Nashville School Shooter's Manifesto, 40% Of Americans Say Humans 'Didn't Evolve,' New Show For Kids From Christian Couple

The Christian PostThe Christian PostNovember 07

Top headlines for Tuesday, November 7, 2023


In today's episode, we begin with discussing the tragic shooting at Nashville's Covenant School, exploring the motives outlined in the shooter's manifesto, offering insights into the troubling racial and societal challenges we face. In a victory for businesses with religious principles, we go over the case of a Christian photographer in Virginia who successfully reached a settlement allowing him not to service same-sex weddings. Diving into public sentiment, we examine recent poll results revealing that nearly 40% of Americans still believe in a purely creationist view of human existence without evolution. Finally, seeking a slice of respite, we spotlight the refreshing children's show, A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay, crafted by Christian husband-wife duo Katy and Ryan Chase, offering a throwback to simpler times amidst today's hyperstimulating content.

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Top headlines for Tuesday, November 7, 2023


In today's episode, we begin with discussing the tragic shooting at Nashville's Covenant School, exploring the motives outlined in the shooter's manifesto, offering insights into the troubling racial and societal challenges we face. In a victory for businesses with religious principles, we go over the case of a Christian photographer in Virginia who successfully reached a settlement allowing him not to service same-sex weddings. Diving into public sentiment, we examine recent poll results revealing that nearly 40% of Americans still believe in a purely creationist view of human existence without evolution. Finally, seeking a slice of respite, we spotlight the refreshing children's show, A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay, crafted by Christian husband-wife duo Katy and Ryan Chase, offering a throwback to simpler times amidst today's hyperstimulating content.

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Earlier this year on March 27th, A trans-identified individual, Audrey Hale, carried out a fatal shooting at Nashville's Covenant School, tragically killing three children and three adults. A manifesto attributed to Hale, showcased by "Louder with Crowder" host Steven Crowder, contained hate-filled language targeting individuals based on race and privilege. This manifesto and associated writings, which included detailed plans and a desire for a high death count, have sparked intense debate over public access versus the risk of glorifying the criminal act and potential copycat scenarios. As various groups including media, a state senator, and a presidential candidate demand the release of the manifesto, the school community and victims' families resist, fearing further trauma. Nashville police are withholding the manifesto until their investigation concludes. Hale, who had been treated for an emotional disorder, meticulously planned the attack and was heavily armed. The incident has raised discussions on mental health and the transparency of such criminal cases, with public figures like Vivek Ramaswamy advocating for openness to understand and address underlying issues.
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A new federal lawsuit alleges that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints misused donations intended for charitable efforts, directing them instead to its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors. Filed in Salt Lake City, the lawsuit accuses the church of investing donations—totalling hundreds of thousands from the plaintiffs—rather than using them for humanitarian aid as promised. This suit, initiated by Daniel Chappell, Masen Christensen, and John Oaks, follows allegations of financial opacity that led to a $5 million SEC fine for the LDS Church. The church's investment practices were also called into question in a previous case by James Huntsman, while a whistleblower, David Nielsen, claimed Ensign Peak hadn't engaged in charitable activities for years. Amidst these controversies, a report titled "The Widow's Mite" suggested that the LDS Church's wealth could exceed $1 trillion by 2044, surpassing many top universities, prompting no comment from church spokesperson Christopher Moore due to the report's reliance on anonymous sources.
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Photographer Robert Updegrove, backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, has won a settlement against the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding the Virginia Values Act—a law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The settlement, influenced by the Supreme Court's decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, allows Updegrove to refuse services for same-sex weddings on religious grounds without facing enforcement of the law. This resolution emerges against the backdrop of the Virginia Values Act's contentious history, including multiple lawsuits challenging its religious accommodations since its inception by then-Governor Ralph Northam in April 2020. U.S. District Court Judge Claude M. Hilton had previously dismissed Updegrove's case, citing lack of standing due to the law not having been enforced against him. ADF Legal Counsel Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse hailed the settlement as a win for freedom of speech and protection from government coercion. The case represents ongoing tensions between religious liberty claims and LGBTQ rights.
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A new Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll has revealed that nearly 40% of Americans hold the belief that humans exist today in the same form as they were created by God, reflecting no evolutionary changes. Contrarily, about 24.3% think that although humans have evolved, it was a process directed by God. Only 28.6% attribute the current state of humanity solely to evolution, a contrast to a study from the University of Michigan that indicated a shift towards acceptance of evolution, influenced by factors such as college education and declining religious fundamentalism. This study, conducted by researchers Jon D. Miller, Mark S. Ackerman, and Eugenie C. Scott, highlighted that despite the decline in religious fundamentalism, a considerable portion of Americans, 61.2%, believe that God had some role in human development. Political ideology also influences these views, with only 34% of conservative Republicans accepting evolution compared to 83% of Democrats. The research underscores the enduring and politicized nature of beliefs about human origins.

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F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama, and pastor of First Baptist Church of Phenix City, died by suicide after a low-speed pursuit by sheriff’s deputies, following revelations of his online transgender persona. Copeland, who addressed his congregation to downplay the significance of the report by 1819 News, insisted he had "nothing to be ashamed of," apologizing for any embarrassment caused. The report exposed Copeland's social media accounts where he appeared as a transgender woman and posted explicit content. The community and church leaders called for prayers for Copeland's family and the First Baptist Church amid the scandal. A figure in Smiths Station most of his life, Copeland was a business owner and former school board member before becoming mayor. Public figures like Cam Ward commented on the tragedy, highlighting the societal pressures and urging compassion despite personal disagreements.
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An investigation report released by Causeway Coast Vineyard church in Northern Ireland details allegations of spiritual and leadership abuse against former pastor Alan Scott. Accusations include manipulation, narcissistic behavior, public shaming, and setting unrealistic targets for church activities, with a firm named TrustedHR gathering statements from 37 individuals. Although Scott's early ministry had positive aspects, the report notes 60% of respondents felt 'spiritually abused' by his leadership, which involved aggressive behavior, public outbursts, and a culture of competition. Scott led the church until 2017 before moving to the U.S. to lead Vineyard Anaheim, which later became Dwelling Place Anaheim and disassociated from the Vineyard Movement. The Youngs, the church's senior leaders after Scott, resigned, citing disagreement with the investigation. Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland and Vineyard USA have acknowledged the report and called for further investigation and accountability, while Scott has denied allegations of misconduct. A lawsuit was filed against Dwelling Place Anaheim, alleging misrepresentation by Scott and his wife, which the court initially found to have no legal merit but allowed for amendment.
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"A Wonderful Day With Mabel Maclay" is a children’s show by Katy and Ryan Chase, aired on Bentkey, which blends the charm of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" and "Mary Poppins." Aimed at preschoolers and early elementary children, it features Mabel and her dog Jasper, teaching creativity and critical thinking. Rejecting modern hyperstimulating content, the show adopts a vintage, calm pace to encourage natural curiosity and learning. The Chases, parents and former improv school runners, emphasize a rich vocabulary and real-world explorations, like visiting a fire station or learning from a gold medalist. Although faith is significant in the Chases' lives, it’s not the show's focus; instead, it promotes universal values. Bentkey, part of Daily Wire, hosts the series, offering a trustworthy content alternative to mainstream platforms. The Chases are now developing the second season, continuing their commitment to fostering a joy for learning and an optimistic outlook on life.


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