Rick Tryon

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

They Said It: Intelligent Design

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Here are four quotes about intelligent design. ‘Intelligent design’ being a scientifically correct way of giving credit where credit is due – to our Creator, who is God Almighty.

Michael Behe (biochemist, author of Darwin’s Black Box)
“To a person who does not feel obliged to restrict his search to unintelligent causes, the straightforward conclusion is that many biochemical systems were purposely designed by an intelligent agent.”

    William Dembski (mathematician, philosopher, intelligent design theorist)
    “Intelligent design is just the logos theology of John’s Gospel restated in the idiom of information theory.”

      Stephen C. Meyer (philosopher of science, author of Signature in the Cell)
      “Whenever we find information—whether inscribed in hieroglyphics or written in a book or encoded in a radio signal—it always arises from an intelligent source. Information is the hallmark of mind. And the DNA molecule has precisely this characteristic.”

        Albert Einstein (often quoted in ID contexts, though not himself an ID advocate)
        “The more I study science, the more I believe in God.”
        (While Einstein did not promote intelligent design in the modern sense, his statement is often invoked by ID supporters as evidence that the universe points to design rather than randomness.)

          Question Everything – Especially Churchianity

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          Churchianity and the theological status quo should be scrutinized by all people of faith regularly. That is exactly how we got the Reformation.

          Is there a New Reformation brewing? It seems so. There is a difference between truth and tradition.

          Man-made Christian creeds and doctrines are no longer being blindly accepted as biblical truth just because the Protestant clergy or the Catholic Papacy say so.

          The nature of God, heaven, hell, sin, the apocalypse, predestination or free-will, the Rapture, the origins of the universe – all of these ideas and more need solid reexamination to see if the commonly accepted doctrines of men used to explain them measure up to the message of scripture.

          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.

          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.

          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.

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          Watchdog Alert: Middle East Peace?

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          Matthew 24:6-7 – “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)

          And now, rumors of peace.

          Here is a brief summary and analysis of President Trumps 20-point Middle East peace plan, which would go into effect immediately once all parties, including Hamas, agree to it.

          Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point Middle East peace plan aims to end the war in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and establish a transitional governance structure for the territory.

          The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities. It envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal paired with Hamas disarmament, with amnesty or safe passage abroad offered to members who renounce violence.

          During the transition, Gaza would be overseen by a technocratic authority under international supervision, supported by a multinational security force and eventually leading to Palestinian self-governance under a reformed Palestinian Authority. Importantly, the plan rules out forced displacement of Gazans or Israeli annexation of the territory.

          While the framework opens the door to a future Palestinian state, it makes such progress heavily conditional on security guarantees and governance reforms. Critics note that many details remain vague, especially regarding timelines, the composition of the transitional authority, and enforcement mechanisms. Supporters argue the plan represents a pragmatic path to both immediate stability and a long-term settlement, balancing Israeli security needs with Palestinian political aspirations.

          Ultimately, the plan’s viability depends on Hamas’s acceptance—something far from guaranteed—as well as the willingness of regional and international actors to fund and enforce the transition. Like Trump’s 2020 “Vision for Peace,” this plan risks being seen as skewed toward Israel’s priorities, but its emphasis on halting the war, preventing annexation, and laying groundwork for Palestinian governance makes it a significant new attempt to reset the diplomatic agenda.

          Your Life And What Comes After (1): God’s Grand Plan

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          Too many times, folks seeking purpose in their lives come up short in finding the answers they’re looking for. Why?

          I think most of the time it’s because you can’t really understand the purpose of your individual life unless and until you gain some understanding of, and appreciation for, what I call God’s Grand Plan.

          What is God’s Grand Plan?

          Well, let’s let the Word of God speak for itself:

          Genesis 1:27-28 – So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” (Berean Standard Bible)

          First, we are the only creatures that carry the image of God. We are to be like Him, and we are to reflect who He is to the creation—which is to glorify our Creator.

          Second, we are to be fruitful and multiply, caring for and adding value to His creation, and filling it with more and more of His image-bearers so that God is glorified more and more.

          God created man not only to reflect His image and add value to His creation, but also to have a relationship with Him. We are to be companions of and have fellowship with the Creator of the universe.

          That was God’s original intention. Then it all went wrong because of man’s disobedience and refusal to submit to the clear and loving will of his Creator.

          Now What?

          Now God’s Grand Plan is to restore His people and His creation to their original purpose. Paradise was lost; it is to be regained. Everlasting life with God was lost; it is to be regained.

          But our original purpose remains the same today, even in a fallen state of sin, death, darkness, and rebellion: to glorify God and add value to His creation.

          What Does That Have To Do With My Life?

          If you’ve ever been part of a team or organization, you know that once you get a basic understanding of the ‘big picture’ goals and purpose of the team or organization, your part in it begins to make more sense, and you get a clearer vision of what you need to do individually.

          We’ll start to look into what all of that means—and what it looks like in real life—in the next part of this series.

          They Said It: Reactions To Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN Speech

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          Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

          Friday, 9/26/25, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Several UN members staged a walk-out as Netanyahu began his speech.

          Here are some other reactions from world figures after the speech.

          The Anti-Bibi

          Taher al-Nunu (Hamas media adviser): “Boycotting Netanyahu’s speech is one manifestation of Israel’s isolation and the consequences of the war of extermination.” The Times of Israel

          Adel Atieh (PA, European affairs dept.): “This speech showed neither vision nor perspective: it only reflected growing isolation, a headlong rush forward, and the anxiety of a power that knows it stands on the wrong side of history.” The Times of Israel

          Yair Lapid (Israeli opposition): “Instead of stopping the diplomatic tsunami — Netanyahu today worsened Israel’s situation.” Reuters

          Izzat al-Rishq (Hamas political bureau): “He had been left with ‘nothing but a chorus of cheerleaders who entered the UN hall only to clap in support of genocide.’” The Times of Israel

            The Pro-Bibi

            Bezalel Smotrich (Israeli Finance Minister, coalition ally) “He laid down once again necessary and clear principles, both morally and practically: We will not stop until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are returned. And we will never agree to a Palestinian state.” The Times of Israel

            Donald Trump (former U.S. President) “I think we have a deal on Gaza … It’s going to be a deal that will get the hostages back. It’s going to be peace.” Fox News

            Netanyahu (referring to critics in his U.N. speech, used in reactions) “We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.” ABC

            Opposition reaction summarizing pro-Netanyahu praise “Great speech by PM Netanyahu, shattering these blood libels and false accusations against Israel.” The Times of Israel

            Did The Rapture Happen On Tuesday?

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            Someone in South Africa got a lot of attention this week by predicting that the Rapture would happen on Tuesday.

            According to the New York Times:

            The date of Sept. 23, 2025, appears to have originated from Joshua Mhlakela of South Africa. Though news reports have widely described him as a pastor, he said in a YouTube video from June: “I’m just a simple person, no title. I’m not an apostle, I’m not a pastor, I’m not a bishop. I’m just a believer.”

            In the video, he says that Jesus came to him in a dream in 2018 and told him, “On the 23rd and the 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take my church.”

            I don’t believe that the scripture teaches a Left Behind style Rapture event, where Christians are scooped up and taken away for awhile while the Anti-Christ brings about hell on earth. That idea seems to have taken root in some evangelical circles mostly because of popular fictional novels and movies.

            I do believe that there will come a day certain when Jesus Christ will return to gather his people and set things right – but we can be sure that day will not be on a date predicted by someone in South Africa, or anywhere else, because:

            Matthew 24:36 – But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only .(KJV)

            Watchdog Alert: Satan And The Courts

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            Satanism is alive and well in our society and in our culture. Here are a couple of recent news items concerning The Satanic Temple and our legal system.

            Satanic Temple v. Labrador (9th Cir., August 2025)

            • A legal case in which The Satanic Temple (TST) challenged Idaho laws criminalizing abortion.

              TST argued that its members in Idaho were harmed by abortion restrictions, asserting that supporting abortion is part of their religious beliefs and that their religious tenets include bodily autonomy. They also cited how the group opened a telehealth abortion clinic in New Mexico in response to restrictive laws.

              The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed dismissal of the lawsuit, finding that TST lacked standing — i.e. they hadn’t shown that a specific member in Idaho was harmed or imminently would be harmed by the laws. CaseLaw

            The Satanic Temple Accuses Iowa Officials of Religious Discrimination

            • TST’s Iowa chapter filed a complaint against Iowa state officials, alleging that its members were discriminated against when denied access to use the Iowa State Capitol for a holiday display and event.
              • The group claims they were treated differently from “mainstream” religions, particularly around Christmas displays.
              • Officials denied their request in part citing concerns over children, the presence of potentially “obscene materials or gratuitous violence,” or that the proposed costumes could be misused. TST argues these concerns were unfounded.

                This case underscores continuing tensions about what kinds of religious or philosophical groups have equal access to public facilities and displays, especially during holiday seasons. Questions of the First Amendment, religious freedom, and equal treatment are central. RNS