I do not watch “auditor” videos—in part because I already understand First-Amendment contours and in part because most such auditors are just uninspired copycats—but the person who brought this video to my attention was correct: it’s worth watching. It covers so much ground and I give this man props for his precision, even surgical, tact. He mentions Cohen v. California and indirectly hints at City of Houston v. Hill. Texas is in the fifth circuit so Cruise-Gulyas v. Minard does not preemptively control, but the decision absolutely would be adopted had this intaction resulted in a civil action.
Waiting on God
Nearly twenty years ago, John Waller recorded “While I’m Waiting” which heralds patience. Among other verses, Isaiah 40:31 advises that “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” In similar form, Psalm 40:1-3 testifies of patience and surrender: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Jesus said these same things, and I am reminded again of last year’s posts, Surrendered Suffering Is Worship and Inshallah, Mashallah, and Alhamdulillah.
Gendered Dressing
“One of the tricky things is that the norms of gendered dress keep shifting. Determining what’s appropriate is always kind of a moving target.” —Richard T. Ford
Trump, Constitution, and Oaths
NBC’s Kristen Welker asked Trump, “don’t you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president?” Trump answered, “I don’t know.” What!? At both inaugurations Trump swore an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” So legal duty aside, Trump swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. But yes, the U.S. Constitution, Art II §1, requires this oath, and thus the duty:
“Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Orange Monday
Imposter Patriotism
I discovered this American Flag Utility Kilt online. It is oh so guady and gauche. But there will surely be some ignorant schmuck who thinks it patriotic. Yeah, how very American to fart on the flag. It also violates federal law (4 U.S. Code §§1-10).Show more ›
Fake doctorates (feat. Christopher Hylton)
Christopher Hylton claims to have a “Doctorate of Theology [from] Piedmont Bible College of Theology,” but he bears false witness for the sake of pride. For starters, it is doubtful that a “Piedmont Bible College of Theology” ever existed. There was once a Piedmont Bible College that merged with other schools and now exists as Piedmont Divinity School within Carolina University (a college with a flimsy accreditation claim and a troubling percentage of adjunct faculty). In any event, this institution does not confer theology doctorates (Th.D.). It does not confer divinity (D.Div.) or philosophy (Ph.D.) doctorates either. It narrowly offers a “Doctor of Ministry” (D.Min.) in “biblical preaching, church revitalization, and ministry.” No dissertation is required. It is a non-academic, thirty-six credit online program “designed for those who aspire to excel at the highest level in the practice of ministry.” There is no claim of theology anywhere—not in the name, not in the program, not in the degree. So Hylton’s website is false, as is his LinkedIn claiming a “Ph.D.” in “Theology/Theological Studies.” For the sake of pride he misrepresents the authority of his words. Since when is truthful preaching not self-evident? Since when does truth not stand on its own? Does he not know the fate of Ananias? Of Nebuchadnezzar?
Hylton’s conduct reminds me of another blogger’s post on televangelists buying fake doctorates from fake schoolsShow more ›
On lost causes
You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. —Winston Churchill
A simple prayer
I beseech your grace for my failings and your strength for my weaknesses.
Alisha Quiñonez: Bello Jesús
¡Qué desesperación! O que me falte a mi el aire si el aire que respiro no sea el espíritu del Señor.
Natasha St. Pier: Juste un besoin de chaleur
Et cette chanson m’a conduit à celle-ci, qui est la suivante sur l’album de 2004, L’Instant d’Après.
C’est un danseur qui me serre dans ses bras
Et que je suis dans chacun de ses pas
C’est toi qui me console
Tes mains dans les miennes
C’est un ange qui entre en scèneShow more ›
Natasha St. Pier: Qu’y A-T-Il Entre Nous?
Cette chanson a résonné dans ma tête aujourd’hui. Je ne sais pas pourquoi.
À peine touché le ciel
Qu’il faut déjà descendre
Là haut c’était du miel
Et du vent aussi tendre
Mais ce n’était pas l’heure
Ce n’était pas l’endroit
Pour toucher la douceur
Pour partir en éclatsShow more ›