Study: Majority of Christians watch porn, including pastors, and many are “comfortable with habit”

(Worthy Insights) – A majority of practicing Christians, including pastors, admit to viewing pornography and a large share say they are comfortable with the habit, a new study has found.

In Barna’s recently released researched report, Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, produced in partnership with Pure Desire Ministries, researchers found that pornography use is so prevalent among all demographics and the gap in use among Christians and non-Christians, as well as men and women, has grown narrower over the last eight years.

Even though practicing Christians were still found to view pornography less frequently than non-Christians, the gap between the two groups was only 14 percentage points. Some 54% of Christians reported viewing pornography compared with 68% of non-Christians. [ Source (Read More…) ]

Missouri and 9 More States to Vote on Controversial Abortion Amendments to Undo Pro-Life Protections

(Worthy Insights) – Linda McKnight of Webb City has already made up her mind that she is voting “no” on the upcoming initiative that, if passed, would lift Missouri’s abortion ban.

“I was really surprised—I guess I should not have been—but I was very surprised and very disappointed we are going down that road again,” said McKnight.

Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, nearly two dozen states have implemented bans or restrictions on abortion. Missouri is now one of ten states where voters will decide whether to reverse course. [ Source (Read More…) ]

China’s alliance with Iran could intensify Christian persecution, watchdog warns

(Worthy Insights) – China’s recent pledge of unwavering support for Iran could intensify the persecution of Christians in both countries, warns the U.S.-based group International Christian Concern. The concern arises after Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed strong ties with Iran during the annual BRICS summit.

According to Chinese news outlet Xinhua, President Xi stated at the summit, “No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.”

The BRICS summit, held in Russia, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with 10 member countries, including Iran. [ Source (Read More…) ]

Gunman Shoots Jewish Man Headed to Synagogue in US City, Shouts ‘Allahu Akbar’

(Worthy Insights) – A Jewish man was shot multiple times over the weekend while he was on his way to synagogue in Chicago.

The gunman also opened fire on first responders and reportedly screamed “Allahu akbar” when confronted by police. A suspect in the shooting has been identified as 22-year-old Sidi Mohammed Abdullahi.

Abdullahi is charged with 14 felony courts and was expected to make a court appearance Tuesday despite being shot multiple times. [ Source (Read More…) ]

New Hezbollah leader’s 1st speech cut off mid-broadcast

(Worthy Insights) – Hezbollah’s new Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, delivered his first speech in his new position today (Wednesday), but his remarks were cut off mid-speech.

At the same time, a cyber attack was reported in Lebanon. Later, Hezbollah managed to restore the broadcast of the speech.

“The question that is being asked is – what is the leader’s plan of action?” Qassem said. “My plan is the continuation of Nasrallah’s plan in all respects – political, cultural, and jihad. We will continue to carry out the war plan that we decided on together with the organization’s leadership, we will stay on the war path – while dealing with the political challenges and we will respond to developments at this stage.” [ Source (Read More…) ]

Italy rocked by espionage scandal in which Mossad implicated

(Worthy Insights) – An internal espionage scandal is rocking Italy after a private investigation firm made up of current and former senior members of the security services was alleged to have stolen personal information on politicians, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and public figures, to be used for extortion.

Israel’s Mossad was alleged to have been involved in deals with the Milan-based investigative firm.

At least four people are under arrest and dozens more under investigation. Cyber security experts and hackers may have breached the servers of Italy’s interior ministry, investigators said. [ Source (Read More…) ]

Trump gives Netanyahu deadline to end Israel-Hamas war by January if he takes office: report

(Worthy Insights) – Former President Trump reportedly asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to wrap up the Israel-Hamas war by the time he gets inaugurated, if he is elected, according to the Times of Israel.

The Israeli outlet was told about the exchange by an anonymous source familiar with the situation. Either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, depending on how voters cast their ballots on Nov. 5.

The Times of Israel’s source said that Trump initially gave the message to Netanyahu when the Israeli leader visited him at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, this past July. [ Source (Read More…) ]

Biden Sparks Outrage by Calling Trump Supporters ‘Garbage’

(Worthy Insights) – President Joe Biden sparked anger Tuesday when he used the term “garbage” to describe Donald Trump supporters.

Biden’s remark came in response to a comedian at a recent Trump rally in Madison Square Garden who compared Puerto Rico to an “island of garbage.” The Trump campaign said that comment does not reflect Mr. Trump’s views.

But in a call with a Latino advocacy group, President Biden had this to say: “Well let me tell you something I don’t know the Puerto Rico that I know, or Puerto Rico where I’m, in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people. The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization is unconscionable.” [ Source (Read More…) ]

Biden-Harris admin approves military use of lethal force on US citizens: Report

(Worthy Insights) – The Department of Defense (DOD) is facing significant backlash after releasing DOD directive 5240.01, which took effect on September 27. The Biden-Harris administration’s latest DoD directive has been accused of authorizing the U.S. military to use lethal force against American citizens.

The directive gives the Pentagon authority to approve “assistance in responding with assets with potential for lethality, or any situation in which it is reasonably foreseeable that providing the requested assistance may involve the use of force that is likely to result in lethal force, including death or serious bodily injury.”

The DoD directive also “includes all support to civilian law enforcement officials in situations where a confrontation between civilian law enforcement and civilian individuals or groups is reasonably anticipated.” [ Source (Read More…) ]

At Knesset, Netanyahu urges dismantling of Iran’s ‘evil axis’

(Worthy Insights) – Israel is pursuing a “long-term strategy” focused on neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program and proxies, despite claims to the contrary, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.

Speaking at the opening of the Knesset’s winter session, Netanyahu pushed back against recent claims that Israel’s war effort lacked focus.

“After each of our achievements, I hear the former officials in the television studios say: ‘Well, we understand the immediate war goals, but what’s the strategy?’” he said. “So if it’s not clear by now, I will lay it out in simple terms: Our long-term strategy, which I hope will be achieved shortly, is to dismantle the evil axis, sever its tentacles in the north and south, exact a heavy toll from Iran and its proxies and prevent it from obtaining nuclear arms.” [ Source (Read More…) ]