THE NETWORK (CONTINUED) NARRATIVE CONTROL AND THE USE OF LABELS Language plays a central role in ideological competition. How issues are described often determines how they are understood. Advocacy campaigns frequently focus on framing debates in ways that resonate with prevailing cultural values - civil rights, equality, tolerance, or national identity. Movements that succeed in … Continue reading Islam Blueprint – Part 4 – The Network (Continued)
Daily Scripture Series – Mar. 30th
"I will build my church." (Matthew 16:18). A fire burned Balsora Baptist Church to the ground. As emergency workers and community members gathered after the blaze subsided, they were surprised to see a charred cross standing upright amidst the smoke and ashes in the air. A firefighter commented that the fire "took the structure, but … Continue reading Daily Scripture Series – Mar. 30th
Islam Blueprint – Part 3 – The Network
THE NETWORK If part 2 explained the method, part 3 takes a look at the machinery. Long-term ideological strategies do not operate in isolation. They require organization, leadership, funding, communication channels, and institutional access. Influence is rarely achieved by individuals acting alone. It's built through networks - formal and informal - that allow ideas to … Continue reading Islam Blueprint – Part 3 – The Network
Palm Sunday – Mar. 29th
The Provocation The crowd that cheered "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday was the very same crowd who would be screaming "Crucify Him!" that following Friday. Popularity is a very fickle god. Scripture "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). Point to Ponder Don't be impressed by the crowds or how … Continue reading Palm Sunday – Mar. 29th
Daily Scripture Series – Mar. 29th
"All my fountains are in you." (Psalm 87:7). In 1960, Otto Preminger provoked controversy with his movie Exodus. Based on Leon Uris' novel, it provides a fictional account of Jewish refugees emigrating to Palestine after WWII. The film concludes with the bodies of a young European Jewish girl and an Arab man, both murder victims, … Continue reading Daily Scripture Series – Mar. 29th
Lent Day 39 – Mar. 28th
The Provocation We love "self-care", but the Bible calls for "self-denial." One feeds the ego; the other starves it so the spirit can breathe. Scripture "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). Point to Ponder As we stand on the edge of Holy Week, ask yourself: What is left of "me" that is … Continue reading Lent Day 39 – Mar. 28th
No Thought Police 