In today’s News:
Americans doubt salvation in Jesus alone
A new survey shows that the majority of Americans no longer believe that Jesus is the path to salvation and instead believe that being a good person is sufficient. As part of the ongoing release of the Arizona Christian University-based Cultural Research Center’s American Worldview Inventory, the latest findings — exploring perceptions of sin and salvation — from George Barna, the group’s director, show that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that having some kind of faith is more important than the particular faith with which someone aligns. Slightly more than half of Christian respondents said they believe someone can attain salvation by “being or doing good,” a figure that includes, 46 percent of Pentecostals, 44 percent of mainline Protestants, 41 percent of Evangelicals, and 70 percent of Catholics. In addition to the viewpoint that eternal salvation can be earned, survey results show that 58 percent of Americans believe that no absolute moral truth exists and that the basis of truth are factors or sources other than God. 77 percent said that right and wrong is determined by factors other than the Bible. 59 percent said that the Bible is not God’s authoritative and true word and 69 percent said people are basically good.
Planned Parenthood refuses to return funds
Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas say they have no intention of returning funds issued to them under the Small Business Administration’s covid-19 relief package, despite their ineligibility to receive the aid. The loans were distributed as part of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP )under the Cares Act. As previously reported,43 Planned Parenthood affiliates received more than $80 million in PPP funds knowing they had been disqualified from receiving the loans. According to Department of the Treasury records, three Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates received loans. To date, only Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas has returned its loan, which was listed at between $2 million and $5 million. The two remaining affiliates, Houston-based Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast ($2m to $5m) and Planned Parenthood South Texas ($350k to $1m), located in San Antonio, have refused to return the funds.
Mobile pro-life pregnancy center continues operations
A mobile pro-life pregnancy clinic can operate in Connecticut’s capital city without having to adhere to an ordinance requiring that it post signs inside and outside the facility that imply that it does not have medical professionals on-site. Caring Families Pregnancy Services, Inc. and the city of Hartford recently agreed to a settlement over a lawsuit the pro-life clinic filed against the city over its ordinance. As part of the agreement, Caring Families will be exempted from the ordinance because it has licensed medical professionals on staff and will still be allowed to operate in the city. For its part, the city will maintain the ordinance and will not have to admit liability in the case. Both sides agreed to cover their own legal expenses.
