No Retreat, No Surrender: Gene Veith on Christian-living in an age of confusion, exile, pagan plurality and postmodernism.
My interest in Gene Edward Veith Jnr’s work began in 2012 after reading ‘Modern Fascism’ (1993). In it Veith shows himself to be a fearless, sharp, forward-thinking academic who isn’t afraid to stick his neck out when presenting sensitive facts. For a scholar, this isn’t just risky, it often means standing alone, on uncomfortable truths, that have either been conveniently buried or ignored. Taking a stand can end in ostracism or excommunication. One potent example is Veith’s thunderous proclamation that ‘fascism is back in academia’. This rides on the coattails of a discussion about the defence (and for some, the denial)…
Postmodern Times: A Christian guide to contemporary thought and culture
Several weeks ago, several second-hand books were being given away at my church. After cursorily browsing them, I disinterestedly selected Postmodern Times by Gene Veith, Jr. Usually, a book like that could easily sit on my pile for a year before being touched, but as it happens I decided to at least read the introduction when I arrived at home. It turned out that this would be the second non-fiction book I have read in my life that I would have difficulty putting down (The other is God’s Undertaker by John Lennox). It was outstanding. What first struck me about…
Scott Morrison can’t save the election, but he can save politics.
The problem with Australian politics is the paradox of a lack of clear choices and a context of unprecedented polarisation. If I can even be so naive as to suggest there is only one problem, or even only one main problem, optimism about political debate and futures could be greatly improved simply by the major parties clearly distinguishing themselves from each other. There’s a common frustration about both parties being nearly indistinguishable. MPs in the parties often feel this is unfair, especially those further from the centre, and their feelings are not without merit. But neither are the comparisons. For…
Epiphany 2019: His great joy will be our strength.
Since 2014 I’ve been committed to considering what different things God might have to say at the close of Christmas. Traditionally this is Epiphany, the 6th January, marking the end of the twelve days of Christmas. Magi from the East (Persia), following the star (likely to be the well-timed rare alignment of three planets in our Sol system; a Nova or Super Nova) find confirmation of Micah 5:2: “but you, O Bethlehem who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin…
Reagan’s reminder: “The martyrs of history were not fools.”
This has the sharp edge of poignant relevance painted all over it: Now let’s set the record straight. There’s no argument over the choice between peace and war, but there’s only one guaranteed way you can have peace—and you can have it in the next second—surrender. Admittedly, there’s a risk in any course we follow other than this, but every lesson of history tells us that the greater risk lies in appeasement, and this is the specter our well-meaning liberal friends refuse to face—that their policy of accommodation is appeasement, and it gives no choice between peace and war, only…
What if Mary gave birth to Jesus in, politically correct, abortion-obsessed, the-future-is-female, 2018?
Here’s how a committee meeting between Herod and his advisers might sound, if such a meeting were to take place in a Western context today. “This baby! This Jesus, his mother and father, is a threat to us! Committee members, you are asked to agree with Herod’s call for the genocide of all new born male Hebrew children. For by this child’s very existence, all the power structures that surround him stand unprotected. This so-called, “Prince of peace”, is a threat to safe spaces, our glorious goal of perpetual revolution and the power of its leaders.” “This child’s birth is…
United Nations push to CRIMINALISE criticism of migration.
The Global Compact on Migration is said to be the “legalisation of mass migration” by declaring migration a human right. The compact is also said to be the “legal framework on which the participating countries commit themselves to build new legislation.” What makes the migration pact even more concerning is that it seeks to criminalise criticism of migration, by individuals and media outlets. “One basic element of this new agreement is the extension of the definition of ‘hate speech’… Criticism of migration will become a criminal offense. And media outlets that give room to criticism of migration can be shut…
Is anti-discrimination the first commandment?
Drawing on the work of two American writers, Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, Paul Kelly wrote recently of ‘the three great lies corroding Western cultures’. In his view, these are: first, that disputes today are a battle between good (defined as the oppressed victims) and evil (defined as the privileged minority); secondly, that people will be made weaker by being challenged so they need to be protected and made safe; and thirdly, that we must always trust our feelings. All that is undeniable, but associated with these great lies is the confusion in our view of the law. In the…
Malaysia and Indonesia warn Australia, obey Muslims or risk more terrorism.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has suggested Australian’s cause Islamic terrorism by defying the demands of Muslims. Speaking of Australia’s intention to move their embassy in Israel, Mahathir said: “I pointed out that in dealing with terrorism, one has to know the causes. Adding to the cause for terrorism is not going to be helpful.” Indonesian politicians made a similar threat. But keep in mind, every year the Australian government hands over $360-million of Australian taxpayer’s money to the ingrates in Indonesia for “foreign aid” purposes, like acquiring Apache attack helicopters worth $400-million. “Australia’s consideration on moving its embassy will…
Anne Aly is an expert in political opportunism
It was reported Saturday that Labor MP Anne Aly was highly critical of the Prime Minister for how he handled the terror attack in, where else but, Labor’s Victoria. Touted as a counter-terrorism expert, the leftist Islam apologist accused the PM of ‘dividing the community’ by pointing out that “the greatest threat to our way of life is radical, violent, extremist Islam.” Of course, fundamental Islam is more than a bit of a problem for all culturally Christian nations where it has any significant presence; and the bigger the presence, the bigger the problem. The sober reality which doesn’t fit…
Who Are the Real Fascists?
If the facts cannot be squeezed into a meme the level of attention those facts receive is reduced. Attention to detail is overlooked for what will best attract a view, a like, a follow or a share. Information is seen purely as a commodity.
Why Social Justice Warriors are the brethren of Judas Iscariot, not Jesus Christ.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Social Justice Warrior is ‘a person who expresses or promotes socially progressive views.’ The online Urban dictionary offers a more substantial explanation: A pejorative term for an individual who repeatedly and vehemently engages in arguments on social justice on the Internet, often in a shallow or not well-thought-out way, for the purpose of raising their own personal reputation. A social justice warrior, or SJW, does not necessarily strongly believe all that they say, or even care about the groups they are fighting on behalf of. They typically repeat points from whoever is the most…
WATCH: Social media fury, advert showing model removing Islamic head covering slammed for “Islamophobia.”
A clothing line is being widely criticized on social media after releasing an advertisement which suggests female Islamic clothing is oppressive. The 20-second advert is part of a campaign for Israeli brand Hoodies and features Israeli model Bar Refaeli wearing a niqab and hijab. The words, “Is it Iran here?” appear on the screen before Refaeli removed her Islamic dress to reveal Hoodies clothing. The ad ends with the line, “Freedom is Basic.” "iran is here?"look at this very racist and islamophobic commercial the israeli clothing company "hoodies" just released.. pic.twitter.com/KyVBuIQBVN — noam is an angry kike (@carolvalkyrie) October 29,…
When there is nowhere else to go
There are times in life when it becomes obvious not only that the God who has revealed Himself in Christ is true, but that there is nowhere else to go. One such moment occurred for the apostles when many people who had been disciples of Jesus left Him because of His hard sayings (see John 6:60-66). Jesus then challenged the Twelve: ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ (John 6:66) Here they were, looking at the backs of the people who were their erstwhile friends and who were now leaving. They must have been asking themselves: ‘Did we get…
Muslim Labor MP following Hamas organisations on Twitter links followers to KKK leader.
How hateful do you have to be to get expelled from the Party of Diversity? We’ll find out today, depending on whether NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley removes Shaquette Moselmane as the Labor Party’s Chief Whip in the upper house. Moselmane has form for antisemitic tweeting, as NSW Treasurer pointed out in Question Time yesterday. But his dissemination – at 10pm Wednesday night – of a Jewish conspiracy article is a new low, even for him. It’s more a ramble than an article – the familiar trope about Israelis controlling Australian foreign policy – but what makes it interesting is…
Senator Fraser Anning uses the words ‘final solution’ and our politicians and media desperately want you to be outraged.
Our politicians and media like to control the people. They’ll tell you what causes to support, what comments to be outraged at, what we can and what we cannot talk about, and which people ought to be socially rejected. Take Lauren Southern’s recent Australian tour for example. Almost every media outlet in the country had something to say about the alt-right, far-right, right-wing, homophobic, transphobic, white-supremacist, fascist, anti-feminist, Nazi, racist 23-year-old Canadian. But even Joe Hildebrand noted, “most of the news articles I’ve read don’t actually outline what her ideas are. Instead she is typically just referred to as racist,…
Fascinating Time-Lapse Video Shows the Spread of Christianity Over the Past 2,000 Years
“…if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Peter FitzSimons: ‘If James Slipper chooses to take cocaine… it’s none of my damn business’
It’s obvious. Peter FitzSimons doesn’t like Israel Folau. Earlier this month the Herald columnist berated the rugby start for expressing a biblical view of sexuality on his personal social media accounts. “I am GOBSMACKED by your actions,” FitzSimons wrote. “Your delusions, your arrogance, the sheer stupidity, not to mention venality of posting such a link.” “You are embarrassing yourself,” FitzSimons continued. “And your posts are embarrassing rugby. We need to get to the point soon where you are only embarrassing yourself.” Now, in a remarkable display of hypocrisy, Peter FitzSimons has told Channel Nine’s Sunday Sports panel that it’s none…
Mark Latham destroys Peter FitzSimons: ‘a one-man, putrid, steaming cesspit of hypocrisy’
Mark Latham slammed Peter FitzSimons on Facebook yesterday, after the Herald columnist took yet another swing at rugby player Israel Folau for expressing Christian beliefs. Israel Folau should: — Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) May 9, 2018 “The Red Pirate Peter FitzSimons is a natural-born elite,” wrote Latham. “He lives in an expensive house in an exclusive suburb. He has lots of access to the media. So like all elites, he thinks he has the right to tell other people how to live their lives.” In this Herald article he writes of how “Rugby is an inclusive game”. Then he says Israel…
All Blacks to wear LGBTQ rainbow, as they call for millions to fight against the Christian view of homosexuality
The All Blacks have hit back after Australian rugby star, Israel Folau, caused controversy last month by publicly citing the biblical view of homosexuality. In a display of solidarity with the LGBTQ “community,” the New Zealand rugby team will now sport a jersey that reveals the LGBTQ rainbow when stretched. The new jerseys are part of the #DiversityIsStrength campaign, headed up by team sponsor AIG Insurance. An ad for the campaign was also released on the All Blacks official Facebook page. In call-to-arms style, the ad’s narrator calls for thousands, even millions, to help fight in the “next battle” against…
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