CP U.S.

Thursday, Jul 16, 2015

CP's Top 10 News Stories of 2014

  • (Photo: Reuters/Richard Carson)
    Houston Mayor Annise Parker (R) talks during a news conference after she presided over her first City Council meeting following her inauguration in Houston January 4, 2010.
January 1, 2015|12:18 pm

As the new year is already upon us, The Christian Post would like to offer a brief look back at the major issues and events of 2014.

Pastors in Houston were almost forced to hand over all their sermons that touched on the topic of homosexuality, a major U.S. megachurch became nonexistent, Christians around the world saw a rise in attacks especially with the rise of terrorist group ISIS, and fear spread around the world as the Ebola virus spread rapidly in West Africa. Below is the full top ten list.

1. Liberal Intolerance: 'Duck Dynasty,' Mozilla, Benham Brothers and Houston Mayor Subpoena Scandal


2014 started with Alan Robertson talking to CP about the fallout over LGBT activist groups, such as GLAAD, calling on A&E to drop Phil Robertson from "Duck Dynasty" after they saw an easily accessible YouTube video of the family patriarch naming homosexuality as a sin. Under pressure, the network decided to drop Phil from the show before reinstating him last January.

The next show to get mired in controversy was Jason and David Benham's HGTV home construction reality TV show "Flip It Forward" that was canceled before it debuted after it was discovered that the twin brothers are openly opposed to abortion, homosexuality and no-fault divorce.

HGTV made the announcement via social media just one day after the website Right Wing Watch published a post labeling David as an "anti-gay, anti-choice extremist," for leading a 2012 prayer rally outside of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the rally, he said the nation needs prayer to stop homosexuality, which he said is a sin, according to the Bible.

Similarly, Brendan Eich, the CEO of Mozilla, was forced out of his job because he supported a California ballot initiative to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In 2008, Eich donated $1,000 in support of Proposition 8 that sought to amend the state constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. The bill passed with 52 percent of the vote in the California state assembly and was approved by voters, but the Supreme Court overturned it in 2013.

In October, Houston's openly-gay Mayor Annise Parker was sued for throwing out petition signatures and declining to place on the ballot a repeal of the city's new transgender law that critics claim would allow men who identify as female to use women's bathrooms.

Subsequently, Parker's legal team issued subpoenas to five Houston pastors for all of their sermon notes and personal communication related to homosexuality and gender identity. The move, apparently an attempt to intimidate the pastors into backing off, backfired quickly. There was national outrage over the subpoenas and legal experts from across the political spectrum all agreed that the subpoenas were overly broad. Parker first changed the subpoenas to not include sermons, then dropped the subpoenas entirely. The suit will go to trial sometime this month.

Click here to read "33 Examples of Intolerant Liberalism in 2014"

http://www.christianpost.com/news/houston-sermon-subpoena-scandal-5-things-you-need-to-know-128268/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/exclusive-alan-robertson-speaks-out-on-duck-dynasty-controversies-111947/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/mozilla-ceo-resigns-from-post-after-being-vilified-for-his-views-on-gay-marriage-117371/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/benham-brothers-theres-an-agenda-in-america-to-silence-christians-119485/

2. Christians Fight for Religious Freedom: Gay Wedding Cakes and Abortifacients in Health Plans

Christian business owners throughout the U.S. have faced steep fines, been forced to close their small family businesses or even been required to take "diversity training" classes after declining to participate in gay weddings because same-sex marriage goes against their religious beliefs. One Oregon couple was forced to close their bakery after declining to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian marriage ceremony and are facing the threat of having to pay $150,000 in damages. A Christian family in New York was issued a $13,000 fine after they refused to allow a same-sex couple to use their farm as the venue for their wedding ceremony. And the New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled that photographers cannot decline to participate in gay weddings, stating in its decision that it would be tantamount to refusing to take photographs at a mixed-race wedding.

Even after a repudiation from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Obama administration has continued its effort to force faith-based organizations to pay for birth control and abortifacient drugs that they find morally objectionable. Closely-held corporations must be allowed an exemption from the birth control mandate if it violates their sincerely held religious beliefs, the Supreme Court said. Nonetheless, the Obama administration has continued to require that certain religious groups, like colleges and hospitals, be active participants in something they find morally objectionable.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-couple-forced-to-close-bakery-due-to-gay-activism-may-face-over-150k-in-damages-127331/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/order-forcing-christian-colorado-baker-to-do-sensitivity-training-for-gay-clients-vague-and-lousy-says-lawyer-120958/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/court-rejects-nonprofits-religious-challenge-to-obamacare-birth-control-mandate-129796/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/after-losing-to-hobby-lobby-obama-fighting-nuns-over-birth-control-mandate-126134/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/hobby-lobby-wins-supreme-court-rules-christian-owned-businesses-can-reject-birth-control-mandate-122451/

3. Christian Persecution in the World

Christians throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Some are being held in prison in Iran, denied government services in India, or even killed in that country and Pakistan for being falsely accused of violating those countries' blasphemy laws. In Iran, three pastors and one deacon are in prison for their Christian faith, and Boko Haram continues to slaughter Christians and kidnap girls in Nigeria.

After being falsely accused of ripping pages out of a Quran, Christian parents Bibi Shehzad and Shamah Masih were tortured, had their legs broken and were thrown into a brick kiln by a Muslim mob in Pakistan on Nov. 4. In Iran, American pastor Saeed Abedini is serving an 8-year prison sentence for his Christian faith. Abedini has already served two years of his sentence and not only faces beatings, but threats from ISIS sympathizers in the prison who claim they're plotting to kill him.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/hindu-nationalist-group-seeking-to-cleanse-christian-presence-from-india-is-not-unlike-isis-watchdog-group-warns-126033/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-saeed-abedini-in-severe-pain-in-iranian-prison-131160/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/scores-killed-thousands-flee-christian-town-in-boko-haram-rampage-in-nigeria-130467/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/lawyer-representing-3-christians-facing-prison-for-faith-in-iran-denied-access-to-clients-130201/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/church-of-pakistan-confirms-christian-couple-was-burned-alive-by-1500-muslims-over-rumor-they-ripped-pages-from-quran-129429/

4. Race and Policing

Reactions to the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in Long Island, New York, and to the grand jury decisions not to bring the officers responsible for those deaths to trial, highlighted the racial tension that continues to plague the United States. The decisions were followed by both peaceful demonstrations and riots, and a national discussion about policing and racism.

Dr. Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary and executive editor of The Christian Post, has called on Christian churches to lead the way in achieving "true racial reconciliation and justice."

http://www.christianpost.com/news/michael-browns-image-of-god-needs-to-be-affirmed-by-justice-system-says-evangelical-social-justice-leader-125326/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/jesus-would-be-right-here-declares-seminary-vp-in-nycs-massive-protest-over-eric-garners-death-130720/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/racial-reconciliation-and-the-gospel-how-we-can-exorcize-the-ghosts-of-the-past-131045/

5. The Rise of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq

Thousands of Christians in Iraq and Syria are being tossed from their homes, killed, raped and pillaged by ISIS terrorists. The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in conjunction with the U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq, released a report that investigated ISIS' violations of human rights by conducting interviews with over 500 internally displaced witnesses. The UN investigators found that the jihadists' campaign in Iraq has led to over 24,000 Iraqi civilians being injured or killed in the first eight months of 2014. The terrorists are known for killing, kidnapping and persecuting citizens of all religious beliefs, including those holding ISIS' own faith of Sunni Islam, as well as recruiting 12- and 13-year-old boys and forcing women and girls into sex slavery.

ISIS' beginnings can be traced to the Second Gulf War in 2003, when the U.S., along with a small coalition of other nations, invaded Iraq and toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. Among the diverse insurgency fighting coalition forces and the new Iraqi government was the extremist Islamic group al-Qaeda in Iraq. ISIS was formed out of the al-Qaeda affiliate in April 2013 and led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a mysterious jihadist who is believed to have been born in Iraq in 1971. Initially centered on Iraq and known as the Islamic State of Iraq, ISIS added the second S for Syria to its name as that nation's civil war erupted several years ago.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/who-is-isis-4-important-facts-about-the-ruthless-terror-group-in-iraq-124853/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/is-islamic-state-a-civilizational-threat-125851/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/un-report-on-isis-24000-killed-injured-by-islamic-state-children-used-as-soldiers-women-sold-as-sex-slaves-127761/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/this-is-insane-us-yazidi-activist-nyc-pastor-describe-genocidal-atrocities-committed-by-isis-in-iraq-photos-131806/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/isis-cultural-cleansing-of-mideast-christians-ignored-by-complacent-americans-robert-george-complains-126163/

6. Mark Driscoll and the End of Mars Hill Megachurch

He was a sought-after speaker and a popular preacher known for his confrontational preaching style and strict orthodoxy, but after a series of accusations, from plagiarism in his books to a divisive leadership style, Mark Driscoll quickly fell from his position as lead pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle this past year and was booted from the Acts 29 church planting network he helped found.

Moreover, what was once one of the fastest growing and largest churches in the country has now dissolved. After nearly 20 years, expansion to over a dozen campuses and drawing more than 12,000 attendees every Sunday, Mars Hill now ceases to exist, as Mars Hill Communications Director Justin Dean stated.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/reaction-to-pastor-mark-driscolls-resignation-includes-sadness-gratitude-from-mars-hill-church-community-128141/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/mars-hill-church-on-course-to-dissolve-by-end-of-year-local-congregations-make-decisions-on-future-129528/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/mark-driscolls-resignation-set-mars-hill-church-on-a-different-trajectory-says-elder-local-congregations-look-to-the-future-after-decision-to-dissolve-129073/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/rick-warren-tells-mars-hill-congregation-on-its-final-sunday-dont-be-bitter-131778/

7. Immigration and the Border Crisis

It was considered a humanitarian crisis as thousands of unaccompanied children crossed the southern border illegally into the United States this past summer. Military bases were forced to become "refugee camps," as House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, had put it.

While faith leaders called for immediate action and also stepped up to serve the needs of the undocumented immigrants, lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would directly address the situation. Still, fewer children were found crossing over in the later summer months. Meanwhile, calls for immigration reform continue.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-charities-take-on-border-crisis-with-humanitarian-needs-serve-refugees-with-the-heart-of-christ-123199/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/illegal-immigrant-children-are-created-in-the-image-of-god-issue-is-not-just-political-says-russell-moore-after-touring-texas-facilites-123710/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/border-crisis-caused-by-epidemic-levels-of-violence-against-children-expert-gary-haugen-says-cp-video-interview-124498/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/gop-house-incompetence-on-border-crisis-raises-question-can-republicans-govern-124316/

8. Christians and Gay Marriage

The debate on homosexuality and gay marriage will likely never ebb and 2014 proved that. Some of the notable talks on the issue that drew attention include the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's conference in October where Southern Baptists expressed what some saw as more compassion and what others viewed as continuing judgment on the gay community. Pope Francis also hosted a major conference in November with leaders from various faith groups to discuss their concerns with marital breakdown and the need to celebrate traditional marriage.

Evangelicals for Marriage Equality was also launched this past year in support of gay couples receiving the same government recognition and rights as traditional married couples. The group has expectedly been met with criticism by conservative Christians who say marriage cannot be redefined. Another major conversation starter was the "coming out" of Vicky Beeching, a Christian music artist. She announced in August that she is a lesbian and said she's certain that "God loves me just the way I am."

http://www.christianpost.com/news/erlc-conference-shifts-from-compassionate-to-judgmental-says-same-sex-marriage-activist-interview-128836/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/rick-warren-russell-moore-warn-against-current-sexual-revolution-defend-marriage-at-vatican-conference-with-pope-francis-129901/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelicals-for-marriage-equality-say-supporters-are-not-compromising-christian-beliefs-focus-is-on-govt-recognition-of-same-sex-marriages-126446/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-singer-vicky-beeching-appeals-to-gods-love-to-justify-her-lesbianism-125023/

9. Ebola and Christian Missionaries

When ebola began to spread rapidly in Africa early last year, some Christian missionaries became the target of harsh criticism and ridicule as they were infected with the deadly disease while treating patients. Conservative commentator Ann Coulter called Dr. Kent Brantly, a Samaritan's Purse missionary from Texas who survived Ebola after contracting the deadly virus on a mission trip to Africa, "idiotic" for treating Ebola patients in Liberia.

Even after facing the life-threatening disease, Brantly says he still feels called to serve in the mission field. "[The epidemic] ought to motivate us to action," he said. "I hope people can overcome their fear and find the courage to get up and go."

http://www.christianpost.com/news/ebola-survivor-kent-brantly-west-africa-situation-worse-than-worst-news-report-but-lets-not-fear-but-help-africa-127929/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelicals-ann-coulter-speaks-only-for-herself-on-criticism-of-christian-ebola-doctor-she-needs-to-ask-wwjd-124490/

10. Domestic and Sexual Violence Crisis

Sexual abuse and domestic violence became a hot topic as well-known figures including Ray Rice and Bill Cosby made headlines. Rice, former Baltimore Ravens running back, was suspended from the NFL when an elevator security video of him punching his then fiancee was released in September. Comedian Bill Cosby has been accused by nearly two dozen women who say they were drugged and sexually assaulted by Cosby decades ago.

Sexual assault allegations have also been made against other NFL players, including C. J. Spillman of the Dallas Cowboys and Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers.

The abuse cases have sparked conversations and campaigns against sexual violence. Writer Sarah Galo, however, lamented in Relevant magazine that little has been said within the Christian community. "Our silence doesn't serve God or victims of sexual violence; in fact, it serves quite another figure. As a Church, we need to speak truth to power," she wrote.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/ray-rice-domestic-violence-and-you-5-steps-on-how-to-respond-126476/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-university-drops-bill-cosby-as-speaker-replaces-him-with-ben-carson-130493/

Source URL : http://www.christianpost.com/news/cps-top-10-news-stories-of-2014-131937/