pop culture Archives

Who Would Bully this Beautiful Girl?

Have you heard about the 16-year-old Michigan girl who was voted to her high school’s homecoming court as part of a so-called “prank”?

According to various media reports, Whitney Kropp is a student at West Branch’s Ogemaw Heights High School, north of Saginaw.

At first, Whitney was excited and surprised. By her own admission she’s not part of the “in” crowd and couldn’t imagine why she would have been nominated in the first place.

But then she was told the truth, and the news broke her heart.

Topics: Current Events Tags: friendship, kids, news, pop culture September 26, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Give the Refs a Break

I know what I’m about to say may not be very popular, especially today.

Last night’s chaotic and controversial end to the Seahawks and Packers Monday Night Football game has thrown gasoline on the fire surrounding the performance of replacement officials in the NFL.

And let me just say that I get it. I’m a fan. I watch the games. I enjoy the purity of the sport and don’t appreciate the delays and the mistakes that impact outcomes.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, family, pop culture, pro-life September 25, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Before You Get Too Excited About the New iPhone 5…

“The fascination we have with the newness of these things…can be so undoing to our affection for Christ and our devotion to prayer and His word.”

– John Piper

“Sit loose to this world’s joy,” cautioned Robert Murray McCheyne, a Scottish pastor who passed away in 1843 at the age of 29. “The time is short.”

Amen?

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture, technology September 13, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Do You Live in a Generous State?

A recent study commissioned by the Chronicle of Philanthropy revealed something that won’t surprise many people of faith: the more “religious” a state or region of the country, the more likely its people are to give generously to charity.

Here are the top ten most charitable states:

1. Utah

2. Mississippi

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. South Carolina

6. Idaho

7. Arkansas

8. Georgia

9. North Carolina

10. Maryland

All of the bottom five states are located in the New England area: Rhode Island (46), Massachusetts (47), Vermont (48), Maine (49) and New Hampshire (50).

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, faith, news, pop culture September 6, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Professor Who Dared Rock the Boat

Mark Regnerus’ life was turned upside down this past June when he published a study in the journal, Social Science Research, with findings that contradicted popular homosexual activist talking points.

The respected associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin became fodder in the blogosphere and was accused of committing “scientific misconduct” by several individuals and organizations.

What was so controversial or egregious about Dr. Regnerus’ research?

In short, the professor’s study found that children who are raised by parents who have had a same-sex relationship don’t do as well in life when compared to children of married heterosexual parents.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news, policy, pop culture September 5, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

If You Think You Don’t Have Time to Read

Once upon a time in the dead of winter in the Dakota Territory, Theodore Roosevelt took off in a makeshift boat down the Little Missouri River in pursuit of a couple of thieves who had stolen his prized rowboat. After several days on the river, he caught up and got the draw on them with his trusty Winchester, at which point they surrendered. Then Roosevelt set off in a borrowed wagon to haul the thieves cross-country to justice.

Topics: Current Events Tags: discipline, news, pop culture August 23, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What’s So Wrong About a Church Feeding a Football Team?

A high school football coach in Georgia is under investigation today. But he’s not being scrutinized for sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse or recruiting violations.

He’s being investigated for allowing his football team to receive meals from local church groups. He’s also being accused of violating the Constitution by praying with his team, quoting the Bible in his inspirational messages and interacting with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Parents haven’t complained. Neither have school officials. The complaint was filed by the Wisconsin-based group The Freedom from Religion Foundation.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, news, pop culture, religious liberty August 23, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tim Tebow, Chastity and New York

Is it more difficult to remain a virgin in New York City than elsewhere in America?

Some pundits and culture-watchers seem to think so, leading to speculation in Monday’s New York Times that New York Jet Tim Tebow is going to have a tough time remaining chaste in the Big Apple.

The writer of the piece spoke with Miki Reaume, a Christian and former Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. “When my friends found out I was planning on waiting until I was married, I got laughed at quite a bit,” she said.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture, relationships, sex August 22, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What You Won’t Hear at the Olympics

Next to the actual moment of victory, one of the most inspiring scenes at any Olympics has to be the sight of a gold-medal athlete on the winner’s podium, watching and often singing their nation’s anthem as the flag of their respective country is hoisted high in celebration.

Only the instrumental score of each song is played, so unless you’re familiar with the lyrics or can read lips, you wouldn’t know what was actually being sung.

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

The Recipe for American Renewal

Charles J. Chaput is the Catholic Archbishop of Philadelphia. He is also a friend of mine. We first became acquainted during his tenure at the Denver archdiocese. The Archbishop is among the most eloquent advocates for the biblical principles and values we share. I greatly appreciate the courage and boldness with which he speaks.

This past Sunday he gave an extended address on how to build a culture of religious freedom in America. He sees what we see – that little by little our liberties are being eroded by legislators and judges.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, policy, pop culture August 5, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura