Christians Fighting over Territory in the Amazon

Plus, immigration does not increase crime

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This week’s newsletter includes:

-        Christians fighting over territory in the Amazon

-        Paying fair wages to working inmates

-        Crime rates unaffected by immigrants bussed from Texas

-        Parents suing the child welfare system for unconstitutional home searches

-        Jonathan helping us stay grounded with Jesus’ moral clarity

-        And a preview of tomorrow’s bonus Shake the Dust for paid subscribers

Jonathan’s Recommendations

Christians Fighting over Territory in the Amazon

There is a battle for the souls of isolated villagers in the Amazon between Brazil’s traditional religious establishment, the Catholic Church, and an encroaching force, charismatic evangelicalism. The linked article follows a priest trying to maintain Catholic influence in a small village as an upstart, uneducated pastor draws away the faithful with promises of miracles and defeating demons. It also profiles a young woman named Rosa who seemed destined to work for the Catholic Church only to become Protestant. The priest, a former mentor, shuns her, and other Catholics mock her. She becomes convinced that the tension in her village is about power and control, not faithfulness to Jesus. It is always worth reflecting on How much of our arguing over doctrine or custom in the Church is about power rather than worship, wonder, and transformation. Do I want to be with Christ or use Him? For me, this article was a check on the attitude of my heart, and I think it will be for you too.

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