faith Archives

The Two Lies Too Many People Believe

“Our culture has accepted two huge lies: The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do.

Both are nonsense.

You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”

– Rick Warren

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, homosexuality, pop culture March 15, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Possibly the Best Use of a Tattoo

This is not about whether tattoos are a good or bad idea.

Instead, this a true story about a young woman named Debbie whose tattoo has not only saved her life but perhaps even the lives of her small children.

A colleague of mine recently found himself inside a greasy spoon burger joint one late winter afternoon. His waitress at the establishment was efficient and friendly. They struck up easy conversation. When she placed a plate down on the table he noticed a rather distinctive looking tattoo on her forearm.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith March 13, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Miley Cyrus: Forget Jesus?

I certainly don’t follow Miley Cyrus’ tweets, but many kids do, so parents might want to be aware of the latest controversy surrounding the former Disney star and her Twitter account.

According to a story that a colleague sent me, Ms. Cyrus posted a photo on Twitter the other day of Lawrence Krauss, a physicist best known for his belief that there is no God and that the universe came from nothing. Accompanying the photo of the scientist was the following quote from him:

“You are all stardust.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, pop culture March 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Guest Voice: Christians are Hypocrites

Focus on the Family’s Esther Fleece was recently identified by CNN’s Belief Blog as one of the “Five Women to Watch in Religion.” Here she reflects on the television program, GCB:

_______________________________

ABC aired a new program last night, GCB, based on the book, Good Christian B*tches. Apparently ABC’s attempt at being relevant and cutting edge involves a not-so-subtle reference at an insulting profanity aimed at Christian women.

Well, gee, thanks, ABC.

I find that reference especially out of place given where we are at as a nation, though.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture March 8, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

You Don’t Often See a Headline Like This

The devastation spawned by the 74 tornadoes in 10 states over several days last week is nearly impossible to fathom.

It just doesn’t compute.

We read of the numbers killed (39) and wince and wonder why. We cringe at the images of destruction and want to cry, especially when we realize that behind every number lost is a name and an entire world forever changed for those left behind.

I’m especially thinking of the Babcock family.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news March 5, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

This Pastor Faces Execution

It’s really simple:

If he surrenders his faith, he’ll save his life.

Or will he?

Youcef Nadarkhani is an Iranian Christian pastor. He was arrested back in 2009 for protesting compulsory Islamic religious instruction in the public school system. Although initially charged with protesting, an illegal act, the charges were amended to apostasy and evangelizing Muslims.

When asked by a judge to “repent” of his behavior, Pastor Nadarkhani’s response was blunt:

“Repent means to return. What should I return to?” he asked.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith February 21, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tale of Two Monks

William J. Bausch once shared the following story:

Two monks were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.

“Come on, girl,” said the first monk at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud. The second monk didn’t speak until that night, when they reached their lodging.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith February 17, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Few Words About Jeremy Lin

Commentators are suggesting that Jeremy Lin is just what the NBA needed, a “Taiwanese Tebow,” as some have dubbed him, pointing to his outward expression of the Christian faith and his ability to capture the attention of spdorts fans everywhere.

To be sure, the 24-year-old standout from Harvard is giving kids (and kids at heart) someone and something fun to cheer about. And in the NBA, with the disproportionate moral deficiencies amongst some of its players, that’s no small feat, no pun intended.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture February 16, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

This is the Face of Clarity, Charity and Conviction

Up until yesterday morning, Karen Handel, who is openly pro-life, was the vice president of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. But as the controversy continued to swirl over Komen’s decision to reinstate its funding of Planned Parenthood, Ms. Handel resigned her post.

“I was too much of a focal point,” she said. “I really felt I had a responsibility to just step aside so they could refocus on their mission.”

Karen Handel refused to accept a severance package that was offered.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, homosexuality February 8, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Gift of Thanks For You

The public’s reaction to the John 3:16 ad which ran during the NFL divisional playoff game between Tim Tebow’s Denver Broncos and the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots has given me and the team here at Focus on the Family a much needed lift.

Let me share with you how and why:

Times and finances are tough for all of us, especially for organizations like ours which are entirely reliant on the generosity of others to keep ministry efforts afloat.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith January 30, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura