obstruction, lives will continue to be lost. Religion Media Centre
  • Islamic Relief similarly urged that the announcement alone is not enough — there must be enforcement, unrestricted aid, and accountability. Religion Media Centre
  • Christian Aid cautioned that a return to “the old status quo” is not an option; peace must include justice, dignity, and equality for Palestinians and Israelis. Religion Media Centre

Jewish Religious Voices

  • Jewish community and organizational leaders broadly praised the hostage release deal and saw it as a fulfillment of prayers and moral hope. eJewishPhilanthropy
  • Federations and Jewish organizations issued statements calling for conversion of this moment into lasting peace and security for all. eJewishPhilanthropy

Watchdog Alert: Who Are The Palestinians?

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In light of the most recent events in the Middle East surrounding a ceasefire and potential long-term peace deal between Israel and Gaza, I wanted to revisit a blog post I did in March of this year which highlights 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.

They Said It: Israel/Gaza Ceasefire

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Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events in the Middle East and around the globe, bringing the latest news summaries to our readers. 

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres

“The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief … He urged all parties ‘to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.” AJC

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza … This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza.” VOZ News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years … We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.” AJC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace … With God’s help we will bring them all home.” L’Orient Today

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The LDS Church

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Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events in the areas of religion and faith from around the world and brings the information to our readers in bite sized chunks.

Here’s the latest from the Mormon Church.

Death of President Russell M. Nelson

Russell M. Nelson, the president of the church and the oldest person to have held that office in its history, died at age 101.

Nelson became president in 2018 and led numerous institutional and doctrinal shifts, such as discouraging use of the nickname “Mormon,” reemphasizing the church’s full name, making some policy changes regarding LGBTQ+ families, and overseeing expansion of global leadership.

The church announced a memorial and tributes, and Dallin H. Oaks (senior apostle) issued a statement mourning his passing and calling his teachings a guide for comfort amid recent tragedies. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org

Shooting and Arson Attack at Michigan LDS Church

On September 28, 2025, a gunman rammed a pickup truck into a meetinghouse of the LDS Church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, set it on fire, and opened fire. Four people were killed and eight others injured.

The attacker was shot by police and died at the scene. Investigators are probing motive; preliminary reports suggest anti-Mormon sentiment may have played a role.

In response, members of the church raised funds not only for the victims, but also for the shooter’s surviving family, citing principles of forgiveness. Over $200,000 was reportedly raised.
Church leaders expressed sorrow and rallied support; local LDS officials said the congregation would support survivors and mourn the senseless violence. FOX 17 West Michigan News

Fundraising by LDS Members for Shooter’s Family

In the wake of the Michigan church attack, LDS members initiated a crowdfunding campaign (via GiveSendGo) to support the widow and child of the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford. The campaign quickly surpassed its goal, reaching more than $200,000 (and in some reports over $300,000) in donations. The Washington Post

The donors framed the effort as an expression of Christian values: caring even for the families of perpetrators, showing compassion, and embodying forgiveness.

This fundraising garnered broad attention as an example of how some religious communities respond to tragedy by extending grace even in difficult circumstances.

Dismissal of Lawsuit over Use of Tithing Donations

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing the Mormon Church of misusing tithing donations. The plaintiffs alleged the church improperly invested donations through its affiliate, Ensign Peak Advisors, rather than using them directly for charitable works.

The dismissal largely rested on statute-of-limitations grounds: the fraud claims were deemed untimely under Utah law. The judge also found the plaintiffs failed to adequately prove intent to commit fraud.

The case renews scrutiny of the church’s financial practices and transparency, especially given past controversies (e.g. the church’s fine by the SEC over disclosure practices). AP News