Hollywood Actor Criticizes Bible, Calls it ‘One of the Worst Books’

By: Billy Hallowell/Faithwire

A popular actor recently unleashed on the Bible, God and religion, calling faith a figment of people’s imaginations and critiquing the impact of religion on society.

“Succession” star Brian Cox called the Bible “one of the worst books ever” and said those who believe the Adam and Eve narrative are “stupid” in a recent episode of “The Starting Line” podcast.

Cox, 77, even seemed to allege so-called patriarchal issues have been sparked, in part, by the Bible’s Genesis narrative.

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“It’s Adam and Eve …. I mean, the propaganda goes [right] the way back,” he said. “The Bible is one of the worst books ever, for me, from my point of view, because it starts with the idea that … out of Adam’s rib, this woman was created, and they’ll believe it, because they’re stupid enough.”

The actor then contended the story is “mythology,” offering his assessment of why he believes God and religion have been “created.”

“We’ve created that idea of God, and we’ve created it as a control issue,” Cox continued. “And it’s also a patriarchal issue … and it’s essentially patriarchal—we haven’t given enough scope to the matriarchy.”

The actor flatly pushed back against the idea there’s a loving God caring for humankind.

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“It’s all about this notion of God—the idea that there’s a God that takes care of us all,” Cox continued. “There’s no such thing, doesn’t happen; that’s not what it’s about. It’s about us.”

In the end, Cox concluded religion has led to cultural horror.

To read the full article, visit our content partners at Faithwire.

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Morning Rundown: COVER STORY: It’s Time for an Honest Apology to Women

Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories on :

It’s Time for an Honest Apology to Women

When I first heard about the sexual scandal involving Mike Bickle and the International House of Prayer in Kansas City back in December, my initial reaction was defensive. I’ll admit I didn’t want to believe the charges made by “Jane Doe,” one of the alleged victims. My thoughts went in this direction: Maybe this was a false accusation? The church doesn’t need another embarrassing scandal. The devil is a liar!

But I cringed on Dec. 12, 2023, when Bickle released his own confession. His victim had suffered for years, but she finally mustered the courage to speak out. Then we learned there were more victims, revealing a sick game of manipulation and control. My heart sank when details surfaced about another woman who had been involved with Bickle in his earlier years as a youth pastor.

It became obvious that there had been a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse at IHOP, and with it, a pattern of hiding that abuse.

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Before You Ask God for a Word, Be Willing to Say Yes

God loves to speak to us. Psalm 85:8 (NASB) says: “I will hear what God the Lord will say; for He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones.” At the right time, the Lord offers a fresh word for us that can bring strength, guidance, confirmation or correction. There have been countless times when I was famished for a word from God, and when He spoke it came like a drink of cold water in the desert.

But there’s a right way and a wrong way to seek God for His direction. I’ve seen Christians line up in front of prophets, hoping for a quick solution to their problems. I’ve also seen those same Christians stand in line a second time in front of the same prophets because they didn’t like the word they received the first time.

Prophecy is a legitimate spiritual gift, and we are instructed to desire it earnestly in 1 Corinthians 14:1. But we should never abuse or misuse this precious gift. Here are some guidelines that will help you:

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We Dare Not Squander This Moment

We are living today in one of the most critical moments in American history.

How we respond today will go a long way in determining the future of our nation—or whether our nation even continues to exist as the United States of America. That’s why the title of my October 2021 book was Revival or We Die: A Great Awakening Is Our Only Hope. There was no hyperbole in the title and no exaggeration in the subtitle. I believed then and believe now that, without a sweeping revival in the church that leads to a national awakening, America as we know it is doomed. We will either continue to fall into moral and spiritual confusion, ultimately crashing and burning, or we will break up entirely as a nation, pulling apart at the seams. Either way, without revival, we are in very critical condition.

But here’s the catch. Revival alone will not get the job done. Revival alone will not turn the tide. It must be a revival in the church that leads to a reformation in the society—an outpouring that leads to awakening. Otherwise, to repeat, we are doomed. A powerful revival movement, without a national awakening, would just delay the inevitable or, worse still, simply make us more accountable. It really is revival and awakening or we die. Or do we really think that the right political candidate or the latest social program will solve our problems and cure our ills? Not a chance.

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Morning Rundown: School Staff Removed Following Drag Queen’s Provocative Performance

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School Staff Removed Following Drag Queen’s Provocative Prom Performance

A high school principal and several staff members are out of a job following a drag queen’s provocative prom performance.

As American Faith reported, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School in New Mexico had a drag queen come to perform at the senior class prom. The drag queen, Mythica Sahreen, wore a scanty outfit and heels, and danced with a couple of students, twerking on them.

“Could have kept it more on the side of like it being more PG with the fact that they kind of did twerk on a couple students,” one student said. “It wasn’t exactly the best, but it was something that did happen. And they did let students twerk on them.”

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Debunking Popular Lies About the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

This article by Jonathan Brentner was originally published by Harbinger’s Daily (), and is republished here with their permission.

One of the most unpopular beliefs among Christians today is that of the pre-Tribulation rapture. Many not only scoff at our expectation of meeting Jesus in the air, but also ridicule those of us who believe it could happen at any moment.

The resulting silence in most pulpits today regarding our “blessed hope” has opened the door for a great many misconceptions about it to flourish. For many, social media and Internet searches have replaced sound biblical teaching regarding our “blessed hope.”

Below are five popular lies about the Rapture.

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Alan DiDio and Daniel Kolenda: Is Cessationism Heresy?

Is cessationism heresy? This is the question Bishop Alan DiDio and Daniel Kolenda have set out to answer in a recent podcast episode of Encounter Today.

Christians have debated back and forth for years about whether or not the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased to exist in our modern world. For charismatics and Pentecostals, the same gifts of tongues, prophecy, teaching and more are just as relevant today as they were when the Holy Spirit came upon the followers of Jesus after His ascension to heaven.

However, there are plenty of Christians who disagree with this belief, clinging to the idea that these gifts left after the disciples passed away. Reviewing the “Cessationist” movie trailer, DiDio and Kolenda look at the philosophy and theology behind the cessationist movement.

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‘The Chosen’ Secures Spot on New Streaming Platform

By: Tré Goins-Phillips/Faithwire

Jesus is heading to Disney.

Seasons one through three of “The Chosen,” the popular Bible series chronicling the life of Jesus, will soon be streaming on Disney+, according to a post from Disney news blog, Inside the Magic, which showrunner Dallas Jenkins shared to his social media accounts.

Disney+ is the latest platform to stream the series. Fans of the Bible show can find episodes on other streaming sites, like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, the Angel app, BYUtv and The Chosen app.

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News of the expanded audience comes after Jenkins announced season four of “The Chosen” will soon become available for streaming on the heels of an extended theatrical release, CBN News reported.

In March, Jenkins released a video explaining the show’s previous model of making episodes immediately available for free “wasn’t proving to be sustainable,” given cost-of-production increases as the series’ quality improves. Additionally, much of the revenue generated by theatrical releases is going toward the remaining three seasons of the seven-season show.

“We are actively working on it every day,” Jenkins said in mid-April of bringing season four to viewers who couldn’t afford or chose not to see it in theaters. “I promise you, no one is more frustrated by this than I am. And no one wants to get this to you more quickly than I do. We’re working on it. I promise you.”

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Inside the Magic writer Zach Gass wrote that bringing “The Chosen” to Disney+ could be a “tremendous win for Disney’s image” as the platform has been criticized for its less-than-family-friendly content.

“The decision to include ‘The Chosen’ amongst these titles might help win some more conservative subscribers back toward the Mouse,” he wrote, referring to The Walt Disney Company.

To read the full story, visit our content partners at Faithwire.

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Morning Rundown: Police Shut Down Mike Signorelli and Jenny Weaver Baptisms

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Police Shut Down Mike Signorelli and Jenny Weaver Baptisms

The V1 Miami Church held a revival service with Pastor Mike Signorelli and Jenny Weaver where many decided to get baptized. However, during this time of spontaneous baptisms, law enforcement arrived to shut down the event.

“We responded to the gathering here,” a law enforcement officer said. “Now this is private property, and they’re asking that you guys leave. I need the crowd to disperse and you guys need to go right now.”

Before the event concluded, Signorelli was allowed to let one more person get baptized. With all grace and kindness, Signorelli respected what the police was asking for.

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Russell Brand Is ‘Grateful’ to Be in Christ After Baptism

Comedian Russell Brand is sharing his gratitude and the weight he feels lifted off of him following his baptism.

“Yesterday, I got baptized, and it was an incredible, profound experience,” Brand says in a video posted to Facebook. “Many aspects of it were very intimate and personal.”

Brand noted that throughout his life he’s tried all kinds of different substances in hopes of feeling some type of transcendental experience. He’s wanted desperately to connect to something in a spiritual manner, but all other things have failed him. However, becoming a new creation in Christ has made all the difference. Now, Brand feels the peace that surpasses all understanding that only God can give.

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Mandisa’s Father Does Not Think Death Is From Self-Harm

During Mandisa’s celebration of life service her father, John Hundley, claimed that he does not believe she harmed herself. He mentioned her body being potentially weak from COVID.

“She did not harm herself,” Hundley said. “There is one thing you may not have known. She told me some time ago that she had gotten COVID-19 and she had been weak trying to get over that, but she was trying to press through.”

Hundley says he has spent time with investigators as they try to figure out the cause of Mandisa’s death. He gave his own belief of what he thinks happened at the time of Mandisa’s death.

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Morning Rundown: Mandisa’s Celebration of Life to Be Livestreamed

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Mandisa’s Celebration of Life to Be Livestreamed

Christian artist Mandisa Hundley will have her life and legacy celebrated this weekend after her death on Thursday, April 18.

As The Tennessean reported, Hundley, more affectionately known as Mandisa by fans, will be celebrated in two different services. The first service will be held at Fisk University, Mandisa’s alma mater on Friday April 25.

Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers are also planning to dedicate a song to Mandisa during their commencement ceremony on May 5.

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Kanye West Goes Into Adult Entertainment After Leaving Faith

The rumors have been confirmed that Kanye West is going into the adult entertainment business following his departure from the Christian faith.

As the Independent noted, the rapper shared a video on X that announced his “Yeezy Porn” was on the way.

Following this announcement, a former adult film star turned Christian, Brittni De La Mora, is pleading that West remember his time when he declared that Jesus is king.

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Prophetic Dream: Angels at the White House Gates

The spiritual warfare taking place in our nation’s capital is at a fevered pitch.

Recently, author Dutch Sheets shared a prophetic dream that his brother, Tim Sheets, had concerning the uprooting of Baal’s roots that have taken hold of the White House.

In the dream, Sheets saw a massive angel, a soldier he explains, carrying a battering ram toward the White House grounds and asks the angel what he and the other three angels surrounding the building were doing.

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Top of the Week: Mandisa’s Celebration of Life to Be Livestreamed

Following are snippets of the top stories posted over the past week on . We encourage you to visit the links to read the stories in full.

Mandisa’s Celebration of Life to Be Livestreamed

Christian artist Mandisa Hundley will have her life and legacy celebrated this weekend after her death on Thursday, April 18.

As The Tennessean reported, Hundley, more affectionately known as Mandisa by fans, will be celebrated in two different services. The first service will be held at Fisk University, Mandisa’s alma mater on Friday April 25.

Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers are also planning to dedicate a song to Mandisa during their commencement ceremony on May 5.

Taylor Swift’s Latest Blasphemous, Anti-Holy Spirit Album

Taylor Swift is holding nothing back on her latest album when it comes to her personal beliefs.

Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is nothing short of blasphemous when it comes to her choice of lyrics. Using stories from Scripture in negative manners, Swift is using the Bible to flush out her anger.

In her song, “Guilty as Sin” the lyrics say:

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Mark Driscoll Responds With Teachings on the Jezebel Spirit

After a swarm of occurrences from last week’s Stronger Men’s Conference, Mark Driscoll has since been called off of the platform by John Lindell, reconciled to him and was then asked to publicly repent by James River Church for his comments about the Jezebel spirit being at the conference.

So, what is Driscoll’s response to Lindell and James River Church?

Four days ago, Driscoll wrote on Facebook, “Going to livestream every day this week to help everyone understand the Ahab, Jezebel, and Elijah spirit. The same spirits are at work today. Get ready.”

Megachurch Pastor Condemns Mark Driscoll’s ‘Demonic Behavior,’ Apologizes for Inviting Sword-Swallower to Conference

John Lindell took time during his sermon Sunday to “apologize” for inviting both Driscoll and Magala to the Stronger Men’s Conference, which took place in mid-April.

“I want to apologize and let you know I take full responsibility for the decision that was made to invite Mark Driscoll and Alex Magala to the Stronger Men’s Conference,” he said, according to The Roys Report. “I am deeply saddened by the division that our invitation has brought to the Body of Christ. That was never our intent.”

The pastor added, “The Stronger Men’s Conference is about reaching men for Jesus Christ, and it will continue to be about reaching men for Jesus Christ.”

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‘Mandisa Is Home’: Grammy-Winning Christian Artist Mandisa Dies at 47

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the Christian singer-songwriter and “American Idol” finalist known professionally as Mandisa, has died in her Nashville, Tennessee, home at age 47, according to multiple reports.

Born in California, the platinum-selling artist and five-time Grammy nominee rose to fame when she responded with grace to “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell’s critique following her Season 5 performance. She finished in the top 10 and in 2007, released her first album, “True Beauty.” In 2014, she won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music album for her iconic release, “Overcomer.”

K-LOVE, one of the first outlets to break the news of her death, posted the following on social media platform X:

Orange Children’s Curriculum Leaders Step Down After ‘Inappropriate Relationship’

Both the founder and CEO of a major children’s ministry curriculum have resigned from their positions with Orange curriculum following their “inappropriate” relationship.

The founder of the company, Reggie Joiner, admitted to prior inappropriate adult relationships. The CEO of Orange, Kristen Ivy, also voluntarily resigned after revealing she had a past relationship with Joiner.

As The Christian Post reported, the board chair, Joel Manby and the and special governance chair, Jennifer Barnes, stated that “Reggie has admitted to past inappropriate adult relationships, which violated our company policy and eroded trust within our organization.”