Cracker Barrel “Pride Month” Vs. Everlasting Biblical Pride: We Used to Like to Eat at the Cracker Barrel (published 6-13-2023; article #418)

“Store Exterior at Night,” on Cracker Barrel, Newsroom, Photos, Our Stores. “Photos . . . are available for download.”

Introduction

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I used to like to eat at the Cracker Barrel. (The headquarters are in Lebanon, Tennessee.) We have done so often, over a few decades, at different stores, often with family and friends. The food is good. The country theme reminds us of our Appalachian heritage. The service is typically friendly and sufficiently prompt. The wait time to be seated is usually reasonable. The cost is acceptable. There were no “rainbow rocking chairs.”

Last Friday, however, I was stunned to realize that the Cracker Barrel promotes "Pride Month.” Their “rainbow rocking chairs” signify their corporate “pride.” Apparently, the restaurant chain has been doing this since 2018. I hadn't known until four days ago. This is not our biblically-based Appalachian heritage!

This fourteenth article, under the topic “Worldviews in Conflict,” shares the news from a few media sources and then from Cracker Barrel itself. It then references previous articles that comment on marriage and so-called “Pride Month.” My public statement to Cracker Barrel precedes the conclusion, which emphasizes the everlasting pride in the biblical worldview, despite the ungodly worldviews that are promoted, accepted, and forced upon those who disagree.

From the News Media

Last Friday, I happened upon the stunning news, while reading an article on another subject. The article had a reference to the news. Searching for “Cracker Barrel celebrates Pride Month” found many articles. The following are five of several sources. They include facts, historical notes, “reactions,” and various “spins.” The articles are in alphabetical order by publisher. I added comments under the Dailymail and the FOX Business articles.

“Cracker Barrel faces boycott call for celebrating Pride Month,” on CBS News Moneywatch, by Khristopher J. Brooks, 6/9/2023

“Cracker Barrel faces backlash for sharing Pride post saying 'everyone is always welcome at our table' - as conservatives accuse restaurant chain of 'caving to the mob',” on Dailymail, by Noa Halff, 6/9/2023. The Dailymail is in the United Kingdom. Even our “cousins across the pond” have heard about it!

“Cracker Barrel Has ‘Fallen’? Folksy Southern Food Chain Becomes Latest Unlikely Target Of Anti-LGBTQ Crusade,” on Forbes, by Conor Murray, 6/9/2023

“Cracker Barrel faces backlash for posting celebratory Pride Month rocking chair: 'Showing true colors:' Conservative accused Cracker Barrel of going 'woke,' and vowed to stop supporting the restaurant,” on FOX Business, by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, 6/10/2023. FOX News has its web page: “America Together, Celebrating Diversity: LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH,” which states, “FOX News Media celebrates the contributions to America by the LGBTQ+ community.” My article of 6/26/2022, under the section “LGBTQ Pride Month,” has commentary on FOX News' acceptance of that worldview.

“Cracker Barrel the latest to stir controversy around Pride month,” on Washington Examiner, by Jenny Goldsberry, 6/9/2023

From the Cracker Barrel

Deciding to go “straight to the horse's mouth,” I visited various web pages on the Cracker Barrel website. As a humorous sidenote, their top-page advertisement, with Father's Day approaching,” is: “A gift for Dad & something extra for you. Buy $50 in gift cards and get a FREE $10 digital Bonus Card. Buy Now.” Clicking the 'x' closes the advertisement. Will Cracker Barrel eventually replace “Dad” with “Inseminating Person?” We will see.

Under “About Us,” Cracker Barrel has a “Diversity and Inclusion” section titled “Everyone Feels at Home: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Cracker Barrel.” In the first two paragraphs, Cracker Barrel indicates that their “inclusive culture” extends welcome “to everyone who walks through” their doors. It states: “Discrimination, overt or through unconscious bias, has no place at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.” That seems innocuous enough.

The following is stated, however, under the heading “Recognitions & Achievements:”

In 2021, Cracker Barrel scored 80 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index. This national benchmarking tool measures policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) employees and is a primary driving force for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

Further, under the heading “What We've Done,” the following is stated quite proudly (pardon the pun):

Zero Tolerance for LGBTQ Discrimination and Harassment: Cracker Barrel has zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment. This was made clear when it quickly condemned and turned away an anti-LGBTQ+ pastor when he announced plans in 2019 for his church group to meet at a Knoxville area Cracker Barrel. We issued a statement disagreeing strongly with the pastor's statements of hate and divisiveness, and he was not permitted on-site.

Cracker Barrel Recognized by Out & Equal Workplace Advocates: We are proud to have our Cracker Barrel LGBTQ+ Alliance BRG be named Employee Resource Group of the Year in 2018 by Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.

The Limited-Edition Rainbow Pride Rocker: To show our support and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, we worked with the Hinkle Rocker Company of Springfield, Tennessee, to develop a Limited-Edition Rainbow Pride Rocker beginning in 2018. Since then, we have donated these rockers to various LGBTQ+ organizations to help with fundraising efforts. Check out our team celebrating Nashville Pride 2022!

Winner of the Nashville LGBT Chamber's Corporate Diversity Award: Cracker Barrel was honored by the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce with the Corporate Diversity Award in 2018. The award was in recognition of the progress and growth that has been made in the area of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion in recent years.

As an important note, the “Check out” link (embedded in the above quote) is to “Cracker Barrel LGBT Alliance.” Apparently, Cracker Barrel has an “LGBT Alliance” and another “LGBTQ+ Alliance” (as mentioned in the fourth paragraph that follows this one). Of course, Cracker Barrel may be confused by the evolving and euphemistic acronyms. Their LGBT Alliance web page states, in part:

As [the month of] June prompts us to reflect on the core values of PRIDE: People/Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence, Cracker Barrel believes these are core pillars that should guide our decisions year-round.

To the Cracker Barrel, PRIDE is an acronym, meaning “people/professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.” Well, that sounds morally innocent enough. Where is the so-called LGBTQ+ worldview in this acronym? It is hidden under the word “diversity.” The basic meaning of “diversity” relates to people of different races and cultures. Of course, the word has been co-opted and propagandized, to include the hidden agenda, which attempts to force an ungodly worldview on those who affirm the biblical worldview.

One definition of “pride,” as a noun, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is: “Pride: 2. b.: an event or series of events celebrating and affirming the rights, equality, and culture of LGBTQ people.” That dictionary defines “LGBTQ” as: “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity).” LGBTQ is a euphemistic acronym that belies the promotion of an ungodly worldview.

Near the bottom of the “Diversity and Inclusion” section (titled “Everyone Feels at Home: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Cracker Barrel”), Sandra B. Cochran, Cracker Barrel President and Chief Executive Officer, states: "As we say in our People Promise, Cracker Barrel values what everyone brings to the table. We are committed to hiring, developing and retaining diverse talent that not only reflects the communities we serve, but enriches our company and each other.” Cracker Barrel does not value the values that I bring “to the table.”

At the bottom of that web page, under “Proud Representation: Business Resource Groups,” one of the seven groups is “LGBTQ+ Alliance: Supporting Home Office and Field employees to bring their whole selves to work while strengthening Cracker Barrel's relationship to the LGBTQ+ community.” (Is this the same as the “LGBT Alliance,” which the fourth paragraph, above, mentions?)

In summary, Cracker Barrel is another company that has joined the “Pride Month” bandwagon, as it rolls downhill. Bud Light did so recently (and saw its profits decline). Other companies, to name a few, include Adidas, Chick-fil-A, Nike, Starbucks, Kohl’s, Target, North Face, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The list goes on. Their stories have all been and are in various media sources.

Previous Articles on Marriage & So-Called “Pride Month”

Before mentioning previous articles, I will establish credibility, based on the analytics for this website. Yesterday, 6/12/2023, at 4:25 PM, I checked the number of views, from which nations, and on which articles -- within the last 24 hours. At that minute in time, in the last 24 hours, views were 740 (so far). Views the day before, on 6/11/2023, were 296. Analytics shows only the top 20 articles that are being viewed. I saw those top 20 articles and the number of views that each one had. Apparently, other articles, below the top 20, had views as well. Views were from eighteen different countries (which I'll not list in this article). I keep a monthly log, for the number of views each month. The number of local, regional, national, and international viewers establishes credibility. (By the way, today, at 3:31 PM, just before this article was published, the total views today, so far, were 230. That number keeps rising.)

Now that I've established credibility, a review of previous articles on this website finds at least the following five that relate to marriage or that comment on the euphemistically-called “Pride Month.”

"Marriage Melee" (published on 6/3/2006) is an early and brief article that affirms marriage between one man and one woman only. A more recent article is on 6/26/2022, under the section “LGBTQ Pride Month.” This is the second article under the topic “Worldviews in Conflict.” The conclusion, to that section, states, which I still affirm:

The inspired apostle Paul stated that the first century worldview included women, who “exchanged the natural use for what is against nature,” and men, who left “the natural use of the woman” and “burned in their lust for one another.” The majority view, even in churches, that contradicts God's morality on this subject is wrong. The biblical worldview is right. I rest my case.

The article of 12/15/2022 concerns the 12/13/2022 “Respect for Marriage Act” (RFMA), which defines “marriage,” in opposition to the Bible, as between two people, regardless of gender.

The article includes my public comments to the current president of this once-great nation. In response to the false allegation that opposition to the practice of homosexuality is so-called “hate speech,” I wrote, “ . . . one can hate the sin and love the sinner, by loving efforts to persuade the sinner to repent of his or her sin.” Further, in opposition to the incorrect label of “homophobic,” I encouraged the president to be “. . . theophobic, by changing your worldview to reflect, in reverential fear, the biblical worldview.” The conclusion states, which I still affirm:

God's law on marriage is that one man and one woman unite as husband and wife. No other option defines marriage, according to the Supreme Lawgiver.

The article of 2/26/2023 and the most recent article of 6/5/2023 were written in the context of 2023 Tennessee legislation that became law. Those laws affirm, correctly, the biblical worldview, which the Tennessee State Constitution incorporates, predominately. The ungodly and unconstitutional judicial response to one law is mentioned in the most recent article. The conclusion to the 2/26/2023 article states, in part, “Society should not accept as right what God calls wrong.” Under the section “The Alien Worldview,” in the most recent article, I wrote and still affirm, “Once again, this month, biblical morality endures the ungodly and alien morality of the euphemistically named 'Pride Month'.”

My Public Statement to Cracker Barrel

As the introduction stated, my wife and I used to like to eat at the Cracker Barrel. As I recall, it was in 1991, when I stopped buying Levi blue jeans. We lived in Charleston, Missouri, and I was in full-time ministry. Levi had started to flaunt its acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. I haven't bought Levi blue jeans since then. Of course, other blue jean makers -- including the brand that I buy, rarely, when needed -- may have joined Levi's ungodly worldview. I haven't seen them flaunt it yet.

This author is not so simplistic as to think that he should or can only purchase products from companies that support his biblical worldview. That approach is not practical -- especially since so many products are made in other countries, since some companies that promote ungodly worldviews have a monopoly on their products, and since so many companies have accepted ungodly worldviews. A Christian, who upholds the biblical worldview, however, is free to stop doing business with any company that flaunts its unbiblical worldview in his or her face, such as Cracker Barrel has done!

My public statement to Cracker Barrel is:

Thank you, Cracker Barrel, for “parading” your “Pride Month” in my face, on Thursday! My wife and I will spend our hard-earned money at other dining locations. You have several competitors that don't flaunt their ungodly worldviews, if they have them, in my face. I wasn't aware of your unbiblical, anti-traditional family, and anti-rural American values, until you flaunted them in my face. I won't come sit in your “rainbow rocking chairs.” I will continue to stand on the Solid Rock of biblical morality.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I plan to include a reference to this article, in the postal letter that I mail to: Sandra B. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cracker Barrel Headquarters, PO Box 787, Lebanon, TN 37088. Sandra Cochran is welcome to comment, as an official response to this article, in the comments section. This article will be updated, to denote her response, if she replies.

Conclusion

The words in “Marriage Melee (published 6/3/2006)” are still timeless and valid. I still affirm, as Mason said to Dixon, “We have to draw the line somewhere!”

The power of ungodly propaganda, unfortunately, turns public opinion. Like a ship without a rudder, public opinion drifts with the tide of that propaganda. What society once knew was wrong becomes accepted as right. The process takes decades. This has been the case with the unbiblical worldview that has been and is behind the euphemistically called “Pride Month” of June.

This article, on 6/13/2023, predicts that polygamy will be accepted by the majority, in time. The propagandists have been at work, but, so far, they do not have enough persuasive power. Their power is growing. See, for example, the following two Gallup articles. First, from 2020, “Understanding the Increase in Moral Acceptability of Polygamy,” on Gallup, by Frank Newport, 6/26/2020, states (emboldening added for emphasis):

Another important trend has been the increase in the moral acceptability of gay and lesbian relations, now 66%, up from as low as 38% (in 2002).

When Gallup first included polygamy on the list in 2003, 7% of Americans said it was morally acceptable, and that fell to 5% in 2006. But over the past decade, this percentage has gradually increased -- moving into double digits in 2011, reaching 16% in 2015, and this year, at 20%, the highest in our history. In short, there has been a fourfold increase in the American public's acceptance of polygamy in about a decade and a half.

Next, for 2022, “Untangling Americans' Complex Views of Morality,” on Gallup, by Frank Newport, 6/17/2022, states (emboldening added for emphasis):

Americans' views that each of the following is morally acceptable has increased significantly over the past two decades: sex between an unmarried man and woman, having a baby outside of marriage, sex between teenagers, and gay or lesbian relations. And while just 23% of Americans say that polygamy is morally acceptable, that's up from 7% in 2003.

Will the Cracker Barrel (and other companies) accept, promote, and flaunt polygamy -- when the propagandists of that lifestyle reach sufficient power, to turn the tide of public opinion to accept it? The Cracker Barrel has changed -- from the morally straight and narrow rudder of God's word -- to the rudderless, propagandized, and immoral rudder of public opinion.

Morality is not subjective! It is not based on societal norms or public opinion polls. Morality is absolute. It flows from the nature of the Moral Lawgiver, God. For the complete reasoning on this point, see, on this website, “Christian Evidences (Apologetics): Does God Exist - Moral Argument (published 11-4-2022; article #370; series article #2).”

Jesus stated, in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7):

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Mt. 7:13-14, NIV)

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. (Mt. 7:24-27, NIV)

The mixture of metaphors is as follows. Morality, which flows from the nature of God, should be the rudder that guides a person, a society, and a nation along the straight and narrow course. That is the Solid Rock foundation, which holds firmly, against the immoral winds and the shifting sands of ungodly propaganda and public opinion.

I hope that the Cracker Barrel chooses wisely. I trust, dear reader, that you have already. If you are drifting with the ungodly winds of societal degeneration, please get on the straight course. It will help you stand, and it will lead you up, in the heavenly direction. The “Contact Form” is available, if you would like to converse privately.

The Cracker Barrel -- along with many folks and organizations, in this once-great nation -- can have their “Pride Month” in June. I endure it. I, however, will retain my everlasting pride in the biblical worldview. I rest my case.

Biblical Worldview: 1st Century, 21st Century, and 6-24-2022 Pro-Life Victory (published 6-26-2022; article #336)

Introduction

Today is for deep and serious thought. I stated the following in the final paragraph of my article, Biblical Worldview: Book Recommendation by Barna: “American Worldview Inventory 2021-22: The Annual Report on the State of Worldview in the United States” (published 6-7-2022; article #332):

I still have several rough draft articles on “spin the bottle.” I may finish and publish the various “spins,” but they will be within the context of this overarching article that I have published.

This entry will encapsulate those several rough drafts into one article. The dizziness caused by the spinning worldviews must stop!

On Friday, 6/24/2022, the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America) Supreme Court agreed in a “landmark decision” with God's Supreme Court. This article's “Twenty-First Century Worldview” section below will include more details and commentary. I may write a separate article on the profound topic.

This article, however, focuses on the first-century worldview, the twenty-first-century worldview, and the biblical worldview. The conclusion will encourage the world, with emphasis on this once-great nation, to return in repentance to the biblical worldview.

First Century Worldview: The Inspired Apostle Paul

The Bible is the inspired word of God. Each writer wrote by God's direction and guidance. I can prove and have proved this fact that informs my faith.

The inspired apostle Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome contains a wealth of divine wisdom. Paul's inspired words, which follow, include my highlighting.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error, which was due.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32, NKJV)

The apostle Paul, who lived and wrote by inspiration in the first century, encapsulated the first-century worldview, which was largely unbiblical. A modern study of first-century culture agrees with the apostle Paul.

In the first century, God gave over the majority who followed unbiblical worldviews to a debased mind. They were without excuse. The knowledge of God and his righteousness was evident. They ignored the evidence and lived ungodly lives.

I do not need to comment further on the eloquence of the apostle Paul's inspired letter to the Romans. Remember that the first century marked the beginning of Christ's church, after Jesus, the Christ, the incarnate Word, had become flesh, lived as the God-man, been crucified, rose again, and ascended back to heaven. The historical record is faith based on fact.

Twenty-First Century Worldview

The unbiblical worldview has not changed much in over 2,000 years. History records moments of spiritual revival, such as the Protestant Reformation and so forth. The inspired apostle Matthew cited Jesus' timeless words:

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14, NKJV)

For centuries, the majority have continued down the broad way to destruction. Few have walked the “straight and narrow” way. The right way is not determined by the majority (such as in opinion polls). The right way has been established by God.

The division in the USSA is based on worldviews in conflict. The broad way is wide and filled with unbiblical worldviews. I will cite only three examples (which were in my rough draft articles). Other examples abound.

“Gun Control”

I have written before that “gun control” is when a moral individual aims and fires his or her weapon for target shooting, hunting, or defense of life. Immoral individuals, not the gun, cause the ongoing abundance of crimes, murders, and mass shootings. Legislation cannot regulate morality. God gives us the right to defend ourselves and others. By the way, The Constitution of the United States agrees with that God-given right under Amendment II (1791):

A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

On Thursday, 6/23/2022, the USSA Supreme Court agreed with God's Supreme Court. The SCOTUSBlog has the article by Amy Howe, “In 6-3 ruling, court strikes down New York’s concealed-carry law,” SCOTUSblog (Jun. 23, 2022, 10:36 AM). Justices Thomas, Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett affirmed. Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented. Supreme Court of the United States, Opinions has the link for the PDF download. I am sure that you have heard about the details. I will not comment further.

Also on 6/23/2022, the USSA Senate passed a “gun control” bill. Fox News reported, "Senate clears path for final passage of bipartisan gun bill: Senate likely to vote on final passage for bipartisan gun bill Thursday or Friday.” Fox News, by Tyler Olson, 6/23/2022.

The bill passed the House, and the first president of the USSA signed the bill into law on Saturday, 6/25/2022. Source: “Biden signs gun control bill in wake of deadly mass shootings: 'Lives will be saved.' Biden says gun control law doesn't accomplish all he hoped for, but bill was compromise.” Fox News, by Caitlin McFall, 6/25/2022.

This new “gun control” law will give “Monopoly money” to states to create programs to keep firearms away from people who endanger themselves or others (i.e., red flag laws). Also, it will “enhance background checks” for gun buyers under age 21, further penalize criminals who use guns, and give “Monopoly money” for health and mental health programs. Additionally, the law will close a so-called "boyfriend loophole."

The “gun control” debate in this once-great nation is an example of worldviews in conflict. If the majority would simply follow the biblical worldview, then “morality control” would be enforced by each individual's free choice to do right. Laws on the purchase and use of firearms that do not violate Second Amendment rights make sense. Where, however, are the voices that address the underlying moral decay that has been leading to all the shootings? Why do many cities (e.g., Chicago, etc.) that have “tough gun control laws” have the most shootings?

The apostle Paul stated that the first-century worldview included those who engaged in wickedness and murder. The biblical worldview would stop or greatly reduce “gun violence,” wickedness, and murder. I rest my case.

“LGBTQ Pride Month”

June is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) “pride” month. June is also Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Source: List of National Days, Commemorative Months. The Library of Congress lists June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month.

Even the supposedly conservative Fox News has affirmed “Pride Month” since last year. Sources: “Fox Celebrates Pride Month by Adding a 'Little Bit of Color,'” by Steve Gidlow, 6/9/2021. “Republicans Blast Fox News for Promoting LGBTQ Pride Month,” by Andrew Stanton, 6/14/2022. “Fox News Promotes Gender Ideology with Propaganda-Filled ‘Trans’ Family Story,” The Daily Citizen, by Glenn T. Stanton, 6/10/2022.

The small town of Rutledge, Tennessee, even made the news earlier this month. The written article is at WSMV-TV, Nashville, Tennessee, "Pastor files lawsuit against Rutledge church that accused her of ‘practicing homosexuality’ (wsmv.com),” by Camruinn Morgan-Rumsey, published 6/9/2022; updated 6/8/2022. The video is at WVLT-TV, Knoxville, Tennessee, “Pastor files lawsuit against Rutledge church that accused her of ‘practicing homosexuality’ (wvlt.tv)," updated 6/9/2022. I wonder how a female “pastor” can be the husband of one wife? I, however, am digressing into a topic about church organization and leadership, into which I will not delve deeper in this article.

The inspired apostle Paul stated that the first-century worldview included women, who “exchanged the natural use for what is against nature,” and men, who left “the natural use of the woman” and “burned in their lust for one another.” The majority view, even in churches, that contradicts God's morality on this subject is wrong. The biblical worldview is right. I rest my case.

Murder of Unborn Children (Euphemistically Called Abortion)

The rough draft that became this section started on 5/11/2022. On that day, I read Phil Robertson's Substack article, "My Answer to the Most Crucial Question in the Abortion Debate: How we answer this question determines whether or not abortion is moral,” Substack, by Phil Robertson, 5/11/2022. Brother Phil wrote a fine piece. I suggest that you pause to read his article. I affirm every word that he wrote.

Evil individuals have been threatening Supreme Court justices and pro-life groups, even vandalizing the buildings of pro-life groups. Source: CNSNews, “Report: ‘Open Season’ on Pro-Life Groups, 40+ Attacks Since Alito Opinion Leaked on May 3,” by Stephanie Samsel, 6/21/2022.

On Friday, 6/24/2022, the “Supreme Court” decided in agreement with God's Supreme Court! I pause to bend my knee in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Good Lord!

Media sources are filled with information and commentaries. The SCOTUSBlog reports, “Supreme Court overturns constitutional right to abortion.” SCOTUSblog, by Amy Howe, 6/24/2022.

The total number of war fatalities—from the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) to the ongoing “War on Terror”—is approximately 1,304,702. Source: Statista, Number of military fatalities in all major wars involving the United States from 1775 to 2022. We must honor those brave soldiers who fought and died for freedom!

At age 12, I was still a boy on January 22, 1973, when that USSA “Supreme Court” issued its opinion on “abortion rights” in Roe v. Wade. The estimated number of unborn children who were murdered (i.e., aborted) from 1973 to January 2022 is 63,459,781. Source: Christian Life Resources, “U.S. Abortion Statistics By Year (1973-Current): THE CONSEQUENCES OF ROE V. WADE: TOTAL ABORTIONS SINCE 1973: 63,459,781,” Updated January 2022.

On 6/24/2022, I read the following article from a known sister in Christ. (The links are in her article.)

I am that poor woman of whom the pro-abortion people talk about.

I lost my job.

I lost my car.

I lost my apartment.

I lost many friends and family for a long time.

I had my power turned off in the middle of winter.

I had to go on public assistance and food stamps.

I was sent to collections and sued for my balance from the doctor’s office and dropped as a patient.

I was forced to go to an abortion clinic by the bio. father, and I walked away and went to a crisis pregnancy center across the street called InvestingHope (HOPE Resource Center).

I am a women who has been blessed by God beyond measure because I gave life to my child, [child’s name removed, to protect privacy].

Abortion as a solution is a lie.

For those who purposefully use it as their form of birth control, may God have mercy on you.

Roe v. Wade has been overruled, and we praise the Lord!!

#prolife #crisispregnancycenter #crisispregnancy

I look forward to hugging the neck of my known sister in Christ! Her written words brought a tear to my eye.

The apostle Paul stated that the first-century worldview included those who were unloving and murderers. “Abortion” is a euphemism for the murder of an unborn child. The only exception would be to save the physical life of the mother. That is a rare exception. Media sources for many days will include so-called arguments for the murder of unborn children. They will argue that the mother's so-called “right to choose” overrides the right to life of her unborn child. They will argue that the mother's social, economic, and emotional well-being negate the right to life of her unborn child. Those arguments affirm a worldview that does not value the sanctity of life, and that is not the biblical worldview. I rest my case.

The Biblical Worldview

Luke, the inspired author and companion of the apostle Paul, wrote Paul's statement of his conversion. It reads in part as follows:

“While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:12-18, NKJV)

The apostle Paul changed his worldview from unbiblical to biblical. His eyes were opened. He saw the Light. He was saved. The apostle Paul dedicated the remainder of his life to bringing the unsaved from their dark worldviews to the saving light of the biblical worldview.

Conclusion

My 6/7/2022 article referenced the study by Dr. George Barna. The study is unsettling. It verifies that many, even those who call themselves Christians, are not living according to the biblical worldview. Those who are not Christians are certainly following unbiblical worldviews.

The examples that I have cited in this article (“gun control,” LGBTQ “pride,” and the murder of unborn children) are only three of many, indicating that this once-great nation does not, in majority, hold the biblical worldview.

My written prayer, now and ongoing, is that this once-great nation will see the Light, repent, and be restored to the biblical worldview before it is too late. At least the majority in the USSA “Supreme Court” has the biblical worldview, as demonstrated on 6/24/2022! Praise God for that victory!

“Supper” Bowl Reactions: TN State of the State Address (2-6-2023) and State of the Union Address (2-7-2023) (published 2-12-2023, article #389)

4/17/2021 Photo by Elisa Stone on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Imagine, based onthe above image, that several other skunks are with that one in your front yard. That image is fitting, as the final conclusion will explain. Yes, skunks invaded our front yard.

Greetings, dear reader. I trust that you are well. It is a warm and rainy Sunday afternoon in this neck of the woods. There are no skunk sightings today.

I apologize for the need to write my sixty-fourth article on “poly-ticks” (Greek πολύς, meaning “many,” and “ticks,” or blood suckers). I prefer to continue working on the sixth article in my Christian Evidences series. I, however, will remove these “many ticks” from my thoughts by writing this article, if you will indulge me.

The news media—specifically, the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 weeks a year type—present the “reactions” of various pundits to trending news topics. I don't care to know the reactions of pundits. I have my own reactions. I am not a pundit. The news media simply need to state only the facts as verified by accurate information. If they did only this, they would not need to be on constantly.

This article denotes my public “reactions,” first to the Tennessee State of the State Address on 2/6/2023 and then to the State of the Union Address on 2/7/2023. I did not listen to either televised live address. Instead, I read each address, based on the references listed below.

TN State of the State Address (Monday, 2/6/2023)

The Address

The complete text of Governor Bill Lee's address is found at TN, Office of the Governor, 2023 State of the State Address, 2/6/2023. (The spending details—of a billion here and a million there, in nine spending categories—are found at TN Office of the Governor: “Gov. Lee Delivers 2023 State of the State Address – ‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation,’” 2/6/2023.) The televised live record is at “Governor Bill Lee – 2023 State of the State Address” on The National Governors Association (YouTube).

The governor spoke for 59 minutes. I read his address. I didn't watch it, since I preferred to watch an episode of Gunsmoke. Four of the governor's five main topics by section were on:

Good Jobs + Opportunity

Great Schools + High-Quality Education

Safe Neighborhoods

Brighter Future

My Reaction

My general reaction to those four topics was nominal interest. Tennessee by law must balance its budget—unlike the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America). The bureaucratic details bored my mind. The governor wants to spend money on stuff.

I hope that his “choice lanes” idea will repave roads near us—not just repatch the patched potholes again. The immorality of citizens causes unsafe neighborhoods. Good and moral neighbors—with my weapons to stop a threat if it arises—keep Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me safe at home under the Good Lord's provision. Apparently, the “brighter future” involves a cleaner, greener, and more nuclear environment.

As long as the governor plans to restrict further government intrusion into my life, maintain a balanced budget, and not increase taxes, whatever he said is of mundane interest. Bill Lee is doing well enough. Regrettably, he knows too well how to write and speak like a bureaucrat.

The governor's other topic was on Strong Families, on which he stated in part:

There was a significant shift in this country last year when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn. We now all have an opportunity and a moral obligation to support strong Tennessee families ....

... Tennessee has the opportunity to ease one of the biggest financial burdens on mothers. We are going to propose covering the cost of diapers during the first two years of a baby’s life for mothers on TennCare.

My article from 6/30/2022 referenced the Supreme Court's 6/24/2022 decision and affirmed the pro-life position. In general, I agree with the governor's remarks under his Strong Families topic, the bureaucratic minutiae notwithstanding.

Individuals, families, and churches have the primary moral obligation to support families. Fathers should not be absent. The government usually “supports” families by funding programs.

Amazingly, the governor's plan proposes that TennCare buy diapers for babies. Is that a moral obligation? The governor, apparently, thinks that it is.

Mom washed cloth diapers (in an old washing machine or the bathtub) for us four boys, when we were young enough to need them. Those diapers were reusable. By the way, my father was, of course, in the home.

In his closing remarks, the governor stated, “In many ways, our country is off track. But America’s best days are not behind her.“ Generally, I am a realistically optimistic person. Unlike the Governor, I am not optimistic about America (the USSA). I wish that I could be.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I, however, are glad that we live in Tennessee. The state government is bloated by layers of bureaucracy, lack of common sense, incompetence, waste, and inefficiencies. I know, based on my ten years as a state employee and on my recent interaction with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (which my 12/5/2022 article highlighted). My 9/3/2006 article on the “Big Dig” denoted wasteful spending. We don't ever plan to move to California, for example.

State of the Union Address (Tuesday, 2/7/2023)

The Address (including my efforts to read and watch)

The televised audio and transcript of President Joe Biden's live address are found at The White House: February 7, 2023, State of the Union Address. The address as prepared for delivery is found at The White House: Remarks of President Joe Biden – State of the Union Address as Prepared for Delivery, on 2/7/2023. I wonder who prepared the remarks. The president spoke for one hour, twenty minutes, and seven seconds.

The president's remarks as prepared for delivery are not organized by topic, as Governor Bill Lee's were. Initially, on 2/8/2023, I started to read every word of the prepared remarks; however, the political spin was so fast and furious that I became dizzy! Thus, I glanced for key topics and phrases. That was all that I could endure. Finally, with reluctance, on 2/9/2023, I printed President Biden's prepared remarks and read them more closely.

On 2/7/2023, I did not listen to the president's televised live address. (I preferred to watch an episode of Star Trek.) On 2/10/2023, I listened to much of his address from the first website reference listed above until I could endure no more. I did not compare the transcript of the president's live address to the prepared address.

My General Reaction

From what my closer attention could determine, the president jumped, fairly randomly, from topic to topic. An organized outline, by topic, would have been better. The political spin was intense and obvious. President Biden spoke from a teleprompter on the following primary topics, as underlined. (My reactions, notes, and comments are included in parentheses.)

His “accomplishments” in two years (which are rife with spin and do not mention the Biden family investigations that are being conducted in the House).

COVID-19 (including his spin. I have written 30 articles on “Corona Myopia.” I am done with the new cold virus. I have moved on.)

The events of January 6, 2021 (with his abundant spin).

The Slavic war, or the Russian invasion of Ukraine (as I call it, not “Putin's war,” which did not cause economic decline in this nation. I have written five articles on the “2022 Slavic War,” which began on 2/24/2022.)

American assistance to Ukraine (i.e., spending federal Monopoly money on weapons to give to Ukraine).

The economy (with several pages on inflation, jobs, manufacturing, wages, imports and exports, infrastructure, supply chain, and so forth with an abundance of socialist spin).

Veterans (with proper emphasis on their care, often and unfortunately through the improved but still too bureaucratic, wasteful, and inefficient VA).

The “Respect for Marriage Act” (but see my 12/15/2022 article on that act).

Healthcare and health insurance (in the context of the socialism that monopolizes both with abundant socialist spin).

“Clean” energy and electric cars (in the context of the global climate “crisis,” which is a cover phrase for a propagandized and socialist agenda).

Border insecurity (which is obvious, despite the President's spin) and “immigration reform” (i.e., the “pathway to citizenship” for illegal alien invaders).

Drug trafficking (especially due to border insecurity and human immorality).

The federal government's Monopoly money spending (as I call it; see my most recent, 1/23/2023, article on the topic).

The national debt (which is huge), debt limit (which is too high already), and budget (which continues to spend more than it receives).

The federal tax system (i.e., taking more from the haves to punish them and giving to the have-nots to keep them dependent on socialist government programs).

Big corporations and “Big Oil” (with emphasis on taxing more of their “exorbitant” profits, which will raise prices for consumers).

Public (i.e., socialist) housing and public (i.e., socialist) education.

Public safety (or the lack thereof, due to the moral decline in the nation).

“Gun control” (i.e., again about banning so-called “assault weapons” with no comment on the moral decline in the nation).

A cure for cancer by a “Cancer Moonshot” (whatever that will be and cost).

“... to protect every woman's constitutional right to choose” (i.e., to murder their unborn babies, which is not a constitutional right.) See my 6/30/2022 article on the topic. The President, once again, did not say what is chosen, which is usual for those who advocate the moral evil of murdering unborn babies. To choose what, Mr. President?)

Ensure the “safety and dignity” of LGBTQ citizens (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.) Not for safety and dignity; this is the forced acceptance of those immoral lifestyles. See my 6/26/2022 article under the “LGBTQ Pride Month” section.

China (and its military and economic domination, with only a mild inference to their recent spy balloon).

Voting (with spin and labeling against those who want only fair elections).

My Specific Reactions

In his introductory remarks, President Biden stated his “vision for our country,” which included “to restore the soul of the nation” and “to unite the country.” I doubt that the president's vision is based on biblical values and the biblical worldview. (See my eight articles so far under the Worldviews in Conflict topic section.)

Early into his remarks, the president stated in part that he “ran for President to fundamentally change things....” That was a very vague statement, but the president revealed his change agenda throughout his address. The change should be to return to founding constitutional principles, not to further advance socialism and immorality.

Later, but still into his early remarks, the president stated in a single paragraph, “I’m a capitalist. But just pay your fair share.” I simply had to laugh out loud! I assume that the president was joking by stating that he is a capitalist. “Fair share” is the commonly used and euphemistic expression for taxing the haves more to give to the have-nots to further expand the socialist federal government.

In his closing remarks, the president stated in part:

My fellow Americans, we meet tonight at an inflection point.

We are a good people, the only nation in the world built on an idea.

That all of us, every one of us, is[sic] created equal in the image of God. A nation that stands as a beacon to the world.

Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong.

I have never been more optimistic about the future of America.

Those words did nothing to inspire me. The inflection (or turning) point should be to repent as a nation and to return to godly and moral living under the original intent of the Constitution, which is based on biblical values. The president, of course, believes that some of us are more equal than others (i.e., the socialists are elevated, while the conservatives are relegated). He, of course, does not affirm the equality of the unborn child. This once-great nation needs to return to the Beacon to the world in Christ. The souls of true followers of Christ are strong. The national soul, which, in majority, does not follow Christ, is morally weak and corrupt. The State of the Union is at best continuing to weaken ever so slowly.

I am a realistic optimist. I, however, am very pessimistic about the socialistic future of America.

The Blackburn Report: Responding To The State Of The Union

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn's The Blackburn Report, which I received by email on 2/10/2023, is the title of this section. I subscribe to her weekly emails.

Senator Blackburn's introductory paragraph is as follows. (The website links are in her original paragraph.)

This week, President Biden delivered his second State of the Union address in front of a weary nation. On the day Biden walked into the Oval Office, inflation sat at 1.4%, border encounters were three times lower, and our adversaries feared us. Two years later, inflation is at a 40-year high, our national debt has exceeded $31 trillion for the first time ever, 4.6 million immigrants have illegally crossed the southern border, and Chinese spy balloons are violating U.S. airspace. The Biden administration has intentionally implemented policies to further a destructive left-wing agenda, and the American people are paying the price.

The inclusion of Senator Blackburn's response to the president's State of the Union Address, is added to this article simply to strengthen my own response.

“Supper” Bowl Sidenote

Apparently, today is “Supper” Bowl Sunday. It is the 57th “Supper” Bowl. The football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles starts at 6:30 PM.

About that time, our supper should be finished, and Molly (our “old puppy”) should be inside with us. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman will probably be washing dishes. An episode of Gunsmoke will most likely, as usual, be my television selection.

Previous notes about the “Supper” Bowl are in my articles from 8/8/2021 and 2/20/2022. Roger Goodell never did reply to my 7/19/2021 email to him.

Conclusion: Balancing the President's Spin

Apparently, I was one of millions who chose not to watch the president's 2/7/2023 State of the Union address. See “27.3 Million Watched the 2023 State of the Union Address,” Nielsen, 2/8/2023. The article states that viewership was down 29% from President Biden’s 2022 State of the Union address. The article includes historical audience data for State of the Union addresses from 2/17/1993 to 2/7/2023.

The latest Gallup poll, “Presidential Approval Ratings—Joe Biden” (1/2-22/2023), shows that 41% of Americans approve of his job performance.

The viewership and approval ratings, which I have cited, place into context President Biden's political spin and propaganda in his 2/7/2023 address. I do not understand how even 10% of Americans could approve of the president's job performance. At least 41% of Americans, apparently, are drinking the poison-laced, socialist Kool-Aid.

Final Conclusion

What about the skunks, which the introduction mentioned? Why did I select the above photograph for this article? I will explain as I close.

Last Sunday night into Monday morning, the skunk invasion of our front yard occurred! Early in the morning darkness on Monday, 2/6/2023, when Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was leaving for work, we both smelled the pungent odor of skunk spray, even before she opened the garage door.

Later that day, I noticed several diggings in and around our front yard. I spoke with a neighbor a few days later. He had spoken with other neighbors. The conclusion was obvious! Numerous skunks had entertained themselves in at least three yards by having a skunk war! The spray lingered for two days. The diggings are still present in our yard.

Thankfully, Molly was not sprayed. She did, however, do a lot of barking and sniffing around the skunk diggings.

Beware of political skunks. Their stinky spray is unpleasant. We can't keep from smelling it. Just don't let them spray you directly.