Monday's News & Ideas - 6/17/2024

Paul Pressler, SBC legend accused of abuse, is dead at 94
Religion News Service: Pressler was one of the architects of the ‘Conservative Resurgence’ that took over the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1980s and 1990s. He was later accused of sexual abuse.

On Eid al-Adha, Gazans mark another somber holiday amid war*
The New York Times: The Muslim holiday typically involves slaughtering an animal for food for loved ones and the needy, but many in Gaza are going hungry as Israel’s offensive continues.
NPR: Muslims in Gaza pass a somber Eid al-Adha on the brink of famine

Why G7 leaders are turning to a special guest — Pope Francis — for advice on AI
NPR: This is the first G7 summit to feature a pope as an invited participant. But it’s not the first time that Pope Francis has weighed in on this emerging technology and how he believes it should be developed for the good of humanity.

Detroit pastor hosting Trump defends visit amid criticism of conservative events in city
Detroit Free Press: After realizing the opportunity was real, the Rev. Lorenzo Sewell decided to accept, seeing it as a chance to have the voices of marginalized Detroiters heard by a national campaign.

PCA will investigate ‘Jesus Calling’ book*
Christianity Today: The author of the bestseller died last year. The investigation will determine if the book is appropriate for Christians.

The Spark

We need a better way to measure deadly heat
Roughly 2,300 people died in part due to excessive heat in 2023, the hottest year on record, Vox says.

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