It’s Wednesday, May 3rd, A.D. 2023. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com)

By Jonathan Clark

Religious Liberty Commission recommends State Dept. warn 17 countries

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report on Monday.

The report recommends 17 countries for the State Department’s list of Countries of Particular Concern for religious liberty violations.

New recommendations for the list include Cuba and Nicaragua.

The report again recommends Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern even though the State Department has refused to designate them as such before. Other countries on the recommended list include Afghanistan, Burma, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Nearly all the countries on the list are also on the Open Doors’ World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian. 

Abraham Cooper with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom told CBN News attacks on religious freedom are increasing. 

Cooper: “Violations are increasing. The threats, the tensions are increasing worldwide This is a very difficult time for religious freedom all over the globe, including here in the United States.”

Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

Over 55 years, 10 million unborn babies killed in United Kingdom

Last week marked 55 years since the Abortion Act went into effect in the United Kingdom.

Since then, over 10 million unborn babies were murdered in the womb across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Abortions in the U.K. have increased in recent years since the approval of abortion pill access through the mail.

Supreme Court could limit power of federal agencies

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could limit the power of federal agencies.

The case challenges a previous decision that allowed federal agencies, not the courts, to interpret laws where the statute is ambiguous.

The case has implications for religious liberty.

Matt Bowman with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “Unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats are weaponizing federal laws to violate Americans’ most fundamental rights . . . federal agency officials frequently disrespect Americans’ most cherished principles—including religious freedom and the sanctity of life—by imposing personal political agendas that Congress has not authorized.”

1 in 4 high school students are sexually perverted or questioning sexuality

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data from 2021 about the lifestyles of high school students.

The study found that one in four students identify with sexually perverted lifestyles or are questioning their sexuality. The percentage is up from 11% in 2015.

Over 70% of students still say they are heterosexual. 

Oklahoma bans transgender drugs and surgeries for kids

Oklahoma is the latest state to ban hormone drugs and sex mutilating surgeries for children. Republican Governor Kevin Stitt signed the law on Monday.

Last Friday, Montana’s Republican Governor Greg Gianforte also signed a similar law. 

At least 16 states have banned or restricted such transgender treatments. And nearly two dozen states are considering such bans.

Snail-paced U.S. economic growth

Last week, the Commerce Department reported that the U.S. gross domestic product rose by only 1.1% during the first quarter of this year.

That’s below the expected economic growth of 2%. 

With the heightened interest rates, business spending was down during the first quarter; however, consumer spending was up, contributing the most to the first quarter growth.

Many economists are expecting a recession later this year.

77% of U.S. Protestants believe tithing is Biblical

And finally, a new survey from Lifeway Research found 77% of Protestant churchgoers believe tithing is a Biblical command that still applies today. However, that’s down from 83% in 2017.

Ironically, 10% of respondents said tithing is not required today, and 13% are not sure.

Demographically, young adults are the least likely to agree with tithing. Denominationally, Lutherans are the least likely to agree.

Despite three fourths of churchgoers saying they believe in tithing, only 51% actually give 10% of their income to their church.

Scott McConnell with Lifeway Research said, “Giving 10% of your earnings to God is still a widespread standard among churchgoers. The small decline [among those] considering tithing a command appears to be more from a lack of teaching on the subject than a rejection of such teaching.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

Close

And that’s The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Wednesday, May 3rd in the year of our Lord 2023. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I’m Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.