Consumer Reports magazine recently tested pork from U.S. markets and farmers. In the study, “pork-chop and ground-pork samples from around the U.S. found that yersinia enterocolitica, a bacterium that can cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, was widespread. Some samples harbored other potentially harmful bacteria, including salmonella… Some of the bacteria we found in 198 samples proved to be resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat people.

When the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, announced that the United Nations had upgraded the Palestinians to non-member observer status he asserted, “One day, a young Palestinian will raise the Palestinian flag over Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the state of Palestine” (iThe Jerusalem Post, December 2, 2012).

What do Sean Connery, Oprah Winfrey, Yao Ming, and Baby Yoda have in common? Aside from their obvious celebrity, they—along with other sports icons, TV and cinema personalities (whether real or fictional), and political figures—have all featured sometime or another on a series of “READ” posters. Sponsored by the American Library Association, “READ” posters are popular decorations for public libraries across the nation.

Politicians the world over receive a lot of criticism. Opposing parties denigrate their opponents to win the hearts of the citizenry to their side. During election cycles the vilification is frenzied as attack upon attack is leveled. But should a Christian be caught up in reviling the leaders of their nation, state, or city?

While political opponents and their backers are quick to publicly malign each other, what should be the approach of one who follows Jesus Christ?

Many were stunned when the highly respected U.S. General David Petraeus abruptly resigned as CIA Director, due to an extramarital affair.  The general was considered an exceptional battlefield tactician during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where his leadership was praised both on and off the field.  His decision to commit adultery after 37 years of marriage did not reflect the type of leadership one would expect from a dedicated four-star general of the United States.