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Newsworthy?
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughHave you ever considered what news is presented to us and who decides it? Somewhere, an editor or executive at a major news corporation determines what is newsworthy and fit to print, shaping how we perceive the world. This is a significant responsibility, often led by influential outlets like The New York Times, whose editorial board frequently sets the tone for mainstream press, while sources like the Drudge Report guide more conservative news. During the summer, often deemed the silly season, news coverage tends to focus on trivial matters. With government not at full steam and Congress out of session, stories about shark attacks, summer festivals, and contests like hot dog eating or homemade flying vehicles dominate. Recently, Headline News featured a mass skinny-dipping world record attempt, passing it off as significant. Sports stories also overshadow more critical issues. The media frenzy over LeBron James' free agency decision, with extensive coverage and an hour-long ESPN special, exemplifies this trend. His move to the Miami Heat, alongside superstars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, was blasted across news platforms, while the stock price of Madison Square Garden Incorporated fell five percent upon the announcement. Similarly, the FIFA World Cup garners massive attention globally, halting work in many regions, yet offers little of lasting value beyond fleeting national pride. Meanwhile, significant stories like the Gulf oil spill consistently rank high, though often eclipsed by momentary sports blips. Coverage of Elena Kagan's Supreme Court confirmation hearings was minimal and focused on her humor rather than substantive issues, unlike the intense scrutiny of past nominees. Additionally, recent decisions by the Obama Justice Department to drop cases involving voter intimidation and motor voter issues raise concerns about justice being overlooked, yet receive scant attention. The news media often fail to prioritize what truly matters, potentially skewing information in a particular direction. We must seek truth through alternative sources and not be swayed by the initial narratives presented.
A Cure for News Depression
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The overwhelmingly depressing news must be counterbalanced by edifying news, namely God's Word. The Scripture, with its life-giving words, provides hope.
Following the Bean
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughKeeping an eye on the news in order to 'watch world events' can be both time-consuming and maddening. Is it distracting us from more important pursuits?
Disintegration
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOur advanced communications, which have allowed globalism, are also bringing about tribalism. Rather than uniting everyone, they are dividing.
Part of the Narrative
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughNarratology posits the existence of a contract between author and reader to adhere to a predisposed belief system with fixed rules and explanations.
The Usual Chaos
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMichael Crichton predicted the disinformation age we are living through right now, warning that it would be difficult to separate reality from fantasy.
Indistractable
Commentary by Bill OnisickSocial media, text messages, e-mails, websites and blogs are competing for our time, eroding our attention spans and exhausting our ability to concentrate.
What's Your Source?
Commentary by David C. GrabbeNo matter how finely tuned is one's baloney detector, wrong-headed thinking etches wrong concepts into minds around the world, even in the church of God.
Are We Mentally Fit?
Commentary by Bill OnisickPeople are now battling sleep difficulty, anxiety, depression, and loneliness as never before in history.
Focus on the First
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe need to be less concerned about world events and more concerned about our relationship with God. The more serious conflict is the one within our heads.
Beware the Second Flood (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe immediate danger lies not as much in the specific teachings of the flood from the serpent but in their sheer volume. The peril lies in being swept away.
Housing and Property Redistribution
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe United Nations Agenda 21 plan recommends the confiscation of private property for the sake of an equitable economic and social system.
What's in the Bucket? (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The elected politicians who refuse to dispel the myths promulgated by the media demonstrate their complicity in the deception.
The Great Retreat
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhen we withdraw from fellowship, we deprive ourselves of the blessing of sharpening one another. God demands active and practical engagement with His people.
Are Things That Bad?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)There are no hollow threats with God Almighty. God will destroy disobedient people with the diseases of Egypt, cutting down our life-expectancy.
Fear and Fire
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMainstream media has perfected the technique of keeping people in perpetual fear, with the objective of scaring gullible viewers into conforming to their will.
You Deceitful Tongue!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA study conducted by Dr. Tara Stewart explains why journalists of the mainstream media have fallen into disapproval for their widespread deception and bias.
The Solution? Character
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughModern education fails to teach children to look for and predict cause-and-effect relationships, opting for valueless teaching and moral equivalency.
Surreal Events
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to keep our eyes open and not let ourselves be deceived by the professional, state-run media spin masters.
Everything Is Politics
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWhatever a person says automatically places him on the political spectrum, accruing judgment, scorn, or rejection from those who practice identity politics.
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
Simplifying Life (Part Five)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe seventh-day Sabbath is God's design for rest, sanctification, and restoration, both today and for the entire creation in the Kingdom of God.
Going Up to the Mountain of the Lord
Sermonette by Ryan McClureGod commands us to rejoice during the Feast of Booths. We make a journey to where He has placed His name, imitating the joy God continually experiences.