Graham, Hong Kong, AI, Planned Parenthood Staffing, More…

Daily Headlines on contemporary issues that impact a Biblical Christian worldview.

What the shifting religious landscape means for American politics

“Recent surveys show that the religious landscape of the United States is in flux, with attitudes shifting in parts of the country critical to future elections. The importance of religion in the lives of Americans is declining, according to a new report from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). Only 16% of people surveyed said that religion is the most important thing in their lives, a 4% drop from a decade ago. “

Hong Kong Experiences ‘Sinicization of Christianity’ Amidst Cultural Shift

“Protestant churches in Hong Kong are under increasing pressure to “Sinicize” in order to fulfill Beijing’s goal of transforming churches into tools of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In terms used by the Chinese government, “Sinicization” describes both the adaptation of churches to Chinese culture and their submission to CCP control.”

AI can read your mind and help the paralyzed walk: Should we be afraid?

“Yet, the same technology that threatens to make internal monologues a thing of the past has also been used to help a mute person speak and even enable a paralyzed person to walk, reminding us once again that the potential tradeoffs in these developments can be more complicated to weigh than they appear at first glance.

Given the ability of all social media platforms—and TikTok in particular—to use algorithms and AI to keep people hooked on a seemingly endless barrage of content, perhaps it should not come as a surprise that so many would choose the app over the right to help decide who leads our nation.”

Planned Parenthood Laying off 20% of Workforce, Pro-Life Leader Offers Them ‘Life-Affirming’ Options

“Planned Parenthood is laying off its national office staff and restructuring its organization, nearly one year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. “PPFA’s leadership claims that the organization’s restructuring, and the layoffs it entails, is in service of state affiliates and of the movement for reproductive freedom—yet they are pushing out some of our movement’s brightest minds,” the abortion provider’s unions stated.”

Hallow’s Prayer App Makes Historic Breakthrough, Enters App Store’s Top 10

“With over 10 million downloads, Hallow, the most popular prayer app in the world, has accomplished an amazing feat. By the end of April, users had recorded an unbelievable 225 million prayers. By moving up to the third place and overtaking some well-known apps like Netflix, Spotify, Instagram, Amazon, TikTok, and YouTube, thanks to this announcement, Hallow is now included in the renowned list of the Top 10 programs available on the App Store.”

Education Department warns against schools encouraging private prayer, other religious activity

“The Biden administration this week updated its guidance on prayer and other religious expression in public schools, warning school employees not to encourage or endorse such activity.

“Teachers, school administrators, and other school employees may not encourage or discourage private prayer or other religious activity,” the Education Department writes in its new guidance, which adds that the U.S. Constitution permits school employees to engage in private prayer during the workday.”

Franklin Graham at Christian media convention: Every ‘demon from hell’ has been ‘turned loose’ in society

“Orlando, Florida – In his keynote address at the opening session of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) International Christian Media Convention here on Monday night, Rev. Franklin Graham minced no words regarding faith in today’s society. He told all those gathered, “There’s a storm coming, and we’ve all got to be prepared.” 

Rev. Graham also said that “every demon from hell” has been “turned loose” in our culture today. “The world has deteriorated so quickly,” he said from the stage. “We cannot be deceived and we can’t be fooled. We need to get ready and be prepared.””