Going Private: NGOs Needed Now More Than Ever

January 13, 2025 By Rev. Rob Schenck

America’s Coming Oligarchic Criminal Kleptocracy Necessitates a Turn Away From Government-Only Solutions The Wake-Up Call The American political landscape is undergoing a transformation that will soon result in a federal government that is far less supportive and potentially more antagonistic toward its citizens. Based on what incoming administration officials have said, specific segments of the executive branch might do more harm to certain population sectors and whole people groups, even beyond US borders. This shifting dynamic emphasizes why voters who... Read more

Is Kamala Harris an Antichrist?

October 23, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

Why Did Kamala Harris Tell Hecklers They Were at the Wrong Rally? Anti-abortion protestors tried to shout over Kamala Harris as she spoke to an audience in Wisconsin recently, screaming, “Abortion is a sacrament to Satan.” As the hecklers were led out of the hall, they continued shouting, “Christ is King” and “Jesus is Lord.” Several video clips of the incident indicate that Harris likely could not hear them over the boos and clamor that immediately erupted. Close-up recordings make... Read more

A Christian Case for Kamala Harris

July 26, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

For the majority of American evangelicals, voting for any candidate but Donald Trump or being a Democrat as opposed to a Republican is the equivalent of leaving the faith. When I announced my support for Vice President Kamala Harris for U.S. President, many of my ministry colleagues, former supporters, and even old friends questioned my fidelity to the God of the Bible. Some asked what happened to me and how I lost my way. I see my support for Kamala... Read more

My Pilgrim’s Progress In and Out of Christian Nationalism

June 28, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

This article is a near-verbatim transcript of a sermon I delivered on June 23, 2024, at the Commonwealth Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. It’s the first installment in a two-part testimonial of my pilgrimage into and out of the heresy of Christian nationalism. The text was modified only slightly for easier reading Understanding Christian Nationalism I want to start by sharing my understanding of “Christian Nationalism.” To do this, I’ll refer to a friend and colleague who is an expert... Read more

Trump’s Obscene Bible Hawking

March 29, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

Buzzing the Bible The country is abuzz with Bible talk. That’s the best I can say about Donald Trump’s new product endorsement, the God Bless the USA Bible, selling for $59.99 before shipping. A family member who routinely buys Bibles in bulk suspects the wholesale cost of Trump’s large-print, faux leather book is $4-$5 per unit. That’s a handsome return. From information on the Bible’s webpage, Trump has a deal with the promoters that compensates him for his praise of... Read more

Alabama Embryo Ruling and Theocracy

February 26, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

The implications of the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling on the legal child status of frozen embryos are not only anti-child, anti-family, and anti-science, but they may also constitute a form of legalistic Christian heresy, not to mention antidisestablishmentarianism. (I’ve always wanted to use that word in this column!) In a concurring opinion, Chief Justice Tom Parker relies on a Christian Nationalist dominionist theology to imperil many Alabamians’ only path to parenthood. My History With Alabama’s Parker Court Back in 2005, I said... Read more

Religious Freedom Dancers Miss a Step

February 5, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

Unique Power of Religion Human history proves religion can be one of the most potent forces for good—or evil. Because it engages with the transcendent, religion looms large over us, dwarfing much of what is earthly, temporal, and material. In my estimation, this makes religious voices unique, commanding, and timeless. Regarding human relations, religion can be an unparalleled uniter or divider. I saw it acting in both modes this week while attending the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington,... Read more

Marking This Day of Light and Darkness

January 6, 2024 By Rev. Rob Schenck

Wow—what a January 6. It seems fitting that January 6th is now (in the United States) both the observance of the Epiphany when the Magi beheld the Christ Child—and, for Americans, the commemoration of the terrible attack on the U.S. Congress three years ago. Two Contrasting Days Why? Because Jesus was born at a similar time of social and political turmoil, when tyrants oppressed minority populations, pompous autocrats abused and exploited their constituents, and false messiahs spawned violent rebellions. In... Read more

Trump as Our Example . . .

December 28, 2023 By Rev. Rob Schenck

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, I used Donald Trump as an example in many sermons. Those mentions were not complimentary, however. What I saw Trump was then is what I see him as now: a perfect example of what it means not to live as a Christian. Trump and I Go Way Back In the last ten years, I’ve met Donald Trump in person twice, but he has played in the background of my life and formation as a minister... Read more

Court May Be Right, But Teacher’s Wrong

December 18, 2023 By Rev. Rob Schenck

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The Supreme Court of Virginia recently ruled in favor of a public school teacher fired for refusing to use male pronouns for a transgender student. Lower courts had dismissed the teacher’s lawsuits against his former employer, but the state’s highest court reinstated his right to sue them. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a Christian conservative public interest law firm representing the teacher, hailed the court decision as a significant victory for religious freedom. The teacher asserts using the male pronouns... Read more