God, Aliens, and Other Stuff

In 2007, a charismatic “prophet” named Kim Clement began prophesying about a wealthy playboy named Donald Trump. He knew of Trump, of course, because by 2003, Trump was already a star on the show Access Hollywood. He was a catch for an interview--attractive, rich, married to a series of gorgeous women. His latest was Melania in 2005. By 2006, she had delivered a son named Barron. There were articles depicting their gold-studded family life. Trump owned casinos and hotels and golf resorts, and he loved to opine about politics in telephone interviews with other celebrities. He was a fast talker in those days with a silky voice. Plenty of female interviewers swooned to get him on their shows. Since he bore no actual political responsibility, he could express himself freely with no negative consequences. In 2007, Trump looked on the surface like a giant personality striding across the globe with grace and confidence. This TV Trump is the image that influential Evangelical leaders fell in ...

There is no topic that arouses more emotion and conflict that abortion. I find that I am at conflict with myself over the issue.  Theologically I am prolife, and I’ll tell you why in a bit. But politically, I’m pro-choice . I’ll explain later.  Here’s why I, and every Christian I’ve ever known, am prolife.  Three stories reveal the child before conception First story: In the 70’s I had a friend named Mary. She was short, blonde, and cute in a unique gnomish way. There was only one Mary. No one else came close to looking like her. She married and had a daughter. One day they had a Pentecostal prayer meeting in their home. A man who had been an alcoholic, but had converted and been delivered, had a vision. Their daughter was an infant at the time. He saw a new baby, and saw the little girl riding a tricycle in the house. He said, “Mary, the baby looks just like you.” Mary and I were living in different locations at that time, so I never heard about that prediction. Well...