Faith
New York Times Faces Backlash Over Biblical Misstep
In a world where the battle between serving God and attempting to supplant Him rages on, it is no surprise that modern leftist ideologies often find themselves at odds with the core tenets of Christianity. This conflict has recently been highlighted by a glaring misstep from The New York Times, which has drawn sharp criticism for its misrepresentation of a fundamental Christian principle.
The incident in question arose from a book review published by the Times, which mistakenly portrayed the biblical story of original sin as a tale of “innocent curiosity.” This error, found in the opening paragraph of the review, has sparked a wave of rebukes from various conservative voices on social media.
The book under review, “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, delves into former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and the subsequent cover-up by those around him. However, it was reviewer Jennifer Szalai’s attempt to draw a literary contrast that led to the misinterpretation.
“In Christian theology, original sin begins with Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge. But Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s ‘Original Sin’ chronicles a different fall from grace,” Szalai began.
The problem arose when Szalai described the biblical narrative as being about “the danger of innocent curiosity,” a characterization that fundamentally misunderstands the essence of the story. As the serpent in the garden tempted Eve, saying, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5), it becomes clear that the sin was far from innocent—it was a willful act of defiance.
Critics were quick to point out this error, emphasizing that the story of Adam and Eve’s fall in the garden of Eden is not about “the danger of innocent curiosity.” It’s about humankind willfully sinning and creating separation from God that Christ later came to bridge.
Some have suggested that the Times engage more deeply with Christian perspectives, proposing that a better understanding of these beliefs could improve reporting.
This incident underscores a broader issue within mainstream media, where certain narratives often overshadow traditional values and biblical truths. As these narratives continue to be pushed, it becomes increasingly vital for Christians to stand firm in their faith and advocate for the truth.
While Szalai’s error may not have been intentional, it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting religious beliefs, especially those that have shaped the moral and ethical foundations of our society. Just as Eve’s sin was not “innocent,” neither was this oversight by the Times.
In these challenging times, it is crucial for believers to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the principles of faith, family, and freedom that have long defined our great nation.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Millions of Christians endure persecution and displacement, especially across Africa and Asia.
- Women and girls bear the brunt of violence, facing repeated trauma and cultural rejection.
- Christian leaders urge global prayer, repentance, and united action for the persecuted Church.
At the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly in Seoul, believers were challenged to pray and act for persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide.
Joshua Williams of Open Doors International highlighted the suffering faced by Christians, particularly women and children, driven from their homes for their faith.
Williams shared, “When a village or a family attacks these girls and women and keeps them, rapes them again and again and again, what these women and ladies go through cannot even be imagined.”
He defended the dignity and strength of survivors, calling them “warriors of the faith.”
Violence against Christians is not isolated but widespread across over 55 nations and affects more than 45 million in Africa alone, with 16 million of those being Christians.
Williams pointed to Biblical examples of repentance and accountability, citing the stories of Cain and Abel, Nehemiah, and Ezra as models for the Church to follow today.
“The blood of hundreds of thousands are crying to God globally. And one wonders, where is the Church? Where are the people of God?”
He called for genuine repentance and a revival of prayer and fasting, noting initiatives like Africa, Arise that unite believers for global prayer.
Williams concluded with hope in Christ’s promise: “I will build my Church. Praise the Lord!”
Faithful action and steadfast prayer stand as the answer to this urgent call, motivating churches to uphold those suffering for Christ and reclaim a spirit of unity across nations.
Faith Facts
- Asiri Fernando of Youth for Christ Sri Lanka opened the World Evangelical Alliance Assembly in Seoul with a devotion on repentance, peace, and sacrificial love.
- Fernando emphasized the biblical foundation of repentance and the transformative message of peace found in Christ, rooted in Ephesians 2 and Luke 24.
- He urged the church to embrace sacrificial discipleship and mentor the next generation in faith and humility.
Asiri Fernando inspired global church leaders to return to the message of repentance and the forgiveness only Christ can provide. Through personal stories and scriptural truth, he reminded the assembly that God desires closeness with His people, and that true discipleship is marked by humility and love.
Fernando taught that delivering peace requires urgency and faithfulness to the Gospel mandate, with believers embodying Christ’s compassion to a hurting world. He called upon the church to distinguish true repentance from mere remorse and to turn from all forms of injustice and secret sin, encouraging transparency and accountability.
“Return to Me with all your heart, says the Lord, with fasting and weeping and mourning. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
He illustrated the costly nature of bringing good news through stories of perseverance and the vision of God’s glory, highlighting the need for the church worldwide to act with urgency for the lost and unreached. Pointing to Isaiah 52:7, Fernando underscored that spreading the Gospel calls for sacrificial footsteps and unwavering commitment.
He concluded by calling leaders to spiritual fatherhood: investing in the next generation through service instead of authority and never abandoning young leaders in their struggles, mirroring the Good Shepherd’s dedication. Fernando’s message reminds believers to anchor their lives and mission in Christ’s sacrificial love, building up the family of God with boldness and grace.
Faith Facts
- Anti-Christian violence erupted in Nazlat Jalf, Upper Egypt.
- Christian homes and property were attacked after online rumors about an interfaith relationship.
- Authorities arranged a reconciliation session; justice for victims remains uncertain.
Christians in the village of Nazlat Jalf faced attacks on their homes after unverified rumors spread online.
Although there were no deaths or injuries, property damage and threats have caused fear among the faithful.
The local police intervened and arrested some responsible for the violence.
Officials have set up a reconciliation session, a practice common in the region but often criticized for not delivering true justice.
“Sectarian attacks are not only assaults on innocent people; they also undermine the fundamental rights and human dignity that should be enjoyed by every citizen. CSW commends the swift action of local police.”
“However, for the violence that took place in Nazlat Jalf to be addressed effectively, the Egyptian authorities must crack down on hate speech, sectarian incitement and the culture of collective punishment of entire communities. They must also ensure that every citizen is treated equally, and that all perpetrators are held accountable under the law, regardless of their religion or belief.”
Events like these remind us to stand in prayer and advocacy for our Christian brothers and sisters facing persecution, and to champion religious freedom according to God’s principles of justice and equality.
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