A news summary on issues that matter.
South Carolina Tragedy
The death of Walter Scott, an unarmed black man, earlier this week at the hands of a white North Charleston police officer has understandably reignited a national conversation on racial injustice and the conduct of law enforcement officials.
Caught on camera, Mr. Scott is seen running away from the officer, only to be shot numerous times in the back. Details of the case are still emerging, and so I don’t pretend to know all the facts. But the horror of watching this 50 year-old man fall to the ground is heartbreaking. However you look it, this tragedy was avoidable. I grieve the violent death of Mr. Scott, and I hope you’ll join me in praying for his family.
What Ever Happened to Free Choice?
The New York Times reports “Obama to Call for End to ‘Conversion’ Therapies for Gay and Transgender Youth.” The president’s statement is available online. What the statement doesn’t say is that various bills trying to ban such therapies have already been defeated in at least 15 states over the past two years.
Focus on the Family opposes banning of therapies that would help individuals with unwanted homosexuality and gender confusion. We acknowledge a person’s right to self-determination and to live in harmony with their religious faith.
Our own Jeff Johnston, who analyzes issues related to marriage, gender and sexuality, testified this week against a bill in the Colorado legislature that would have banned this therapy for minors. The bill was defeated. Read Jeff’s article on “The Right to Counseling for Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions.”
Indiana Update
It’s a troubling trend: many homosexual rights advocates are becoming bolder in demanding Christians change their biblical views on same-sex relationships. The New York Times’ Frank Bruni, who is openly homosexual, wrote in his April 3 column op-ed, “Bigotry, the Bible and the Lessons of Indiana,” that Christians “must be made ‘to take homosexuality off the sin list.’” Dr. Al Mohler’s take is a must-read: “This is How Religious Liberty Dies — The New Rules of the Secular Left.”
The Kenyan Massacre
National Review concludes “The WH’s Response to Kenya Massacre Is Logically Consistent – and Utterly Absurd.” The evidence is clear that all those murdered last week were killed because of their Christian faith by those claiming to represent Islam.
A Lesson in Responsibility
As parents, are we sometimes too quick to enable or apologize for our child’s bad behavior? Not Kyesha Smith Wood. She was horrified to learn her daughter and stepdaughter had wronged a family. Read the encouraging story: “Alabama Mom’s Facebook Apology for Kids’ Movie Behavior Brings Recipient to Tears.” I hope Woods inspires more parents to let their children assume appropriate responsibility for their actions.
Memory or Imagination?
“‘But You Never Said…’ Why Couples Remember Differently” is a good read for any husband and wife whose recollections of an event or argument are markedly different than their spouse’s. Of special note is the sidebar providing solid advice on how to cope. The first tip? “Assume good intent.” Reminds me of the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Enjoy the upcoming weekend with your loved ones.
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