Current Events Archives

Moral and Biblical Thoughts About Marijuana

By now you’ve probably heard that Colorado is the first state to legalize marijuana. If you watch late night television at all, chances are good that you’ve heard a number of jokes about it.

Here’s a thumbnail history of how we got here:

A couple years ago a majority of voters in Colorado backed an amendment to the state constitution making it legal for individuals age 21 and over to possess and use a small amount of the drug for recreational purposes.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy January 15, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

3 Revealing Things About “Atheist Churches”

You might have seen some of the media coverage of so-called “atheist churches.”

The concept started with two British comedians, Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans. Jones told the AP, “If you think about church, there’s very little that’s bad. It’s singing awesome songs, hearing interesting talks, thinking about improving yourself and helping other people — and doing that in a community with wonderful relationships. What part of that is not to like?”

The only problem for Jones was, “at the heart of it, it’s something I don’t believe in.”

And so “Sunday Assembly” was born: a “church” where men and women gather together to sing, listen to an inspirational talk and reflect … all without any mention of God.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, faith, news January 8, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Alabama, George W. Bush and a Note

Alabama faces off against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl tonight, a marquee match-up, to be sure, but not quite what the defending national champion Crimson Tide squad anticipated back in early December when they lost a heartbreaker to rival Auburn.

Following Auburn’s unexpected victory, much of the attention centered around Alabama kicker Cade Foster, who missed three field goals in the game. In fact, he struggled so much, he was benched, and the chance for a game-winning kick was awarded to his freshman teammate.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture January 2, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: 7 Ways God was Faithful in 2013

There’s no doubt that God helped Focus on the Family accomplish its mission of helping families thrive this year. There are so many tangible ways He’s guided and blessed our efforts during 2013 that I can’t list them all. I do want to share a few of them with you, however.

1. Our radio broadcast efforts included news-making interviews such as our program with U2 front man and activist Bono, and the launch of a brand-new show, “Everyday Relationships,” with Dr.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, technology December 30, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: The “It” Present This Christmas Is…

The year’s “it” Christmas present changes from year to year … or does it?

Back in 1983, parents were fighting over Cabbage Patch dolls. “Elmo-mania” swept the country during the Christmas of 1996 as moms and dads did the impossible to get their children “Tickle Me Elmo” toys. The Nintendo Wii was all the rage in 2006. And in their zeal to make sure Timmy and Susie found the year’s hottest presents under the tree, too many parents found themselves pushed, shoved and even injured.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, parenting December 25, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: What Should Christmas Mean to Americans in the 21st Century?

The question has been asked, “Is Christmas still relevant?” In our modern, enlightened world, with information at our fingertips and life moving forward at breakneck speed, does this holiday even have anything to offer us anymore? What does the “archaic” Christian tradition of celebrating the seemingly obscure birth of a baby born more than 2,000 years ago even mean in a modern context?

For me, it means everything.

Because I’m not as smart and self-sufficient as I’d like to think I am.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith December 23, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Duck Dynasty is Controversial? So is the Gospel.

The buzz surrounding Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson is growing after it was announced last night that he was being put on “indefinite hiatus” from his incredibly popular show on A&E.

Television executives made the move after Robertson’s quotes during an interview with GQ Magazine were recently published. [Caution: Graphic language] In the course of the wide-ranging discussion, Robertson talked about sin and homosexuality. He also paraphrased a Scripture passage from 1 Corinthians 6 and expressed in rather indelicate terms the anatomical realities of homosexuality.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture, religious liberty December 19, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Should Christians Be Better Tippers Than Non-Christians?

Waiters and tipping have been in the news a lot lately. Consider these stories:

A lesbian waitress at a New Jersey restaurant that claimed a family left a judgmental note instead of a tip (an allegation that was proved a hoax)
A St. Louis-area server who posted a receipt signed by a pastor that says, “I give God 10% why do you get 18” (the pastor later apologized and said folks at her table left cash tips)

There has to be a reason these stories go viral.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news December 11, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Did This Painting Sell for $46 Million?

Norman Rockwell was originally paid $3,500 for the painting, a detailed illustration of an older woman and a young boy bowing their heads in prayer over a meal in the middle of a crowded restaurant. It first appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1951.

And just last week the 62-year-old masterpiece, “Saying Grace,” sold at auction for $46 million.

I don’t pretend to be an art connoisseur or an expert when it comes to the valuation of the art market.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture December 9, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Recommended Reading: “The New Age of Christian Martyrdom”