ANOTHER WAY OF LOOKING AT IT!

Former Atlanta fire chief suggests slavery was part of God’s plan for America

Kelvin J. Cochran made the remarks in a speech at a state Labor Department event

Kelvin Cochran at a news conference in Atlanta in 2015.David Goldman / AP file

 

March 1, 2023, 8:49 PM CAT

 

By Claretta Bellamy

A former Atlanta fire chief who stirred debate with his homophobic views a decade ago is back in the spotlight this week after a speech in which he said it was God’s divine plan that “allowed” Africans to be brought to America as slaves.

During a Black History Month celebration Monday hosted by the Georgia Department of Labor, Kelvin J. Cochran, who is Black, took the podium to explain how his religious views conform to the history of the country’s founding. In an unlisted YouTube video, Cochran starts his patriotic speech saying that America “has been a part of God’s divine plan from the beginning of time.” Then, midway into his remarks he discusses slavery, alluding that everything in American history is part of “His story.”

“Slavery in America did not catch God by surprise,” Cochran said. “In his sovereignty, God … allowed Africans to be brought to America as slaves. Africa was on the eve of social, spiritual and economic catastrophe and famine — still going on today. So, He brought 6 million Africans to America through the Middle Passage as slaves.”

Cochran compared African slavery to slavery in Israel, saying, “Just as it was God’s divine plan to enslave the nation of Israel,” God’s sovereignty “allowed Africans to be brought to America in bondage.” He also cited a verse from the book of Genesis, when God told Abraham his descendants would be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years. He pointed out too that slave masters were adamant about teaching slaves about Christianity, and that enslaved people would gather outside church houses to eavesdrop on the worship sermons.

In 2013, Cochran, who was fire chief at the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, gave his subordinates a copy of his self-published Bible study book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” which included homophobic comments such as that gay people and those who have sex outside marriage are “naked,” wicked and ungodly sinners. He also called homosexuality a “sexual perversion” and compared it to bestiality. 

In October 2014, an assistant fire chief raised concerns over the book and the following month Cochran was suspended for 30 days without pay for failing to get approval or provide proper notice ahead of the publication of the book.  Following his suspension, Cochran waged a campaign claiming that he had been fired for his religious beliefs, which ultimately led to his termination in January 2015.

In October 2018, the Atlanta City Council voted to pay Cochran $1.2 million to settle his lawsuit against the city and former Mayor Kasim Reed over his dismissal. Cochran currently serves as a senior fellow and vice president of Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative and Christian-based organization that represented him in his lawsuit against the city of Atlanta.

Toward the end of his speech, Cochran acknowledged figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, which he said were the reason why he could “stand up here and tell my story” and “celebrate African American history month.” 

“Here’s the bottom line — we all came here on different boats, but now we’re in the same boat,” he said. “And if we can only quieten our souls long enough, to look at the sovereignty of God in our history, his goodness and his mercies, we would all cry out together, “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’”

“I thank God for America, and I thank God for American history,” he added.

He concluded his speech with lyrics from the song “This Land Is Your Land.”

The Georgia Department of Labor and Alliance Defending Freedom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Claretta Bellamy

Claretta Bellamy is a fellow for NBC News.

LINK:  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/former-atlanta-fire-chief-suggests-slavery-was-part-gods-plan-america-rcna72755

NBC NEWS

SMART DUDE

 ‘I walk with God': Mayor Eric Adams is comfortable mixing religion and politics. Not all New Yorkers feel the same way.

Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

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By Elizabeth Kim

Published Feb 28, 2023

Modified Feb 28, 2023

A metaphor-laden speech delivered by Mayor Eric Adams at an annual interfaith breakfast event on Tuesday turned into a lightning rod as some observers were left uncertain on whether to take his words at face value.

“Don't tell me about no separation of church and state,” Adams said, speaking to a crowd of faith-based leaders at the New York Public Library in Midtown.

The mayor was following up on prior remarks made by his chief adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who said the administration “doesn’t believe” in separating church and state.

“State is the body, church is the heart,” he continued. “You take the heart out of the body, the body dies. I can't separate my belief because I'm an elected official. When I walk, I walk with God. When I talk, I talk with God. When I put policies in place, I put them in with a God-like approach to them. That's who I am.”

Moments earlier, Adams bemoaned the erosion of spirituality in everyday life. At one point, he said, “because when we took prayers out of schools, guns came into schools.”

Unlike other mayors in recent history, Eric Adams has openly embraced spirituality and faith. Shortly before taking the helm at City Hall, Adams took a trip to Ghana for a “spiritual journey.” He has invoked Christianity when discussing his homeless policy. And more than once, he has said that God told him that he would someday become mayor.

But Tuesday’s comments raised questions about whether Adams sometimes goes too far in his religious rhetoric — or whether some New Yorkers are simply unused to hearing such remarks from the mayor of one of the world's most religiously diverse yet secular cities.

“He’s entitled to be who he is,” said Joseph Viteritti, a politics professor at Hunter College who argued that the language of faith is hardly unusual for a Black politician.

At the same time, he acknowledged: “The other side of it is that that kind of speech piques the sensibility of certain people.”

He pointed out that the mayor’s comments come at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court has moved rightward and there is a “murky line between church and state.”

Asked about the mayor’s remarks, Fabien Levy, the mayor’s press secretary, clarified that the mayor is not in fact opposed to the separation of church and state.

“The policies we make as an administration are rooted in the mayor’s belief in the creator,” Levy said in a statement. “The mayor personally believes all of our faiths would ensure we are humane to one another. While everyone in the room immediately understood what the mayor meant, it’s unfortunate that some have immediately attempted to hijack the narrative in an effort to misrepresent the mayor’s comments.”

Still, for some, the mayor’s speech represented a dangerous commingling of politics and religion.

“It is odd that Mayor Adams would need a refresher on the First Amendment,” said Donna Lieberman, the executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. “After all, he has sworn to uphold the Constitution more than once, first as a police officer, later as a state representative, and then last year upon becoming mayor. The very opening passage of the Bill of Rights makes clear that church and state must be separate.”

On Twitter, his comments were both ridiculed and criticized.

Political experts pointed out that Adams’ remarks deserve to be analyzed in context of both the setting and the fact that Black politics have historically been tied to the church.

“He’s in a room full of clergy,” said Christina Greer, a political scientist at Fordham University.

In a video taken of his speech, those in the audience for Adams’ speech sounded receptive, clapping and occasionally murmuring assent.

Greer pointed out that leaning into religion is a political tool commonly used by Black and non-Black political figures alike. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, for instance, was not personally religious, but successfully courted and embraced religion during his eight-year tenure.

“He’s not the first to use it, but his overt use of it makes it a story because he uses a more blunt language,” Greer said, adding, “The bottom line is we’re dealing with a politician that the press corps and most New Yorkers aren’t used to dealing with.”

Similar to Greer, Viteritti said that it is important to remember that New Yorkers may simply be unused to seeing a mayor like Adams.

“We say we want diversity with Black leadership but we want them to be more like us,” he said, adding, “That’s not always the case.”

Tagged

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Elizabeth Kim

Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin.

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LINK:  https://gothamist.com/news/i-walk-with-god-mayor-eric-adams-is-comfortable-mixing-religion-and-politics-not-all-new-yorkers-feel-the-same-way

GOTHAMIST

COOL DAD

Here’s the proof you’re truly trusting God

            fizkes / Shutterstock 

Fr. Peter John Cameron, OP - published on 02/25/23 - updated on 02/25/23

The devil is very good at destroying trust in the Father.

The season of Lent begins every year with the Gospel about Jesus being tempted in the desert: “At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Mt 4:1). What is the devil’s intention in tempting Jesus? What is he trying to achieve?

Here’s the answer: The devil wants to damage Jesus’ relationship with the Father so that Jesus will cease to love and trust him with Son-like affection. It’s a ploy to get Jesus to treat the Father like a functionary, a force to be contended with—to frustrate and deprecate their relationship.

Mistaken about temptation

The problem is that the devil is very good at this. Think about how you yourself feel when unnerved by temptation. Most likely you presume: (a) that you have done something wrong; (b) that God is punishing and rejecting you; and (c) that God will not be happy until you prove to him that you are deserving of his love. If you succumb to all that claptrap, the devil has already won. Which is extremely sad. Tragic.

But reconsider all this in the light of Jesus’ temptations. In his case, who does the devil go after: someone who is bad … or someone who is good? The answer, obviously, is someone who is good. And that is why the devil goes after you with temptations. The devil doesn’t need to waste his time tempting people who are bad—they are totally adept at finding and giving into temptations on their own. No, the devil sets his sights on people who are holy, because if he can manage to be victorious in getting them to fall, then he has a trophy to wave maliciously in the face of Jesus. 

The saints confirm this. St. Ambrose says that “the devil always envies those who strive for better things.” So too St. Hilary of Poitiers: “The devil tempts those who are sanctified, for he desires above all to overcome the holy.”

How to think about temptations

A chief priority, then, is changing the way we think about temptations, especially in three ways.

First of all, our response to temptation should be gratitude. We should be grateful when temptations come our way because their presence is a confirmation of our virtuous spiritual condition which the Evil One reckons to be a real threat. Hence his attack.

Secondly, we should be deeply appreciative of the supreme help temptations lend to our spiritual life. So often in our desire to grow in holiness, we don’t have the faintest idea about where to begin. However, you can be sure that the temptations which the devil sends target that specific area of our life where we are weakest and most in need of growth. Would we ever have identified that on our own without the tussle with temptation?

And third, the time to worry is not when we are tempted but rather when we are NOT struggling with temptation—because that means the devil regards us as not worth going after, probably because we are doing a yeomen’s job of wrecking our relationship with God on our own.

The connection between temptations and sanctification

How is it that we even know about Jesus’ temptations? The only answer that makes sense is that Jesus himself told his disciples about them. And he did so deliberately to exemplify how crucial temptations are for growing in the love of the Father. Jesus did not leave that desert the same way he entered it. He emerged with an even more intensive love for his Father … with a more profound certainty and conviction to do the Father’s will and to live his mission with freedom set on fire. Through his temptations he “learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb 5:8). Jesus models for us that temptations are a crucial part of sanctification.

The experience of temptation is a kind of school in holiness. The reason why God allows temptations to happen in our life is to teach us just how untrusting we are of him. What would you say is the human being’s greatest temptation? Don’t say cheesecake. It’s the temptation to think we are autonomous: that we are the makers of our own destiny … that we can do everything on our own … that the most successful people are the most self-reliant. The devil wants us to wallow in those delusions. Temptation is a graced occasion to become stronger by relying on God’s strength. The goal of temptation is to be open to receiving God’s love right in the midst of the upheaval of temptation. 

The goal of temptation is to be open to receiving God’s love right in the midst of the upheaval of temptation. 

Temptations convince us that we have nothing to hope for in ourselves, and therefore it is a waste of time to try to be “self-sufficient.” Do you know what the proof is that you are truly trusting God in your life? It is that you go to him immediately when temptation strikes … not letting shame or being humiliated or feeling disappointed in yourself get in the way. The devil is overcome when he knows that he cannot keep us from Jesus. So in your temptations, just get to Jesus. It’s not about “overcoming” temptations; it’s about letting Jesus’ love for you dissolve them.

The devil is overcome when he knows that he cannot keep us from Jesus. So in your temptations, just get to Jesus.

And we can do so serenely and with such great confidence because “God keeps his promise. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength” (1 Cor 10:13). No matter how ferocious the temptation, it cannot outdistance God’s divine providence holding you close and cheering you on.

It is not an exaggeration to say that, in many ways, the most important moment of your life is the second after temptation strikes. What do you do? Do you anguish about why you are being tempted and try to fight it off with your willpower (= disaster)? Or do you surrender yourself into the arms of Jesus? Let’s do that … and all this Lent let’s really mean it when we pray in the Our Father lead us not into temptation. What we’re saying is: 

I know I need temptations in order for you to purify and perfect me. But when they come, don’t let them lead me to discouragement or delusion. Let them lead me to a greater love of you! 

~

LINK:  https://aleteia.org/2023/02/25/heres-the-proof-youre-truly-trusting-god/

 

NIGERIA VOTES

2023 presidency: I stand by what God told me despite bashing - Pastor Adefarasin

Paul Adefarasin

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

21st February, 2023

Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor, House on the Rock, on Tuesday said he stood by what God told him on the parable of ‘Saul and David’ in Nigeria’s presidential election.

Adefarasin had during a sermon at the weekend, while speaking on the forthcoming presidential election, in his church, gave a parable of Saul and David in the Bible and how that Saul came first before David.

Many supporters of Peter Obi took Adefarasin’s parable to mean that he is supporting the APC’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to win the election.

They tore him apart and called him unprintable names.

But the popular cleric who did not come out openly to endorse any presidential candidate in series of tweets on Tuesday said he stood by what God told him.

“Friends, you have kept me busy with your tweets, posts, and comments. Though many are harsh, I appreciate your feedback and I still want to take a minute to share my stance with you again, in the hope that you may gain a clearer understanding.

As with all of you, I identify as a Nigerian and a patriot, so undoubtedly, I share in your pain. Living in Nigeria, I share the desire for a working country and that is why we all consider this election critical in our collective quest for a New Nigeria,” he said.

According to Adefarasin, “I really believe that it will happen, and I wish that you could see what I see – the hope that the parable of Saul and David brings – the after-victory. I understand that there are varying interpretations of the parable of Saul & David, and that is fine.

“However, remember that the giver of the parable is the One that can give meaning to it. God gave me that parable and even as I released it, I have continued to search for it’s applicable meaning to the present Nigerian circumstances.

“I feel blessed to have your ear, however, I will ask that you listen deeply for understanding, so that you do not miss the message.

“Saul, instead of trusting in God, tried to manipulate things and even discountenanced his mentor, Samuel. David on the other hand stumbled, but never stuttered, he was delayed but not too late.

“So, whether Saul represents our past or our present, only God knows. Whether David represents the future or now, I can’t tell. In any case, the ‘wise’ will wait for the election period to play itself out, before concluding or judging the messenger.”

Adefarasin added: “Finally, kindly remember that I shepherd people of all parties, and if that parable was taken in offense, my intention was not to offend you.

“However, I stand by what I heard God say to me: that Saul came before David. This means that even if this election does not go the way that you want it to go, don’t be disappointed.

“Every election will produce some disappointment for the camps of the candidates who lose. God’s will shall still come to pass in Nigeria. It will happen and His ‘David’ will rise to the role. We will get there. Remember, we are all in this together.

“If you have your PVC, it is a token of your faith in a New Nigeria. Go out and vote as your convictions lead you, and watch God Almighty do what only He can do.” 

 LINK: https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/02/21/2023-presidency-i-stand-by-what-god-told-me-despite-bashing-pastor-adefarasin/

 

LOOKING TO GOD

Presidential election: Please don’t punish us again – Apostle Suleman begs God

Published on February 23, 2023

By Ochogwu Sunday

Less than forty-eight hours to the most anticipated presidential election, the founder and General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleman has begged God for a better leader.

The famous pastor who recently declared that himself and his family members would be casting their ballots for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stated this in a tweet on his official handle.

He begged God to have mercy on the country and not punish the citizens for a second time.

He wrote, “God have mercy on us. Plsss lord..(Hab 3.2) Don’t punish us again with another bad leader.. Plssss have mercy.. Oh God,we take God beg you”.

Suleman and other men of God who were against President Muhammadu Buhari’s candidacy in 2015 had claimed that God allowed the current administration with the aim of punishing the citizens.

LINK:  https://dailypost.ng/2023/02/23/presidential-election-please-dont-punish-us-again-apostle-suleman-begs-god/

DAILY POST

MAN OF GOD

News

February 22, 2023

Following God has brought me this far-Nelson Iheagwam

The Lead of Nelson Iheagwam Ministries, Nelson Iheagwam has averred that following God passionately has brought him thus far. Iheagwam who also doubles as a pastor and gospel artiste said:”I have always known I was called. I always knew ministry is what God will have me do with my life. it’s just an inner knowing; the Holy Ghost bearing witness to what’s true about you from eternity. But a turning point was in December 2020, I woke up to pray and while praying I heard the Lord say “men saved, men trained, men sent” loudly in my spirit and that’s what birthed and drives Nelson Iheagwam Ministries and other expressions to come.I will say what has brought me this far is following God. Listening to God when He says go.In the midst of fear, uncertainties, confusion and what not; the voice of God has been a sure compass and anchor. It has steadied me, led me and helped me”.

The visionary leader also urge youths to stay away from scams and illicit activities.

“As someone who leads young people, I would advise as I usually would; Youth isn’t a time for foolishness, it isn’t a time to indulge all your passions, it’s a time to follow hard after God and make investments into your tomorrow. Any young person involved in scheming and scamming isn’t really setting the best foundations for their tomorrow.Youth is a time to set foundations and that’s what I help those who follow me to do”.

Shedding light on why his ministry’s forthcoming programme, ‘Supernatural Class’ is critical, he said:”

“At Supernatural Class we don’t just see men get things from Jesus. We see men receive the heart and the burden of the father. If men burn brighter for Jesus or have more of Jesus seen, we will have a better society. So at Supernatural Class, we don’t just see men get miracles, we see men become miracles and I mean lives radically changed for the better to look more like Jesus, So do we need more events like this? A loud yes”.

LINK:  https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/following-god-has-brought-me-this-far-nelson-iheagwam/

VANGUARD NEWS

PUTIN ATTACKS WESTERN MORALITY

Gender-neutral God, same-sex marriages: Putin turns moral police for West

In his state of the nation address before the Federal Assembly, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West for not just the Ukraine war but also for destroying Catholic and family values

India Today Web Desk

 

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 21, 2023 17:21 IST

Vladimir Putin addressed the Federal Assembly on Tuesday. (Photo: Screengrab/RT)

By India Today Web Desk: A day after US President Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine, Russian premier Vladimir Putin launched a frontal attack on the West, accusing it of not only "unleashing the war" but also for the degradation of Catholic and family values.

In his state of the nation address before the Federal Assembly on Tuesday, Putin said, "The Church of England is considering a version of a 'gender-neutral' God. They don’t know what they’re doing."

Recently, the Church of England said that it was considering how to refer to God without assigning a gender. However, there are no plans to abolish current services yet.

Putin also spoke about the approval of same-sex marriages in the West. "The family union is between a man and a woman," Putin said.

"They're destroying the institution of family. Their cultural-historical identity, and various perversions with regards to children. Priests are forced to recognize and officiate same-sex weddings. The family is a union between woman and man," Putin said.

LINK:  https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/putin-russia-west-same-sex-marriage-gender-neutral-god-2337657-2023-02-21