Jimmy Kimmel suggested that he’s ready to walk away from his late-night hosting duties after twenty years at the helm of his ABC talk show. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published on Wednesday‚ the 56-year-old host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” said that his current contract might be his last. “I think this is my final contract‚” Kimmel told the outlet. “I hate to even say it‚ because everyone’s laughing at me now — each time I think that‚ and then it turns out to be not the case. I still have a little more than two years left on my contract and that seems pretty good. That seems like enough.” Kimmel is currently getting ready to host the Academy Awards on March 10. It will be the fourth time he’s been in charge of hosting duties at the annual awards ceremony after hosting in 2017‚ 2018‚ and 2023‚ as previously reported. Jimmy Kimmel Hints At Late Night Show Exit: “I Think This Is My Final Contract” https://t.co/nkXl0qUEGF — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 21‚ 2024 “I did not think I would ever do it again‚” Kimmel said. “I did two of them‚ and they went well — something crazy happened at one of them with a story I’ll have for the rest of my life. I know how much work goes into them‚ so I thought‚ ‘Yeah‚ I don’t necessarily want to do this ever again.'” “If you think about it‚ I did everything I could to avoid being the sole guy‚” he added. “I love being involved in other people’s projects. I never had an urge to be the center of attention‚ and I still don’t. It’s not in my DNA. “ Academy CEO and President Bill Kramer previously said of Kimmel’s return‚ “We are thrilled about Jimmy returning to host and Molly [McNearney] returning as executive producer for the Oscars. They share our love of movies and our commitment to producing a dynamic and entertaining show for our global audience. We are deeply grateful to Jimmy‚ Molly and their teams for their incredible creativity and partnership and for going on this ride with us again.” As far as what could possibly be next for the talk show host/comedian‚ Kimmel said he’s got a lot of hobbies that keep him busy‚ but made it clear that won’t include doing stand-up after he stops doing the talk show‚ the outlet noted. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I love to cook‚ I love to draw‚ I imagine myself learning to do sculptures‚” Kimmel quipped. “I know that when I die‚ if I’m fortunate enough to die on my own terms in my own bed‚ I’m going to think‚ ‘Oh‚ I was never able to get to this‚ and I was never able to get to that.’ I just know it about myself.”

“The View” host Sunny Hostin accused former South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley of being “inauthentic” when she reacted emotionally to the fact that her husband‚ MAJ Michael Haley‚ is deployed halfway around the world. Hostin made the remarks during Wednesday’s broadcast of the ABC midday talk show‚ suggesting to her co-hosts that she was qualified to judge the validity of Haley’s emotions because she also “came from a military family.” WATCH: Sunny Hostin claims Nikki Haley's emotions about missing her deployed husband were "inauthentic":"There's something that military families come through. I come from a military family as many of us do‚ and I don't trust her authenticity…I didn't feel that it was authentic." pic.twitter.com/JMhQV2F8Lu — Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) February 21‚ 2024 “The operative word is ‘authentic’ for me‚” Hostin said. “And I think Nikki Haley has been inauthentic from day one. She has flip-flopped‚ she rose her hand and said that she would vote for Trump‚ which I thought was disqualifying then. She has refused to not say that she would not — to say that she would not endorse him‚ she had the slavery gaffes over and over again.” “This is a woman that I don’t find authentic at all‚” Hostin continued‚ and co-host Sara Haines interrupted. “I was referring just to this moment‚ by the way‚” Haines said‚ indicating Haley’s emotional response on Tuesday when talking about her deployed husband. “I’m referring to this moment too‚” Hostin insisted‚ clarifying when asked directly by Haines and co-host Joy Behar that she didn’t believe Haley’s response in that moment was “real.” “Her husband’s serving in counter-terrorism in Africa‚” co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin pointed out. “I think that there’s something that military families do go through‚” Hostin continued. “I come from a military family as many of us do‚ and I don’t trust her authenticity …” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Haines interrupted again‚ saying that she believed Haley when she said that she wished her kids could see their father. “But you trust that if your husband is gone and your kids are missing [him] — she was saying‚ ‘I wish my kids could see him tonight.’ You know how that feels.” “I didn’t feel that it was authentic‚” Hostin insisted. “I didn’t trust it.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) floated a new theory during a recent interview with MSNBC host Jen Psaki‚ claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin was probably holding “something financial” over former President Donald Trump. The topic came up during an interview that aired Monday evening on the former White House Press Secretary’s show‚ and Pelosi was first to broach the subject. “What does he have on Donald Trump that he has to constantly be catering to Putin? Telling Putin go into these countries‚ NATO countries‚” Pelosi mused. WATCH: Nancy Pelosi goes completely unhinged as she and Jen Psaki float a delusional conspiracy theory that Putin is blackmailing President Trump with "something financial" pic.twitter.com/E51UNERu82 — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 20‚ 2024 “What do you think? We’re all wondering this question‚ Speaker Pelosi‚ what do you think Putin has on him? I mean‚ it sure seems like something‚ as you’ve said a few times‚ given that he refuses to criticize him‚ that he seems to be a fanboy of him. Are you worried?” Psaki asked. “First of all‚ we must be sure that he does not step one foot into the White House. Not as president or not as anything. He has brought disgrace to the White House‚ to these presidents‚” Pelosi responded‚ getting sidetracked by thoughts of Presidents Day and the late President Abraham Lincoln. “I talked about George Washington‚ it’s also Presidents Week for Abraham Lincoln‚” Pelosi said‚ derailing momentarily to tell a story about Lincoln’s assassination and the words “one country‚ one destiny” that were embroidered in the coat he was wearing the night he died. That coat was initially made for his second inauguration. “He gave his life to unify our country.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “Now we have someone who had the honor of serving in the White House‚ didn’t consider it an honor‚ didn’t consider his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution‚ and on this week speaking out the way he did about [Alexei] Navalny shows you that he is a person without values. He looks like he is going to be a person without dollars either‚ but the values are what concern us‚” Pelosi said. “I don’t know what he has on him‚ but I think it’s probably financial‚ I think it’s probably financial — either something financial or something on the come — something that he expects to get.”

Garth Brooks extended an invite to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after catching his rendition of Brooks’ popular 1990 song “Friends in Low Places.” During the 62-year-old country singer’s “Inside Studio G” show on Tuesday‚ Brooks said he thought Kelce’s performance of his song at the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade was “fantastic” and wanted him and his Chiefs teammates to sing it at Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” bar grand opening in Nashville on March 7‚ People magazine reported. Patrick Mahomes Helps Inebriated Travis Kelce Finish Singing ‘Friends in Low Places’ at Super Bowl Parade https://t.co/8iPpfn3K3a — People (@people) February 14‚ 2024 “Did you guys see Travis Kelce’s version of ‘Friends in Low Places?'” Garth said on the show. “Did you see him sing this? I loved it‚ I thought it was fantastic.” “It blew me away because I’m sitting there watching it as it’s going down‚ right?” he added. “I never expected that.” “Big man‚ I’m just telling you this. I will be at [the] grand opening if you’re there‚” Brooks continued. “I’ll send a plane if you want and come and get another shot at the title. If you want to come sing that‚ I’ll send a plane.” The “Thunder Rolls” hitmaker said Kelce could come alone‚ or bring his teammates‚ or even his brother Jason Kelce‚ noting that the plane holds 11 people. “So‚ yes‚ I’ll be happy to send this invite out to you if you want to try a little ‘Friends in Low Places’ in Friends in Low Places‚” Brooks said.  The invite comes after Kelce‚ who had been noticeably celebrating the team’s Super Bowl victory‚ took the mic at the rally and asked fans if they knew the song to join in and sing along. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The Chiefs player then attempted to sing the words “blame it all on my roots….” as he struggled through the lyrics to include a line about “ruining the 49ers affair” following the Chiefs 25-22 victory. At one point‚ he even changed the lyrics to include Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “….Took that glass of champagne…Pat took that glass of champagne‚ I promise you.”  

A New York City woman who live-streamed herself ranting against police hours before she drunkenly struck and killed an NYPD officer in 2021 was sentenced to at least 22 years in prison on Wednesday. Jessica Beauvais‚ 34‚ was convicted of manslaughter in the fatal hit-and-run of Anastasios Tsakos‚ a 14-year NYPD veteran and father of two. After Tsakos’ widow‚ Irene‚ tearfully pled with Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloysed for justice on Wednesday‚ he sentenced Beauvais to 20 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter and between two and seven years for leaving the scene of an accident‚ the New York Post reported. Beauvais’ sentences will run consecutively. “As Jessica Beauvais was sobering up in a police station that morning‚ our world was collapsing‚” Irene Tsakos said. “Because of a single person’s despicable actions‚ our family was sentenced to a lifetime of loss.” Tsakos was struck by Beauvais while investigating an accident and directing traffic on the Long Island Expressway in the early morning hours of April 27‚ 2021. Hours earlier‚ the woman posted a Facebook stream where she discussed the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. “This week we are going to talk about the ignorance that was the Derek Chauvin trial — or the ignorance that is essentially just is this f***ing justice system.” She also played the song “F*** Tha Police” by NWA. She added‚ “Like NWA say about the police – if you’re going to kill me‚ at least I get to take someone with me. I’m one of those people. If I’m going to go‚ someone is coming.” The Daily Mail reported that Beauvais was seen vaping and drinking during the video‚ and police said that she later confessed to downing vodka‚ wine‚ and smoking weed before the deadly hit-and-run. She was found to be high on drugs and her blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the hit-and-run. Today after almost three years Jessica Beauvais is taken from the courtroom after being sentenced to 27 years for killing Det Anastasios Tsakos on April 27‚ 2021.@DetectiveMunro @BlueLivesNYC @NYPDHighway pic.twitter.com/hca9rfQzhm — NYCPDPHOTOS (@NYCPDPHOTOS) February 21‚ 2024 Before Beauvais was convicted in October‚ prosecutors described in detail the gruesome crash that killed Tsakos. “His organs and bones were crushed‚” Assistant District Attorney Greg Lasak Jr. told the jury‚ according to the Post. “His leg was amputated. He landed 171 feet from impact.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “She left him there on the side of the road to die‚ without his leg‚” he added. Asked by the judge if she wanted to say anything before he handed down his sentence‚ Beauvais simply said‚ “I’m sorry‚” CBS News reported. Beauvais had previously rejected a plea deal that would have sent her to prison for 16 years. “My children don’t understand the permanence of death‚” Irene Tsakos added before a courtroom filled with NYPD officers. “They were trying to figure out ways to bring him back somehow. Our son wanted me to get him a big kite so he could fly it high in the sky so his daddy could grab onto it and bring him back. He cried daily ’cause Daddy would never hold him again. He was only 3 years old.” “Our 6-year-old daughter is a daddy’s girl‚” she continued. “At night she would pray and promise to be very good if only he would bring her daddy back.” Receiving the NYPD Medal of Honor (Posthumously) is Detective Anastasios Tsakos of Highway 3. His wife‚ Irene‚ accepted the medal on his behalf. Det. Tsakos was killed in the line of duty on 04/27/21 when he was struck by a drunk motorist. pic.twitter.com/9StrSKDYUo — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 7‚ 2022 Hank Berrien contributed to this report.

A private school in New Haven‚ Connecticut placed an employee on administrative leave after he and his wife had a confrontation with a Jewish man outside his home over a pro-Israel yard sign. Charles Rich stood by his wife‚ a city employee named Thabisa Rich‚ during her one-woman protest outside a Jewish family’s house‚ in which she chanted ethnic cleansing slogans through a megaphone‚ according to a video first reported on by The Daily Wire. The man’s employer‚ The Hopkins School‚ located a few houses away from the site of the incident‚ announced on Saturday that Rich was placed on leave from his Associate Director role‚ and the couple was precluded from being on campus. “In the video and in social media posts‚ the spouse used antisemitic language that is deeply concerning‚” Head of School Matt Glendinning stated‚ according to the Hartford Courant. “Antisemitism in all its forms has no place in the Hopkins community or in our larger communities. While this incident did not directly involve the school or its students‚ we understand that issues such as this can be and have been very upsetting and unsettling.” The house appears to have been targeted due to the family’s pro-Israel sign. When Rabbi Elchanan Poupko‚ the resident‚ went outside to confront the couple and accuse them of “Nazi behavior‚” Rich responded‚ “Well‚ you do have a sign that says you support Israel.” VIDEO: A New Haven‚ Connecticut city official chanted ethnic cleansing slogans with a megaphone outside a Jewish family’s home‚ according to video of the incident obtained by reporter @KassyDillon. The city tells us it is "reviewing the matter"https://t.co/JQTx9mduDc pic.twitter.com/0tIaLcsyhd — Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) February 15‚ 2024 “We’re trying to get people to speak up‚” Charlie Rich can be heard telling Poupko when asked why the couple was on the street outside his home. “We’re advocating for peace.” “How? By harassing Jews?” Poupko asked. “Harassing Jews is peace? What the heck is wrong with you?” Poupko met with school officials on Tuesday to express his concerns and tell his side of the story. A representative for New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker told The Daily Wire Wednesday that Thabisa Rich‚  who is the city’s Community Outreach Coordinator for the Department of Arts‚ Culture and Tourism‚ is focusing on “internal administration duties” while they investigate her. “While people have very different and strongly held views on the war between Israel and Hamas‚ the mayor believes there is an appropriate time‚ place‚ and manner in which to express them‚” the spokesperson said previously. “Mayor Elicker believes Ms. Rich exercised very poor judgement in this regard and finds several of her personal social media posts to be concerning and offensive.” Thabisa Rich was hired last year by New Haven and given the responsibility of managing $1.2 million in federal funding for the city under the America Rescue Plan Act‚ according to the New Haven Register. At the time‚ Director of Cultural Affairs Adriane Jefferson said Thabisa Rich was hired because they were “looking for someone who can be a bridge builder‚” the local news outlet reported. Thabisa Rich wiped her personal Facebook page where she posted a livestream of her protest and several anti-Semitic posts after The Daily Wire contacted her. Posts include stating she “does not condemn Hamas” and pushing anti-Semitic tropes by posting “y’all have your pockets lined with bosses who are Jewish” among others. Thabisa Rich invoked anti-Semitic tropes about Jewish power and said she would not condemn the terrorist group Hamas in now-deleted posts to her Facebook. In the videos‚ Thabisa Rich can be heard repeatedly shouting‚ “From the river to the sea‚ Palestine will be free‚” a chant often used by pro-Palestinian radicals that is seen as a call for ethnic cleansing of the Jewish and other non-Arab populations that live in Israel. “We were very shaken‚” Poupko said. “It turns out they are both very prominent members of the community who came to harass us because of our ‘stand with Israel sign.’” Thabisa Rich encouraged others to come back to the street with her during a livestream after she left the scene. “You tell me when you want to come back and ask for a ceasefire and ask for this people to stop their hate because they think that they are white and privileged and that they think that their religion is superior than the rest‚” she stated. “I need people to show up to this very same street. We need to find a time to come back and show up in numbers and say no‚ enough is enough.” “America is a country full of hate and racism and people need to just be honest and understand that is just what it is‚” she said. The Hopkins School and Charles Rich did not respond to a request for comment.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is pushing the state of Florida to implement term limits for politicians in the state who serve in U.S. Congress. DeSantis said that it was only a matter of time before other states start following Florida’s lead in certifying proposed amendments that address the issue under Article V of the Constitution. “At the invitation of the U.S. Term Limits organization‚ I traveled today to encourage other state legislators to follow Florida’s lead and pass a resolution to call for a constitutional amendment for congressional term limits‚” DeSantis posted on X. “We will never turn our country around if we don’t change the incentives in DC.” Speaking to reporters on Tuesday‚ DeSantis said that having “traveled the country in the last year‚ the number of people that have asked about support for term limits is incredible. It was something that came up all the time.” “I was just in Indiana today meeting with some of the senators there. Their House has done it. I think their Senate’s gonna do it‚ too‚” he continued. “North Carolina‚ I believe one of the Houses has done it. So I was able to meet with some of the senators here because I think this is something that the people in the states have the ability to propose changes to discipline Washington. The Founding Fathers structured the Constitution like that for a reason. I think it’s something that would get huge support.” “And the one thing I’ve noticed is it doesn’t matter if you’re Republican‚ Democrat‚ Independent‚ male‚ female‚ white‚ black‚ rich‚ poor — people support term limits for members of Congress‚” he concluded. “We’ve seen what’s happened up there. It’s been really poor performance for decades now. The incentives are not right. We need to change the incentives. Term limits is one way to do it. And so my hope is that states‚ particularly states that want to see big changes in Washington‚ will use the power that they have to advance these really important proposals‚ like term limits. But we have the ability in the states working together‚ to propose some really important changes‚ that are gonna be beneficial to this country.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP WATCH: We need term limits for members of Congress. Florida has already certified a proposed amendment under Article V of the Constitution and other states are poised to follow suit. At the invitation of the U.S. Term Limits organization‚ I traveled today to encourage other state… pic.twitter.com/H6yET97LBl — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 20‚ 2024

The United States is facing a new challenge in the form of an invasive species of bed bug‚ known as Cimex hemipterus or the tropical bed bug. This hardy pest‚ once confined to equatorial regions‚ has now been confirmed in states such as Florida and Hawaii. The presence of this species is particularly concerning due to its resistance to traditional insecticides and its ability to evade common traps. Historically‚ bed bugs were nearly eradicated from developed nations following World War II‚ thanks to the widespread use of powerful insecticides like DDT. However‚ these insects have made a comeback‚ developing genetic mutations that confer resistance to chemicals and sporting thicker exoskeletons that are less penetrable by pesticides. This resurgence has led to increased infestations across the globe‚ including in the US. “A new harder-to-kill species of bed bug is invading the US‚ experts say — &; may already have taken up residence in many northern cities. Once confined to countries near the equator‚ the species known as Cimex hemipterus — or the tropical bed bug — has already been confirmed in… pic.twitter.com/LVJZXk3bT0 — Laura Miers (@LauraMiers) February 13‚ 2024 The tropical bed bug’s adaptability is alarming. Unlike the common bed bug‚ it can escape smooth-walled pitfall traps with ease‚ thanks to more hairs on its legs that provide better grip. This biological difference has significant implications for pest management strategies‚ as most control products were designed for the common bed bug‚ assuming they would be effective against all species. The spread of the tropical bed bug is also facilitated by modern conveniences such as heating and air conditioning‚ which maintain constant indoor temperatures favorable for the pests. The resumption of travel following pandemic restrictions has further contributed to their distribution. Cases have been reported as far north as Russia and Norway‚ indicating that these insects can now survive in colder climates. If you have this much bedbugs in your house‚ just walk away naked and start a new life elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/Qb4kxlCzuX — NEFERTITI LITE (@FirstObidient) February 9‚ 2024 In urban centers across the US‚ bed bug outbreaks have become a growing concern. Cities like Chicago‚ New York City‚ and Philadelphia have been identified as hotspots for infestations. These pests are not only a nuisance but also pose potential health risks‚ as there are fears they could transmit diseases between humans‚ including hepatitis. The battle against bed bugs is notoriously difficult. Experts advise homeowners to look for signs of infestation‚ such as inflamed bite marks arranged in lines‚ rusty or reddish stains on bedding‚ or small black dots indicating fecal matter. Traditional chemical treatments are often ineffective‚ leading many professionals to employ alternative methods such as heating rooms to high temperatures or meticulous vacuuming of cracks and crevices. As the nation grapples with this issue‚ it’s clear that a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Public awareness campaigns‚ research into new pest control methods‚ and perhaps even policy changes regarding pesticide use may be required to combat these resilient insects. The rise of the tropical bed bug serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between human innovation and the adaptability of nature. In conclusion‚ the emergence of the tropical bed bug in the US is a testament to the ever-evolving challenges of pest management. As these insects continue to spread‚ it is imperative that we develop new strategies to protect our homes and health from this hard-to-kill species. The fight against the tropical bed bug will require persistence‚ ingenuity‚ and a collective effort from communities‚ scientists‚ and policymakers alike.   The post Invasive Tropical Bed Bug Species Poses New Challenge for American Households appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

A 13-year-old boy “beat all odds” by becoming the first person to ever be cured of an “incurable” brain cancer. Lucas Jemeljanova first fell ill about seven years ago. While on vacation with his parents‚ Cedric and Olesja‚ he said he felt unwell. Then‚ all of a sudden‚ he could no longer walk a straight line. Nosebleeds came shortly after‚ and then he started losing consciousness. At only 6 years old‚ Lucas was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Statistically‚ 98% of those with the incredibly rare cancer die within five years. Children usually die within 12 months or less. But Cedric and Olesja were determined to give him a chance to survive. So they took him to France where he was chosen at random to undergo the BIOMEDE trial. Facebook The drug Lucas received worked by blocking the mTOR portion‚ which helps to divide and grow cancer cells. Before Lucas took the treatment‚ it had never shown success. Years passed‚ and the cancer seemingly went away as Lucas continued to thrive. Fearing the cancer could return‚ his doctors didn’t know when it was safe to stop treatment. They later found out that Lucas silently stopped taking the medication a year and a half ago‚ and he remained in remission nonetheless. He has officially been cancer-free for five years. “Over a series of MRI scans‚ I watched as the tumor completely disappeared‚” Lucas’ doctor‚ Jacques Grill‚ told AFP. “I don’t know of any other case like him in the world.” Scientists Are Working Hard to Learn How the Medication Worked For Lucas At 13‚ the boy has continued to beat the brain cancer‚ and he’s enjoying a typical‚ happy childhood. Seven other children participated in the trial alongside Lucas‚ and it added years to their lives‚ but he was the only one cured. It’s still unclear why he survived when others didn’t‚ but scientists are hoping to find answers in the coming years and months. Facebook Dr. Grill has a theory that Lucas has “biological particularities” that pair perfectly with his medication. “Lucas’ tumor had an extremely rare mutation which we believe made its cells far more sensitive to the drug‚” a researcher named Marie-Anne Debily‚ who works with Dr. Gill‚ noted. “Lucas’ case offers real hope. We will try to reproduce in vitro the differences that we have identified in his cells.” Scientists are currently working to reproduce the difference in Lucas’s cells. From there‚ they hope to replicate those differences in organoids to see if the drug will continue to work as it did for Lucas. “The next step will be to find a drug that has the same effect on tumor cells as these cellular changes‚” said Dr. Debily You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Miraculous Recovery: 13-Year-Old Boy Beats “Incurable” Brain Cancer In World First. appeared first on InspireMore.

I recently met with a group of Christian parents concerned about our increasingly secular society. They longed for a time when so-called cultural Christians didn’t exist and “real Christians‚” not influenced by the world‚ could live out their faith in a countercultural way. Many of these parents seem to believe cultural Christianity is a recent development and that today’s challenges are unlike anything in the history of the church. The truth is that there have always been Christians who seemed more influenced by the culture than by their faith. Cultural Christians in the Early Church: A Historical and Practical Introduction to Christians in the Greco-Roman World aims to demythologize some of our church history. Nadya Williams shows that‚ much like believers today‚ Christians in the first five centuries of the church were prone to succumb to cultural temptations. And they faced many of the same cultural pressures we do today. Cultural Christianity According to Williams‚ a historian of Greco-Roman culture‚ cultural Christians are “individuals who self-identify as Christians but whose outward behavior and‚ to the extent that we can tell‚ inward thoughts and motivations are largely influenced by the surrounding culture rather than their Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus” (xiv). In the ancient world‚ cultural Christians struggled in many of the same areas we do. As the New Testament makes clear‚ believers have always struggled with faithfulness. Early believers made idols out of their wealth‚ food‚ appearance‚ sexual relationships‚ and patriotism‚ all while claiming to be followers of Christ. There have always been Christians who seemed more influenced by the culture than by their faith. We can be tempted to write off these cultural Christians‚ both from the past and today‚ as hypocrites who lack sincere faith in Christ. But Williams doesn’t make this accusation. Throughout her book‚ she refers to those struggling with cultural sins as “believers” and “Christians.” Their succumbing to cultural pressure wasn’t a matter of salvation; it was a matter of sanctification. They struggled because it was simply easier to follow the surrounding culture than to live out their faith counterculturally. But Williams acknowledges the danger for those who desire their cultural preferences more than they desire to follow Christ. Cultural sins can lead some who once claimed Christ to abandon him. As Williams acknowledges‚ “The allure of culture . . . sometimes proved more enticing than the countercultural community of the gospel” (63). The challenge for all Christians is to put their cultural sins to death and pursue Christ. Exposing Roman Culture Part of Williams’s mission is supplying historical context for the New Testament. Her grasp of ancient Roman culture shines when she gives background information that illuminates Christian history‚ which makes this a valuable book for pastors and teachers. For example‚ Williams provides insight into ancient Jewish and Roman property customs as she recounts the story of Ananias and Sapphira. The tragic couple’s actions recorded in Acts 5 reflect the Roman practice of euergetism‚ which entailed beneficence with the expectation of glory to the donor in return. Ananias and Sapphira weren’t uniquely wicked; they were culturally captive. Though God ultimately held them responsible for their cultural sin‚ their story takes on a different flavor with this background. New light shines on other stories from church history as well. Williams argues that the significance of two third-century martyrs‚ Perpetua and Felicity‚ illustrates a countercultural aspect of Christianity. Within the church‚ women were ascribed worth apart from their ability to bear children. We see this because their stories were celebrated by church leaders for their spiritual accomplishments. All women‚ regardless of their marital status‚ were recognized as valuable members of the family of God. This was radically distinct from the misogyny of Roman society. However‚ Williams shows the church has struggled to consistently apply its views in a changing society. Williams reminds us‚ “What remains unchanged‚ however‚ is the church’s call to minister to all believers. This ministry involves seeing every believer’s worth through God’s eyes rather than our own” (103). Confronting Contemporary Culture Williams clearly states her goal to show continuity between the errors of the early Christians and “the prominence of these same sins of cultural Christianity in the church today” (xxvii). Each chapter ends with parallels between modern and ancient cultural demands. However‚ many of the examples demonstrate Williams’s cultural or political preferences‚ which lean progressive on monetary and regulatory issues‚ rather than being instances of clear compromise. Some of her contemporary application is distracting from the historical scholarship she offers. Within the church‚ women were ascribed worth apart from their ability to bear children and were recognized as valuable members of the family of God. For example‚ Williams connects the expectation that Christians should be financially generous with an affirmation of higher marginal tax rates in the U.S. She argues we should see state-run social programs as “types of parachurch ministries” (20). Though the effectiveness of nonemergency foreign aid is questionable‚ she says those who oppose it “resemble the pagan Romans” (20). Similarly‚ she argues that Christian conservatives who oppose some governmental social programs are culturally compromised simply because of their opposition to those debatable policies (103). Her approach to these issues cuts off argument‚ often jumping straight from a biblical principle to a preferred policy without considering the many ways the mandate can be accomplished. The command to be concerned for the poor doesn’t mean every government program aimed at wealth redistribution carries a biblical mandate. It doesn’t preclude considering the subsequent effects of those policies and how they may create new‚ undesirable social consequences. Though I disagree with some of Williams’s preferences‚ her examples made me pause and examine my negative responses. More often than not‚ my disagreement could be traced to my cultural or political preferences rather than a deeper theological conflict. Williams’s book shows we all tend to view contemporary issues from a particular cultural perspective‚ which isn’t always a scriptural one. Cultural Christians in the Early Church provides helpful context for early church history. There’s no period in the life of the church that we can restore to find flawless biblical fidelity. Williams is correct when she argues‚ “This ideal past when the church was fully holy and blameless is‚ in fact‚ a myth” (200). Instead‚ all believers‚ despite their cultural preferences‚ should look forward to the coming City of God.