Latest news with #Christian
New York Post
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Whoopi Goldberg denounces people politicizing Texas floods: ‘Nothing to do with Washington'
'The View' co-host Whoopi Goldberg unloaded on those politicizing the devastating Texas floods on Tuesday, calling out individuals who have suggested Texas residents deserved what they got as the state supported President Donald Trump in 2024. 'Agencies are finding that they're not getting the money, because people are blaming the people who died in the floods, and they're saying, 'why should I – you voted for this.' Let me tell you, let's be really clear,' Goldberg began. 'You know, you can't blame anybody for these floods. It's nobody's fault. I didn't do it. You didn't do it. Has nothing to do with Washington. 'This was what happened. This was a natural disaster, and if you are riding on people's socials where you should be giving, if you're saying these kinds of things, damn you. Damn you.' The flooding on July 4 killed at least 129 people in central Texas. The toll is expected to rise as authorities believe more than 160 people may still be missing in Kerr County. 'People are trying to get their lives together. These floods are no joke. This is not light humor. This is not – this is not how we do in America. We show up for whoever is in trouble,' Goldberg continued. Goldberg declared that who a person voted for should not matter in the case of a disaster. 'We don't say, 'who did you vote for?' We don't say, 'who did you vote with?' We show up. We show up for children,' she said. 'We show up for older folks. We show up for middle-aged folks, and we show up for the young because that's what we do as Americans when we find out horrible things are happening in the world.' A former appointee to a Houston city board recently came under fire for claiming that the Texas summer camp devastated in the flooding was 'White-only, conservative [and] Christian.' 5 The flooding on July 4 killed at least 129 people in central Texas. ABC 5 Furnitures lie scattered inside a cabin at Camp Mystic after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, July 5, 2025. REUTERS 5 A search and rescue team looks for people along the Guadalupe River near a damaged building at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 7, 2025, following severe flash flooding that occurred during the July 4 holiday weekend. AFP via Getty Images 'But Camp Mystic is a Whites-only girls Christian camp,' said Slade Perkins, a former member of the Houston Food Insecurity Board, in a TikTok video over the weekend. 'They don't even have a token Asian, they don't have a Token Black person, it is a all White, White-only conservative Christian camp.' Perkins' term expired in January. Several other commentators have shared viral responses blasting the victims of the disaster. 5 The toll is expected to rise as authorities believe more than 160 people may still be missing in Kerr County. Falon Wriede / NY Post Design 5 An officer prays with a family as they pick up items at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. AP 'The people in Texas voted for government services controlled by Donald Trump and Greg Abbott,' added left-wing social media personality Ron Filipkowski. 'That is exactly what they (sic) getting.' Texas pediatrician Christina Propst shared a social media post wishing that 'MAGA' people affected by the flooding should reap the effects of what they voted for, while expressing hope that 'non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry.' 'Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for,' she said, adding, 'Bless their hearts.'
International Business Times
4 hours ago
- General
- International Business Times
Richard Eastland: Camp Mystic Owner Waited 45 Minutes to Evacuate Young Girls after Receiving 'Life-Threatening' Flash Floods Alert
Camp Mystic's co-owner waited for more than 45 minutes after receiving an emergency warning about the "life-threatening" flash floods before he started to evacuate the campers, it has been revealed. Richard "Dick" Eastland — who died trying to rescue young girls at his Hunt, Texas camp along the Guadalupe River — received the initial National Weather Service alert on his phone around 1:14 a.m., according to a family spokesperson who spoke to ABC News. However, he didn't start moving campers to higher ground at the private Christian camp for girls until around 2:00 a.m., just as conditions were rapidly getting worse. The alert came too late to save the girls from there. Too Late to Survive Richard Eastland Facebook "They had no information that indicated the magnitude of what was coming," the family spokesperson, Jeff Carr, said of the floods that killed 27 children and counselors. "They got a standard run-of-the-mill NWS warning that they've seen dozens of times before," Carr said. Eastland began using a walkie-talkie to coordinate with family members working at the camp right after receiving the alert, which did not include an evacuation warning, according to Carr. He added that they only started moving the campers to higher ground once they noticed the floodwaters rising rapidly. Carr said that the timeline—still considered preliminary—was put together based on conversations with Eastland family members who had worked at the camp and played a key role in the evacuation of the girls and the counselors. He insisted that the family choose to share this timeline publicly to avoid speculation and misinformation, following the tragic flash floods that took the lives of 27 children and camp staff. Died Saving Others Richard Eastland Facebook Eastland had been part of the private Christian girls' camp since purchasing it in 1974 and had served as its director. The camp director's wife, Tweety, was found safe at their home, according to Texas Public Radio. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly told the Washington Post that Eastland, a father of four, died in a helicopter while being rushed to a hospital in Houston. Eastland used to teach fishing to the younger campers, and former attendees remembered him as a warm, grandfather-like presence. Both he and his wife were highly respected by the campers and were often spotted teaching or roaming around the campgrounds. The couple has 11 grandchildren, and several of their children and their spouses are actively involved in running the camp. Their eldest son, Richard, oversees the kitchen operations, while their youngest son, Edward, and his wife serve as directors of Camp Mystic Guadalupe River, as mentioned on the camp's website. Both Eastland and his wife attended the University of Texas at Austin and live on the camp property. Eastland represented the third generation of his family to lead the all-girls Christian summer camp, which was founded in 1926.
Time Business News
5 hours ago
- General
- Time Business News
Christmas Decorations: A Timeless Tradition of Joy and Celebration
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, and its festive spirit is unmistakably brought to life through dazzling decorations. From sparkling lights and evergreen trees to handcrafted ornaments and intricate nativity scenes, Christmas decorations are a cherished part of holiday traditions, embodying the warmth, generosity, and joy of the season. This article delves into the rich history of Christmas decorations, explores the various types and cultural influences, and discusses how modern trends are shaping the way we celebrate today. 1. The Origins of Christmas Decorations a. Pagan Roots and Winter Celebrations Before the advent of Christianity, many ancient civilizations celebrated winter solstice festivals. The Romans observed Saturnalia, a week-long celebration honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. Homes were adorned with wreaths, garlands, and greenery like holly and ivy—symbols of eternal life. Similarly, Germanic tribes brought evergreen branches into their homes during the darkest days of winter to symbolize hope and renewal. These early customs laid the groundwork for many Christmas decoration traditions that followed. b. The Christian Influence As Christianity spread through Europe, many pagan customs were adapted into Christian traditions. By the 4th century, December 25 was designated as the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, the symbols of eternal life (such as evergreens and candles) were reinterpreted to align with Christian theology—signifying the everlasting life offered by Christ and the light of the world. 2. The Evolution of the Christmas Tree a. From Pagan Symbol to Christian Tradition The Christmas tree is perhaps the most iconic decoration of the season. Its origins can be traced back to 16th-century Germany, where devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built wooden pyramids and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. The tradition is often associated with Martin Luther, who is said to have added lighted candles to a tree to replicate the starry night sky. b. Spreading the Tradition By the 18th century, the Christmas tree tradition had spread across Europe. It was popularized in England by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, in the 1840s. A published engraving of the royal family around a decorated tree helped the tradition gain popularity in Britain and, soon after, in America. Today, Christmas trees range from real evergreens to artificial models in a variety of styles and colors, often personalized with ornaments, lights, ribbons, and themed decorations. 3. Types of Christmas Decorations Christmas decorations are diverse, each with unique symbolism and purpose. Here's a breakdown of the most common types: a. Christmas Lights Originally candles, Christmas lights were used to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. With the invention of electric lights by Thomas Edison and their adaptation to Christmas trees by Edward H. Johnson in 1882, the practice became safer and more widespread. Modern lights come in many forms: String lights LED light sculptures Projection lights Solar-powered outdoor lights b. Ornaments Christmas ornaments add beauty and personalization to trees and homes. They range from traditional glass baubles and handcrafted figurines to heirlooms and DIY creations. Common themes include: Angels Stars Snowflakes Santas Animals Family photo ornaments c. Wreaths and Garlands Wreaths, typically made of evergreen branches, are hung on doors and walls to represent eternal life. Garlands, made of similar materials, adorn staircases, mantels, and doorways. They may be enhanced with berries, pinecones, ribbons, and lights. d. Stockings Rooted in the legend of St. Nicholas, Christmas stockings are hung on mantels for Santa to fill with small gifts. They are often personalized and come in a variety of fabrics and themes. e. Nativity Scenes These religious displays depict the birth of Jesus Christ with figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, shepherds, and animals. Nativity scenes are an important symbol of the religious significance of Christmas, especially in Christian households. f. Advent Calendars and Wreaths Advent decorations help countdown to Christmas Day. Calendars reveal a small gift, chocolate, or message for each day, while Advent wreaths hold four candles lit weekly leading up to Christmas. 4. Cultural Variations in Christmas Decorations Different cultures have their own unique Christmas decoration styles, reflecting their traditions, values, and climate. a. Europe Germany : Known for intricate wooden decorations like nutcrackers and smokers, and beautifully crafted glass ornaments. : Known for intricate wooden decorations like nutcrackers and smokers, and beautifully crafted glass ornaments. Sweden : Incorporates straw goats (Julbock), stars, and candle-lit windows. : Incorporates straw goats (Julbock), stars, and candle-lit windows. Italy: Focuses heavily on nativity scenes (presepi), often elaborate and displayed throughout homes and towns. b. Latin America Countries such as Mexico celebrate with colorful piñatas, poinsettias (native to the region), and vibrant street decorations. 'Las Posadas' processions often include lanterns and nativity-themed décor. c. United States and Canada A mix of traditions from around the world, with an emphasis on indoor/outdoor lighting displays, inflatable lawn decorations, and personalized ornaments. d. Asia In countries like Japan and the Philippines, where Christians are minorities, decorations are often commercial and festive. The Philippines features 'parol' lanterns, a unique and beautiful tradition symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. 5. Outdoor Decorations: Bringing the Festivities Outside Modern Christmas celebrations often extend beyond the interiors of homes. Outdoor decorations have grown in popularity, with entire neighborhoods transforming into glowing wonderlands. Common outdoor décor includes: Lighted reindeer and sleighs Inflatable Santas and snowmen Candy cane pathway lights Roof and window light outlines Projectors displaying snowflakes or holiday messages In some regions, decorating homes has become a friendly competition, with contests for the best light displays. 6. DIY and Sustainable Christmas Decorations As interest in sustainability grows, more people are turning to eco-friendly and DIY decorations. These options allow for creativity, reduce waste, and add a personal touch to holiday decor. a. Natural Decorations Dried orange slices Cinnamon sticks and star anise Pinecones Twigs and evergreen branches Homemade wreaths and garlands b. Recycled Materials Upcycled ornaments from old holiday cards Paper snowflakes Fabric scraps turned into bows or tree skirts Glass jars as candle holders c. Minimalist Decor Minimalism in holiday decor emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty. Neutral color palettes, fewer decorations, and handmade touches reflect a desire for slower, more intentional celebrations. 7. The Role of Commercialization With the rise of mass production and global trade, Christmas decorations have become a multibillion-dollar industry. Stores start selling decorations as early as October, and every year sees new trends in color schemes, themes, and technology. Popular commercial trends include: Themed trees (e.g., rustic farmhouse, glam gold, Nordic) Smart lighting systems controllable by apps Customizable projection and animation displays Collectible ornament series from popular franchises While commercialization has made decorating more accessible and exciting, many people still cherish the emotional value of traditional and handmade items. 8. Decorating as a Family Tradition For many households, decorating for Christmas is a treasured family ritual. Unpacking the same ornaments each year becomes a nostalgic experience, with stories tied to each piece. Children may help string lights, hang stockings, or place the star on the tree. Families often play music, drink hot cocoa, and share laughs while decorating—creating lifelong memories. This ritual reinforces the emotional importance of the holiday season: connection, joy, and giving. 9. Public Displays and Community Celebrations Beyond individual homes, communities also join in the festive spirit with public decorations. City centers, malls, churches, and town squares often go all out to celebrate the season. Some popular public decorations include: Giant Christmas trees (e.g., Rockefeller Center in New York) Ice skating rinks surrounded by twinkling lights Light festivals and holiday parades Church displays and live nativity scenes These displays foster a sense of community and celebration, bringing people together regardless of their personal beliefs. 10. The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Decorations Psychologists suggest that decorating for Christmas can have positive emotional effects. The festive colors, lights, and symbols can trigger happy memories, reduce stress, and create a sense of comfort and excitement. Studies have shown that early decorators often report feeling happier and more nostalgic, especially when connected to childhood traditions. In a world that can often feel fast-paced and stressful, Christmas decorations serve as a reminder to pause, reflect, and celebrate. Conclusion Christmas decorations are far more than just festive embellishments—they are symbols of history, culture, memory, and emotion. From their ancient roots to modern innovations, they continue to evolve while maintaining their power to bring joy and warmth. Whether you're drawn to traditional nativity scenes, minimalist Scandinavian style, or a fully decked-out, glowing lawn display, Christmas decorations reflect the spirit of the season and the values that matter most: love, togetherness, and hope. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Los Angeles Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Chip and Joanna Gaines' new show features a same-sex married couple. Some Christians are ‘disappointed'
Chip Gaines had a few select words after Samaritan's Purse founder Franklin Graham publicly criticized his and wife Joanna's new HBO Max show for casting a same-sex couple with twins among the three families who are featured. Graham, who is the son of evangelist Billy Graham, wrote Saturday on X that he found it 'very disappointing' to hear that Jason Hanna, Joe Riggs and their boys, Ethan and Lucas, were included on 'Back to the Frontier,' produced by Magnolia Network. Chip and Joanna Gaines created Magnolia and are executive producers on the show. 'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series. If It is true, it is very disappointing,' Graham wrote. 'While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.' The American Family Assn. — which bills itself as a 'pro-family organization' and was formerly known as the National Federation for Decency — chimed in first, posting a statement from Vice President Ed Vitagliano saying, 'This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community. Moreover, in the past, they have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that has entailed. We aren't sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family — a view no Christian should embrace.' Chip Gaines, who with his wife belongs to the evangelical Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, fired off what seemed to be a reply on Sunday. 'Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never,' he wrote on X. 'It's a sad sunday when 'non believers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.' Matt Walsh, a conservative filmmaker, political commentator and podcast host at the Daily Wire, fired back at Chip Gaines with a response that said, 'Maybe you should endeavor to understand the basic moral teachings of your own alleged religion before you give lectures to other people about their lack of understanding.' Two hours after his 'sad sunday' post, Gaines wrote that his family was off to worship, reposting a 2016 tweet in which he said, 'In times of trouble.. you'll find the gaines family at church.' Meanwhile, on her Instagram on Tuesday, Joanna Gaines was promoting all the Magnolia Network shows nominated for Daytime Emmys. Separate from the online back-and-forth, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs have been posting about their family on their @2_dallas_dads Instagram account since the arrival of the twins in May 2014. 'When our boys were born — our twin boys were born via surrogacy in 2014 — we faced some legal challenges, and so we've always felt it it to be important that we try to be an example for same-sex couples,' Hanna told Queerty in a story published last week. 'And so we're super honored that, when they were choosing three modern day families, they did choose the same[-sex] couple as a modern-day family — because we are; we're your neighbors, and your coworkers. And so it was this amazing opportunity to [continue to] normalize same-sex couples and same-sex families.' 'Back to the Frontier' throws three families — from Alabama, Florida and Texas — into an eight-week scenario that recalls the 1880s. Living on the 'frontier,' the families have to reinforce their own shelters, raise livestock, collect food and manage their supplies. The goal by the end of the show is to gather enough resources to make it through winter. But don't worry — the families are all back in modern air-conditioning right now. 'Through this immersive experience, the families will have to reflect on their relationships and navigate the challenges that come with an 1880s lifestyle,' HBO Max said in a release. The show premiered Thursday. HBO Max did not reply immediately to The Times' request for additional comment Tuesday. Chip and Joanna Gaines were caught up in a different conflict over LGBTQ+ issues in May 2023 after Target, which carries the couple's Magnolia Home line among its household items, came under fire for carrying transgender-targeted items as part of its seasonal Pride Month selections. Some critics also hammered Target's recognition of Pride Month at all. A boycott was urged among right-wing conservatives. They also called for a comment from the couple. 'No one doubts that Chip and Joanna are good people, kind, moral, and aligned with American values,' Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy said at the time when she was subbing as host of 'Jesse Watters Primetime.' 'But if I had a line at a company and my name was on it and that brand partnered with a trans Satanist that makes tuck 'em bikinis for kids, I would feel compelled to speak up. 'Now, maybe they're raising questions internally. Of course, that's possible, but why aren't they doing so publicly?' The person whom Campos-Duffy — wife of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy — called a 'trans Satanist' is London designer Erik Carnell, who is trans and whose Abprallen line had partnered with Target until the retailer ended the relationship under pressure from the boycott. Carnell's full line included a design that said 'Satan respects pronouns.' That design was never available at Target, according to CNN. Conservative activist Benny Johnson also posted a video of himself in a Target store at the time, touring the Pride Month section, then walking what he said was '10 steps' to the Magnolia Home display. He referred to Joanna Gaines and her family sarcastically as 'the paragons of Christian entrepreneurs and family values.' 'I've been tweeting about how Christian influencers Chip & Joanna Gaines have not disavowed Target's Satanic child grooming despite the backlash,' he said. 'What I didn't know is the Gaines Section of Target is directly ACROSS from the Groomer section. Not cool.' Chip and Joanna Gaines did not speak out during that controversy.
Boston Globe
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
John MacArthur, firebrand preacher and culture warrior, dies at 86
Advertisement His church's growth defied conventional wisdom about 'seeker-sensitivity,' a model that emphasized appealing to non-churchgoers. Rev. MacArthur rejected a more accessible evangelical preaching style that favored ostensibly real-life anecdotes and practical applications. His dogged emphasis on expository preaching -- narrowly focused on the meaning and historical context of a particular piece of Scripture -- influenced thousands of conservative Protestant pastors who studied at the seminary he led, or simply listened to his sermons on the radio or online. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'Evangelicalism is a pulpit-driven movement, and John has driven the most influential pulpit in evangelical Christianity for more than a half a century,' R. Albert Mohler Jr., the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville, Ky., said in an interview this year. In recent years, Rev. MacArthur increasingly waded into political and cultural skirmishes. He denounced critical race theory and became a leading Christian critic of 'wokeness.' After his church closed for several months at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, it defied state public health orders and began holding indoor in-person services. The church later received an $800,000 settlement from the state and Los Angeles County, after suing on the grounds that the restrictions impinged on religious freedom. Advertisement In August 2020, Rev. MacArthur told an interviewer for a podcast associated with Liberty University that President Trump had called him to thank him for 'taking a stand' on church closures. The two men discussed why 'Christians could not vote Democratic,' MacArthur said. 'There's no way that a Christian could affirm the slaughter of babies, homosexual activity, homosexual marriage, or any kind of gross immorality.' Rev. MacArthur didn't just clash with secular authorities and liberal politicians. More often, he took on perceived enemies within Christianity. He preached on the errors of Roman Catholicism and published multiple books on the dangers of charismatic theology and the prosperity gospel -- strains of Protestantism that emphasize miraculous healing and promises of wealth, and that flourished over the course of his lifetime. He attacked popular evangelical figures including the Bible teacher Beth Moore and various pastors, including televangelists Robert Schuller and Joel Osteen, always citing specific Bible verses in his critiques. His interest in threats to Christianity from within was evident early on: He wrote his graduate thesis on Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus in the Gospels' account. Rev. MacArthur's preaching style was deceptively simple. He would speak for about 45 minutes, walking his congregation line by line through a single Bible passage. He also produced a popular study Bible and a 33-volume set of New Testament commentaries, among many other books. Advertisement His critics said that he misled listeners by insisting that even the thorniest passages in the New Testament had a single clear, true meaning. To his supporters, this was exactly the point. Unlike liberal pastors and academics, Rev. MacArthur believed that 'there's a historical, grammatical, literal sense to the text that can be derived through study,' said Austin Duncan, the director of the MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching at the Master's Seminary in Sun Valley, Calif., which Rev. MacArthur had founded in 1986. 'It isn't a subjective thing, it's an objective reality.' In 1985, Rev. MacArthur became president of the former Los Angeles Baptist College, now known as the Master's University. He opened the Master's Seminary soon afterward to train men -- and only men -- to become pastors. Unlike many pastors who ascend to a national platform, Rev. MacArthur never gave up his local role: He was the head pastor at Grace Community Church for more than 56 years. An online archive of his sermons includes more than 3,000 recordings. Known in many evangelical circles as simply 'JMac,' he had a preaching approach that translated well overseas, where it required little cultural interpretation. His books have been translated into at least 40 languages. And even his older sermons have not aged as noticeably as more recent ones from other pastors, who make frequent reference to pop culture or newspaper headlines. Rev. MacArthur 'inspired thousands of pastors to believe that explaining what the Bible means honors God, saves people, and is just plain interesting,' John Piper, a retired pastor and popular theologian in Minnesota who was a longtime friend, said in an email. 'To this day, from Dallas to Dubai, young people (especially men) come up to me and say that they listen to John MacArthur.' Advertisement John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. was born June 19, 1939. He was the eldest child of Jack MacArthur, a Baptist pastor, and Irene (Dockendorf) MacArthur, who managed the home. The family lived briefly in Philadelphia and Chicago during his childhood, but he was raised primarily in Southern California, where he would spend the rest of his life. He spent a few years at the fundamentalist Bob Jones University, following his father's prodding, and then transferred to Los Angeles Pacific College to play football and other sports. Rev. MacArthur was a fifth-generation preacher. His grandfather, Harry MacArthur, had a live weekly radio and television program in the 1940s, 'The Voice of Calvary.' His father eventually took it over, and Rev. MacArthur began preaching occasionally on Sunday evenings. He married Patricia Sue Smith, whom he met at his father's church, in 1963. In addition to his wife, he leaves their four children, Matthew, Marcy Gwinn, Mark, and Melinda Welch; two sisters, Jeanette DeAngelis and Jane Walker; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He arrived at Grace Community Church in February of 1969. On his first Sunday, the 29-year-old preached to his new congregation on three verses from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. In the passage, Jesus says that not everyone who professes faith will enter the kingdom of heaven. Most American church members, Rev. MacArthur told his congregants, were likewise 'dead spiritually.' Advertisement He intended to nurture Grace as a living church, which to him meant one that boldly proclaimed the truth, no matter if it led to conflict. 'The church must be the conscience of the world,' he said. 'The church must be so well defined that it becomes the antagonist of the world.' This article originally appeared in
