Latest news with #AmericanChristians
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Beatles song banned for lyrics - but John Lennon thought reason was 'crazy'
The Beatles had a number of songs banned by radio stations, but one of John Lennon's most famous tracks for the band was banned for a very different reason The Beatles, known for stirring the pot, certainly did so when John Lennon's bold statement in 1966 that they were "more popular than Jesus" sparked outrage among American Christians, contributing to the band's cessation of touring later that year. Their knack for pushing boundaries also saw several of their songs slapped with bans by radio stations. The BBC censored 'A Day in the Life' over alleged drug references, while 'The Ballad of John and Yoko' faced bans from some US stations for its mention of Christ. The trend of controversy carried on even after John, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr went on to solo endeavours post-1970. For instance, the ECHO delved into how Paul McCartney and Wings' 'Hi, Hi, Hi' was shunned by the BBC for perceived nods to sex and drugs. John's Beatles legacy includes one particularly infamous tune, 'Happiness Is a Warm Gun', penned by him in 1968 and presented under the Lennon-McCartney songwriting banner like all compositions from the duo for the Fab Four. The title, which kick-started the song, was lifted straight from the May 1968 issue of American Rifleman magazine, where an article by Warren W. Herlihy depicted his experience teaching his son shooting skills, reports the Liverpool Echo. Regarding his first impression upon seeing it, John remarked, "I just thought it was a fantastic, insane thing to say. A warm gun means you just shot something." The song was part of the Beatles' iconic 'White Album', released in November 1968, a tumultuous time for the band as creative differences began to emerge. Despite their differences, they collaborated to craft this intricate track. John revealed that he merged "three sections of different songs" to create the final piece, which tackled various themes. Upon its release, certain sections of the song were interpreted as references to sex and drugs. The 'warm gun' in the title was seen as a metaphor for John's desire for Yoko Ono, leading to a ban by the BBC and commercial radio stations. The line 'I need a fix' was also perceived by some as a reference to heroin. However, John disputed this, explaining: "'Happiness Is A Warm Gun' was another one which was banned on the radio – they said it was about shooting up drugs. But they were advertising guns and I thought it was so crazy that I made a song out of it. It wasn't about 'H' (heroin) at all". The lyrics 'Mother Superior jumped the gun' stemmed from John's longing for Yoko. He wasn't overly concerned that the song's sexual undertones were picked up by censors. John elaborated: "Oh, well, by then I'm into double meanings. The initial inspiration was from the magazine cover. But that was the beginning of my relationship with Yoko and I was very sexually oriented then. When we weren't in the studio, we were in bed." Although 'The White Album' garnered mixed reviews and radio stations boycotted 'Happiness Is A Warm Gun', critics commended the song, which all Beatles members proclaimed their favourite on the album. A Record Mirror magazine review described it as "a serene ballad, but is soon taken over in the true vein of this foremost stylist". US singer-songwriter Tori Amos observed: "The Beatles had the ability to make you think about the world, not just your own little world. They could put the microcosm and macrocosm in the same song. They sang of drugs and guns without telling me what to feel about it. That's genius."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Book, Freedom Is Killing Our Liberty, Provides a How-To Guide for America's Christians to Build Strong, Moral Communities Where Families Thrive
There's hope for Christian families who worry America is on the wrong track. Pastor & Author A.Z. Adams offers practical guidance for individuals, families, and churches seeking to build resilient communities rooted in faith. Press photo of A.Z. Adams, author of Freedom is Killing Our Liberty WACO, Texas, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas pastor A.Z. Adams has a powerful message for American Christians worried that America is on the wrong track: Starting today, you can build the world you want to live in by building resilient faith-based communities living by a shared moral code, the foundation of true liberty. In his new book Adams, a pastor at Homestead Heritage, examines the factors that made America great, identifies how things started to go wrong, and provides an action plan to get our country back on track, one person, one family, one church community at a time.'The problem may look enormous, but the solution consists of small, actionable steps Christians can take to improve the world around them,' said A.Z. Adams, author of . 'By creating a moral framework in our personal, family, and church community lives, we rebuild the culture necessary to support both freedom and liberty.' Adams takes readers on a journey through American history and shows that our Constitution was not a blueprint to BUILD a moral society, but a guide FOR a moral society. In early America, founded by pilgrims and religious minorities fleeing persecution, this shared moral code was a given. 'Our founding fathers deeply understood that a society with both freedom and liberty could only exist if the citizens shared and practiced a common moral code,' said Adams. 'In the absence of self-governance, politicians attempt to legislate and regulate morality, claiming that restricting liberty is necessary to preserve freedom, a path which always and quickly becomes totalitarian oppression.' The key to restoring America's greatness isn't a new constitution, more government intervention, or additional social programs, but a return to the Christian values taught, practiced, and honored by everyday Americans in their homes, churches, and communities. 'To reclaim our nation, we must reclaim the moral foundations that made our nation great or risk losing the very freedoms we cherish,' said Adams. Adams' book provides both a historical perspective and practical guidance for individuals, families, and churches seeking to build resilient communities rooted in faith. Drawing from firsthand experience in a faith-based community, is a call to action for safeguarding American liberty before it is too late. 'Don't just hope for change – make it happen! The answer isn't in Washington, DC, or your state capital; criticizing mass culture is no substitute for living a moral life,' said Adams. 'Sow your seeds in the soil you prepare, not among thorns and rocks. Liberty begins at home, in our church, and our communities.' Freedom Is Killing Our Liberty is now available for purchase at Amazon here and Homestead Press, here. About the AuthorAsahel 'A.Z.' Adams is a husband, father, devoted teacher and preacher of the Gospel, sharing a message of hope and community with believers worldwide. He lectures on family and cultural topics, publishes numerous related papers, hosts the Evangel Life YouTube podcast, and leads ongoing leadership training. He lives with his wife, children, dogs, chickens, and sheep on 50 acres in Waco, Texas. He is a pastor, writer, and community leader in Homestead Heritage, a Bible-believing church community in Waco, Texas, dedicated to strong family values and simple living. About Homestead HeritageHomestead Heritage is a Bible-believing church community in Waco, Texas, dedicated to strong family values and simple living. We warmly invite you to visit our farm, eat at our top-rated restaurant, and let our award-winning artisans teach you their crafts. A trip here offers a window into a bygone era, reminiscent of a time before industrialization, when artisan shops thrived on excellence, crops were cultivated by the community for the community, and life centered around faith, family, and friendships. We are proud of the life we're building together, deeply rooted in Christian values and open to all. Welcome to Homestead Heritage—where the past enriches the future, and the spirit of community thrives. For media inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact media@ Excerpts: Freedom, once a noble ideal, has been hijacked—twisted to bind the authority of faith while unleashing humanity's worst impulses. In exalting personal autonomy above all else, modern culture has fractured faith, severed community bonds, and unraveled the fabric of relationships, leaving individuals isolated and exposed. Past generations had their struggles, their blindness, their brokenness. But why is it that now, at the height of 'success' and prosperity, we find a world more plagued by violence, depression, broken relationships, and grief than ever before? Perhaps the only hope for America—or at least for Christian families—is to reclaim within the context of church community the faith, community, and interdependence we abandoned. Outline of Practical Guidance for Building Resilient Faith-Based Communities From 'Freedom Is Killing Our Liberty' For Individuals: Deepen Your Faith – Commit to daily prayer, Bible study, and personal discipleship to strengthen your spiritual foundation. Live Simply & Intentionally – Reduce reliance on modern consumer culture by focusing on meaningful, faith-driven living. Develop Practical Skills – Learn traditional crafts, farming, or self-sufficient skills to contribute to a stronger local community. Engage in Service – Prioritize serving others in need, both within and beyond your faith community. Seek Like-Minded Fellowship – Surround yourself with others who share your values and commitment to biblical principles. For Families: Restore the Home as the Center of Faith & Learning – Make prayer, Scripture reading, and faith discussions a central part of daily life. Prioritize Strong Marriages & Parenting – Strengthen family bonds through intentional time, communication, and shared purpose. Reclaim Biblical Education – Consider homeschooling, Christian schooling, or supplementing education with faith-based teachings. Reduce Dependency on Secular Systems – Strive for economic and lifestyle independence by living debt-free and embracing sustainable practices. Engage in Multigenerational Living & Mentorship – Foster connections between grandparents, parents, and children to pass down wisdom and faith. For Churches & Communities: Cultivate a Strong Local Church Body – Prioritize discipleship, accountability, and biblical teaching within your congregation. Foster a Culture of Mutual Support – Build a community where members help one another in practical ways (food, childcare, financial aid, etc.). Emphasize Christian Stewardship – Promote responsible management of resources, land, and finances in alignment with biblical principles. Encourage Christian Entrepreneurship – Support businesses that uphold Christian values and contribute to the local economy. Create Alternative Institutions – Establish Christian-run schools, apprenticeship programs, and healthcare initiatives to strengthen the community's independence. Conclusion:By implementing these principles, individuals, families, and churches can create resilient faith-based communities that uphold biblical values, foster deep connections, and safeguard America's spiritual and cultural heritage. Photos accompanying this announcement are available athttps:// A video accompanying this announcement is available athttps:// in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Book, Freedom Is Killing Our Liberty, Provides a How-To Guide for America's Christians to Build Strong, Moral Communities Where Families Thrive
There's hope for Christian families who worry America is on the wrong track. Pastor & Author A.Z. Adams offers practical guidance for individuals, families, and churches seeking to build resilient communities rooted in faith. Press photo of A.Z. Adams, author of Freedom is Killing Our Liberty WACO, Texas, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas pastor A.Z. Adams has a powerful message for American Christians worried that America is on the wrong track: Starting today, you can build the world you want to live in by building resilient faith-based communities living by a shared moral code, the foundation of true liberty. In his new book Adams, a pastor at Homestead Heritage, examines the factors that made America great, identifies how things started to go wrong, and provides an action plan to get our country back on track, one person, one family, one church community at a time.'The problem may look enormous, but the solution consists of small, actionable steps Christians can take to improve the world around them,' said A.Z. Adams, author of . 'By creating a moral framework in our personal, family, and church community lives, we rebuild the culture necessary to support both freedom and liberty.' Adams takes readers on a journey through American history and shows that our Constitution was not a blueprint to BUILD a moral society, but a guide FOR a moral society. In early America, founded by pilgrims and religious minorities fleeing persecution, this shared moral code was a given. 'Our founding fathers deeply understood that a society with both freedom and liberty could only exist if the citizens shared and practiced a common moral code,' said Adams. 'In the absence of self-governance, politicians attempt to legislate and regulate morality, claiming that restricting liberty is necessary to preserve freedom, a path which always and quickly becomes totalitarian oppression.' The key to restoring America's greatness isn't a new constitution, more government intervention, or additional social programs, but a return to the Christian values taught, practiced, and honored by everyday Americans in their homes, churches, and communities. 'To reclaim our nation, we must reclaim the moral foundations that made our nation great or risk losing the very freedoms we cherish,' said Adams. Adams' book provides both a historical perspective and practical guidance for individuals, families, and churches seeking to build resilient communities rooted in faith. Drawing from firsthand experience in a faith-based community, is a call to action for safeguarding American liberty before it is too late. 'Don't just hope for change – make it happen! The answer isn't in Washington, DC, or your state capital; criticizing mass culture is no substitute for living a moral life,' said Adams. 'Sow your seeds in the soil you prepare, not among thorns and rocks. Liberty begins at home, in our church, and our communities.' Freedom Is Killing Our Liberty is now available for purchase at Amazon here and Homestead Press, here. About the AuthorAsahel 'A.Z.' Adams is a husband, father, devoted teacher and preacher of the Gospel, sharing a message of hope and community with believers worldwide. He lectures on family and cultural topics, publishes numerous related papers, hosts the Evangel Life YouTube podcast, and leads ongoing leadership training. He lives with his wife, children, dogs, chickens, and sheep on 50 acres in Waco, Texas. He is a pastor, writer, and community leader in Homestead Heritage, a Bible-believing church community in Waco, Texas, dedicated to strong family values and simple living. About Homestead HeritageHomestead Heritage is a Bible-believing church community in Waco, Texas, dedicated to strong family values and simple living. We warmly invite you to visit our farm, eat at our top-rated restaurant, and let our award-winning artisans teach you their crafts. A trip here offers a window into a bygone era, reminiscent of a time before industrialization, when artisan shops thrived on excellence, crops were cultivated by the community for the community, and life centered around faith, family, and friendships. We are proud of the life we're building together, deeply rooted in Christian values and open to all. Welcome to Homestead Heritage—where the past enriches the future, and the spirit of community thrives. For media inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact media@ Excerpts: Freedom, once a noble ideal, has been hijacked—twisted to bind the authority of faith while unleashing humanity's worst impulses. In exalting personal autonomy above all else, modern culture has fractured faith, severed community bonds, and unraveled the fabric of relationships, leaving individuals isolated and exposed. Past generations had their struggles, their blindness, their brokenness. But why is it that now, at the height of 'success' and prosperity, we find a world more plagued by violence, depression, broken relationships, and grief than ever before? Perhaps the only hope for America—or at least for Christian families—is to reclaim within the context of church community the faith, community, and interdependence we abandoned. Outline of Practical Guidance for Building Resilient Faith-Based Communities From 'Freedom Is Killing Our Liberty' For Individuals: Deepen Your Faith – Commit to daily prayer, Bible study, and personal discipleship to strengthen your spiritual foundation. Live Simply & Intentionally – Reduce reliance on modern consumer culture by focusing on meaningful, faith-driven living. Develop Practical Skills – Learn traditional crafts, farming, or self-sufficient skills to contribute to a stronger local community. Engage in Service – Prioritize serving others in need, both within and beyond your faith community. Seek Like-Minded Fellowship – Surround yourself with others who share your values and commitment to biblical principles. For Families: Restore the Home as the Center of Faith & Learning – Make prayer, Scripture reading, and faith discussions a central part of daily life. Prioritize Strong Marriages & Parenting – Strengthen family bonds through intentional time, communication, and shared purpose. Reclaim Biblical Education – Consider homeschooling, Christian schooling, or supplementing education with faith-based teachings. Reduce Dependency on Secular Systems – Strive for economic and lifestyle independence by living debt-free and embracing sustainable practices. Engage in Multigenerational Living & Mentorship – Foster connections between grandparents, parents, and children to pass down wisdom and faith. For Churches & Communities: Cultivate a Strong Local Church Body – Prioritize discipleship, accountability, and biblical teaching within your congregation. Foster a Culture of Mutual Support – Build a community where members help one another in practical ways (food, childcare, financial aid, etc.). Emphasize Christian Stewardship – Promote responsible management of resources, land, and finances in alignment with biblical principles. Encourage Christian Entrepreneurship – Support businesses that uphold Christian values and contribute to the local economy. Create Alternative Institutions – Establish Christian-run schools, apprenticeship programs, and healthcare initiatives to strengthen the community's independence. Conclusion:By implementing these principles, individuals, families, and churches can create resilient faith-based communities that uphold biblical values, foster deep connections, and safeguard America's spiritual and cultural heritage. Photos accompanying this announcement are available athttps:// A video accompanying this announcement is available athttps://
Russia Today
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Trump task force vows to ‘end anti-Christian bias'
The White House has launched a task force to investigate the alleged anti-Christian bias within federal agencies, directing employees to report perceived discrimination against Christians among their colleagues, according to media reports. US President Donald Trump mandated the creation of what is called the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias in an executive order in February. The task force is meant to identify policies and actions across federal departments that have unlawfully discriminated against Christians, according to the document. 'The Biden administration engaged in an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians while ignoring violent anti-Christian offenses,' Attorney General Pam Bondi said at the task force's inaugural meeting on Tuesday. Christians under the administration of Joe Biden were subjected to abuse and spying from federal agencies, she claimed. The task force will identify 'unlawful anti-Christian policies, practices or conduct across the government,' as well as 'find and fix deficiencies in existing and regulatory practices,' Bondi said. Federal employees have reportedly received instructions to report instances of this kind of discrimination among their colleagues. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has requested that their workers relay instances of 'anti-Christian' bias, complete with names, dates and locations to a government email address, The Guardian wrote on Tuesday, citing an internal email from the body. A similar internal memo was circulated among US State Department staff, Politico reported earlier this month. Several senior members of Trump's administration are devout Christians, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A large share of white American Christians supported Trump's presidential bid, according to a Pew Research study from last year. The US president himself was raised Presbyterian, but announced himself a non-denominational Christian in 2020. After surviving an assassination attempt, and having several plots on his life foiled during his 2024 reelection campaign, Trump has repeatedly said that God spared his life. The majority of Americans, 62%, identify as Christian, while around 30% are non-religious, and 7% belong to non-Christian religions, according to a Pew Research study from February.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Elected Christians partake in persecuting fellow Christians through mass deportations
Migrants wait throughout the night on May 10, 2023, in a dust storm at Gate 42, on land between the Rio Grande and the border wall, hoping they will be processed by immigration authorities. (Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM) The Bible says pain and agony engulfed Jesus Christ in the final hours before his death, while fear of the future gripped his followers. Fear once again is prevalent in churches as Christians gather for Easter. This time it is because 'roughly one in 12 Christians in the United States are vulnerable to deportation or live with a family member who could be deported.' That's according to a new report, 'One Part of the Body: The Potential Impact of Deportations on American Christian Families,' published by a coalition of Christian organizations. 'Many American Christians, we suspect, have not realized that among immigrants at risk of deportation, the vast majority — four out of five — are fellow Christians,' the report's introductory letter said. Noem cheers court order requiring immigrants without legal status to register and carry documents The report's purpose 'is to invite American Christians — within our congregations and within the halls of governmental power — to recognize that, if even a fraction of those vulnerable to deportation are actually deported, the ramifications are profound — for those individuals, of course, but also for their U.S.-citizen family members and, because when one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it, for all Christians.' Four South Dakotans with government power who could make a difference are U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Government action, or inaction as the case may be, is the source of great distress in churches today. 'There is just a strong emphasis on fear,' among parishioners, said The Very Rev. Kristopher Cowles, vicar for Hispanic ministry in the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls. He also serves Our Lady of Guadalupe church in Sioux Falls. 'They don't know from day to day what is going to happen.' Cowles is featured prominently in the report, which said that '80 percent of all of those at risk of deportation are Christians. Sixty-one percent of those at risk of deportation are Catholic, 13 percent are evangelical and 7 percent are adherents to other Christian traditions.' The report notes that President Donald Trump said during his campaign there were as many as 20 million deportable immigrants present in the U.S. How many will be targeted for deportation is unknown. Noem, who said in a 2021 Newsmax interview that 'our faith is everything — we love the Lord,' has been the tip of the spear in deporting immigrants. The report quoted Cowles saying government policies often cause the problem. 'So many of our laws make it nearly impossible to have a course forward even if they want to do so legally,' he said of immigrants. He wished there was more empathy among elected leaders. 'I wish lawmakers would understand the sacrifices that so many people have gone through, and what so many of them are running from,' he said in the report. 'Some are just looking for a better life and some are looking to just survive.' Most people, the report said, want violent criminals and those with final orders of deportation to be the priority for immigration enforcement. But they don't want blanket deportation. Reforming the immigration system must be a priority. Congress, which largely created this humanitarian problem, has the power to solve it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Thune, Rounds and Johnson all say religion is central to their lives. Thune has said his faith in Christ is 'the foundation for pretty much everything I do.' Rounds, in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, reflected on faith and his job. 'I think part of it goes back to asking for wisdom and asking for the ability and the help to do what's right, to make the right decisions. A lot of decisions are not black and white. It's a matter of making the right decision long term. That saves lives. I think that's something that all of us as Christians should be doing.' Johnson has said 'faith, family and freedom are pillars of our nation.' Given their faith, and their powerful political positions and ability to influence this issue, they should not sit on the sidelines. It shouldn't be that hard to sway Congress when 87% of voting members say they are Christians. Cowles reminded everyone that Jesus was an immigrant. 'He made his way from Galilee and Judea into Egypt to flee the persecution of Herod.' He pointed to the Catholic Church's position on immigration. It says people have a right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families. It acknowledges that a country has a right to regulate its borders but that it should regulate them with 'justice and mercy.' 'That is the issue we are running into right now,' he said. Cowles added that Jesus 'would stand with the immigrants because he understands the persecution of people.' As Christians gather in churches this week and gaze at the image of Christ nailed to the cross, the authors of the 'One Part of the Body' report have one wish. 'We hope that you will prayerfully ask the Lord what part you should play at a time when so many of your brothers and sisters are fearful of the impacts of deportation.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
