By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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11.10.25
Yes, Veterans Day in 2025 will likely be remembered for military conflicts. Not the kind that claims human life. Instead, conflicts that involve restoring some sanity to our military. These battles came at a cost, however.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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10.29.25
Progressive activists claim to oppose “kings” — yet they stay silent as Illinois politicians seize more of our freedoms and finances. From Soros-funded protests to sky-high taxes, the hypocrisy is glaring. “There you go again,” as Reagan would say.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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10.16.25
Like all addictions, gambling can begin in seemingly innocent ways. Slot machines. Card games. Lotteries. Sports betting. Satan never reveals his hook prematurely.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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10.10.25
“What a Bunch of Hooey!” I thought it best to look up that term to make sure my usage of it to describe what I’m about to share is correct. It is.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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10.03.25
Hater’ is the Left’s go-to label—but often the real hate lies within. Scripture calls us to something better: love God, hate sin.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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09.19.25
Trying to keep up with the terminology of the times is a never-ending exercise. New words or phrases seemingly appear out of nowhere in our English language. Not sure how all of these new additions translate beyond our borders. Sometimes these new words and phrases arrive from elsewhere.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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09.02.25
Voters in New York City just nominated a socialist candidate with deep Islamic ties for mayor—raising serious concerns about the city’s future. But beyond politics, the story also challenges Christians to consider how we engage with Muslim neighbors...
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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08.29.25
From ‘Last Kiss’ to President Trump’s comments, pop culture and politics alike often push a dangerous lie—that good deeds can earn heaven. But Scripture tells a very different story: salvation comes only through the finished work of Jesus Christ.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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08.12.25
As tourist hotspots around the globe push back against mass tourism, maybe it’s time to rediscover the wonders of home—like Chicago’s museums, Illinois’ natural beauty, and yes, even vampire-killing kits. But beyond all the sights and selfies, there’s a better destination ahead—one without crowds, pain, or disappointment. You just have to know where to look.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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07.31.25
As the Christian Reformed Church holds the line on sexuality and gender, pressure from academia, media, and even reality TV is mounting. From Calvin College to Chip and Joanna Gaines, from Baylor to a baseball prodigy turned away by a Christian school—faithful institutions are being tested. Will they hold fast to truth, or bow to the spirit of the age?
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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07.01.25
Fireworks and cookouts light up the Fourth, but are we missing the heart of the American Revolution? We cheer heroes like George Washington against 'tyrannical' King George III—yet was the king a mere villain or a complex figure in a turbulent age? This July 4th, ask: when does civil disobedience cross the line, and how does it echo the Declaration of Independence’s ideals?
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.27.25
Football fans come to know, and often despise, the term “interference.” It usually results in a penalty against the defensive or even the offensive player preventing a pass from being completed. The Chicago Bears have seen their share of these—and our Illinois college teams as well.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.19.25
This second article on this topic takes us deeper into the story of John Blumberg. John is a national speaker, thought leader on integrity, and author of four books.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.02.25
Hey…what’s your sign? I’m a Libra. You know what THAT means…? Absolutely nothing!
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.21.25
Judging by the frequent surveys of employees in the workplace who seem unhappy in their jobs, you’d think companies would make some serious changes. This does not account for the fact that there are perpetual “grumpies" who wish work itself would go away. There are plenty of those!
