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What is the plan?

In Marshalltown, we understand how important it is to have quality health care close to home. When someone has a heart attack, suffers a serious injury or receives a cancer diagnosis, the distance between a patient and the care they need matters. So does having enough doctors, nurses and ...

Bible Truth or Tradition: According to Hebrews 1:2, did God create the universe through Jesus?

Regarding the creation of the heavens and the earth, Wayne Grudem states the following on page 200 of his “Systematic Theology” book: “Before God made the universe, there was no matter, but then he created all things (Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). On pages 252 & 253 Grudem writes “….(Eph. 1:11). The phrase here translated “all things” (ta panta) is used frequently by Paul to refer to everything that exists or everything in creation (see for example, Eph. 1:10,23; 3:9; 4:10; Col. 1:16 [twice], 17; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6 [twice]). He also notes: ...

ASK AUGUSTINE

Our Bible Study group just studied Exodus 14:21-29 with the parting of the Red Sea and the pillar of fire and cloud. Some in our group viewed all this as mere natural events and not miracles from God. Are they correct? Even if one accepts the natural explanation (that very high winds parted the sea, and a volcano produced a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night) the fact that such natural events occurred in this precise geographic location and that they occurred at this precise moment in time would still make me conclude they were miracles from God. It is true that a ...

FUTURES FILES

AI: Transforming the Fields of Agriculture The AI industry, including AI stocks, is currently taking a terrible hit amid criticism and fears expressed by political leaders, AI companies and academics. Despite this, artificial intelligence is plowing through the agricultural landscape in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. AI technology is making farming smarter and more sustainable. AI doesn’t just help large scale farmers. Even small family farms can now access tools that were more resilient against climate change, once out of reach, ensuring better crop management, resource ...

Against AI regulatory capture

American businesses have long practiced what political scientists call regulatory capture. A company that cannot repeal a law takes control of the people the government put in charge of enforcing it. The airlines did it to the Civil Aeronautics Board, which in 40 years never approved a new ...

Suicide Awareness Month: Older adults deserve hope and connection

September is Suicide Awareness Month, which reminds us that every life is important and help is always available. Suicide can affect anyone, including older adults. By learning the warning signs and contacting those who may be struggling, we can help prevent suicide in our communities. As people age, they may face changes such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, health problems, ongoing pain, or needing more help with daily life. These challenges may sometimes lead to loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness. But suicide is not a normal part of getting older. Older adults deserve ...