CHR Comment: Here is a pretty bad example of historical writing. At least the author starts out by admitting that his argument does not describe actual history. His point is that some people, nearly two thousands years after the Gospels were written, saw points of correspondence between some teachings of Jesus and some aspects of socialism.
ISIL issues hit list of U.S. churches for holiday attacks
The Islamic State published the names and addresses of thousands of churches in the United States and called on its adherents to attack them during the holiday season, according to a message posted late-night Wednesday in the group’s “Secrets of Jiha
CHR Comment: The article does not include a list of the churches that were suggested as targets but they were found across country. These attacks did not take place. ISIS was perhaps hoping that their publication of a list would inspire action by resident disciples of their movement.
Source: ISIL issues hit list of U.S. churches for holiday attacks
Pope: Resistance to Vatican reform inspired by devil
It marked the third consecutive year that the pope has slammed the highest levels of the Catholic Church’s administration in his annual holiday greeting at the Vatican.
CHR Comment: The pope’s comments perhaps illustrate his rising frustration as he attempts reforms. Conservative Catholics are not accepting Francis’s modernism; liberal Catholics are waiting for more substantial changes and not receiving them.
Source: Pope: Resistance to Vatican reform inspired by devil
Kenyan girls hide in schools to escape FGM
Kenyan girls are hiding in schools this Christmas to escape parents who want them to undergo FGM.
CHR Comment: The article describes the role of Saint Catherine girls school in educating people against traditional “circumcision” practices. Protestant churches have similarly sought to change this aspect of culture.
Source: Kenyan girls hide in schools to escape FGM – BBC News
Suicide among Irish Priests
From the prosperous-appearing church of 1979 to the disappearing church of 2016, the Irish experience elicits responses on countless grounds.
CHR Comment: Martin Marty describes the decline of Irish Catholicism, how older Irish priests suffer from isolation and feelings of irrelevance in their changing nation.
Franklin Graham ‘So Instrumental’ In My Victory, Says Trump
Trump’s warm words for Graham are an acknowledgment of the role the founder of Samaritan’s Purse and son of Billy Graham played in delivering his election victory.
CHR Comment: According to the article, Graham did not campaign directly for Trump but called attention to issues that brought Trump and Evangelical voters together. The role of Evangelical Christians in the Trump win is one of the significant stories in American Christianity this year. Both the Trump and Clinton campaigns courted Christian voters.
Source: Franklin Graham ‘So Instrumental’ In My Victory, Says Trump | Christian News on Christian Today
Kansas woman’s topical Christmas card goes viral
She hasn’t felt quite as “merry” this season as she did last year.
CHR Comment: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were indeed refugees in Egypt and aiding modern refugees is certainly a good work. How to best help them is often a more difficult issue. Lord, grant wisdom.
Free Burma Rangers in Iraq
As ISIS flees, some of the first frontline Christians already know how to follow Jesus in a war zone.
CHR Comment: Having experienced persecution in Burma, Burmese Christians are now bringing aid to people being persecuted by ISIS in Iraq. A former U.S. Army Ranger leads them.
Source: Who’s Ministering in Mosul? Persecuted Christians from Burma | Christianity Today
Church Asked to Mediate in Ecuador
Ecuador sent soldiers and police on Thursday to an isolated jungle area after a policeman was killed and several security officials injured in a violent protest against a Chinese copper exploration project amid conflicts between mining companies and indigenous communities.
CHR Comment: The article does not explain what church is involved (presumably Roman Catholic) or how it is serving in the mediation. It is ironic that the communist state, which has actively suppressed some churches in China, would turn to a church for aid in economic and trade disputes.
Pope celebrates his birthday with the homeless
Pope Francis celebrated an active if low-key 80th birthday on Saturday, sharing breakfast with eight homeless people before celebrating Mass with cardinals as greetings flowed in from around the world.
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