Free Republic

The claim that Marian devotion in Catholicism is derived from pagan goddess worship—specifically Ishtar, Diana, or Astarte—is a persistent but thoroughly discredited myth rooted in 19th-century anti-Catholic propaganda, most notably Alexander Hislop’s *The Two Babylons* (1853). This narrative, often recycled in modern social media and evangelical circles, alleges that Mary’s veneration as the Mother of God (Theotokos) or Queen of Heaven is a Christianized version of ancient pagan goddess cults. However, linguistic, historical, biblical, and cultural evidence reveals no connection. This compiled text is inspired by discussions with our fellow freepers and I hope offers a detailed, accessible refutation of...

OAN says government shutting down; Senate Democrats won't cave

We now have confirmed reports of all commercial traffic into Canada are blocked. Here in the WNY area, we have Interstate 190 clogged, due to this delay. WE are told it's some kind of malfunction, but so far, it appears to be nationwide. No further details from Ottawa.

The left is great at throwing words around like “FASCIST”. What is wrong with the Trump administration referring to them as SEDITIONISTS? That is precisely what they are engaging in and what they are. “A seditionist is a person guilty of sedition, which is conduct or speech that incites people to violently rebel against the authority of the government or its established institutions. Essentially, a seditionist is someone who instigates or participates in rebellion against the government, its processes, or the rule of law, often through force or the threat of force.”

Trying to find out information about how Des Moines hired an illegal alien with a criminal history, Ian Robert’s, as leader of its schools. One comment online said rhe board voted him in during a closed session after being made aware of his illegal status. Link shows he highlighted his immigrant background in his bio and the public announcement was done in English and then in Spanish to local media. It’s also an educationally failing school district. Any locals with info please share. It’s a key state for national elections.

The orchestrated walkout by the Islamic-lobby-dominated Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations was not just a diplomatic stunt—it was a blatant act of intellectual cowardice and a disgraceful betrayal of the UN’s core principles. While Israel stood on the global stage advocating for peace, coexistence, and the fundamental right to self-defense, OIC nations chose petulance over dialogue. This wasn't a protest—it was a refusal to hear the truth. Their exit marked yet another example of the Islamic bloc’s long-standing strategy: silence Israeli voices rather than engage with them, smear Israel rather...

Next month, I'm gonna take a few days and take Amtrak down to Springfield Illinois. I wanna see Lincoln's Home, etc. Basically, everything I mostly want to do is right in downtown Springfield. I won't have a rental car. I've heard mixed stories about crime in Springfield. Can anyone tell me if the downtown is safe? What are food options? How are the hotels? Are there any other places or things you'd recommend? Would I be better off staying on the outskirts of Springfield and taking an Uber or cab in to downtown? I'd appreciate any advice.

My X account has been suspended for breaking X rules supposedly as being a fake account. I have been on X since it was Twitter, since 2012. I have appealed it asking what I was being suspended for (I had not seen their email to me yet telling me they did it because broke their rules by setting up a fake account) but afterwards my husband looked up my name to see if they really did that and he discovered there is someone on X using my username. He reported this person as a fake account but when it asked...

On September 22, 2025, Disney announced that Kimmel’s suspension was being lifted, and the show would return beginning September 23. At the time of the announcement, it was not known if Nexstar-owned ABC stations will resume broadcasting the show. Sinclair announced that they would pre-empt Kimmel’s September 23 episode on their ABC affiliates, but said “discussions with ABC are ongoing” Nexstar: (972) 373-8800

For years, the Left has been carping about changing the name of "Columbus Day", a federal holiday on the second Monday in October. Well, here's a great opportunity for us. Charlie Kirk's birthday is October 14. Let's designate Monday, Oct. 13 as "Charlie Kirk Day", "Revival Day", "Turning Point Day" or something similar. I don't think Columbus would mind sharing his day with a great American hero. What do you think? Should we change the name of "Columbus Day" to "Charlie Kirk Day"? No, leave it the way it is. Yes, officially. (That might take an act of Congress.) Yes,...

The left is bitching about the tone of the memorial for Kirk. Remember Senator Paul Wellstones funeral when Bill Clinton was caught laughing and enjoying himself? Wikipedia: A sizable shift in public opinion occurred in the week following the memorial event, with Mondale’s commanding lead shrinking to a fraction It was as at this point that Gov. Ventura left the building. In interviews Ventura used the words “disgusting, disgraceful and offensive” to describe the experience. He said the service drove his wife to tears. If Ventura had endured the remainder of the service, he would have been treated to Sen....

🇺🇸 Before the Collapse: Why We Must Rein in Unsecured Debt — NowBy The HermitThere’s a quiet crisis unfolding beneath the surface of the U.S. economy: over a trillion dollars in credit card debt, the majority of it unsecured, with no collateral, no real oversight, and no meaningful limits. It’s not just a number — it’s a ticking time bomb.It may not look like 1929 — but in structure, in risk, and in who will bear the fallout, it feels dangerously familiar.📉 We've Seen This Movie BeforeIn the 1920s, Americans were allowed to buy stocks on margin — putting down...

Got three hits off the bat when searching for some examples of government institutions penalizing speech, as opposed to businesses doing (like w/Kimmel): Spokane Washington police officer fired https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/sep/19/a-spokane-police-officer-put-a-lets-go-brandon-sti/Michigan county school system forces students to remove shirts. https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/amended-opinion-and-order-da-minor-et-al-v-tri-county-area-schools-et-alVermont school fires cook https://www.newsweek.com/cook-fired-writing-lets-go-brandon-school-menu-sign-leaving-job-early-1653050

I am just wondering about the anti-Pauline movement within the church and what reasons they reject him? I understand that some blacks have trouble with his prioritizing witnessing to Onesimus over his freedom from slavery. But I don't understand what theology they are accepting that rejects him.

I'm trying to start a new career as a graphic artist and I was looking at the cover of Bill O'Reillys new book and thought it was pretty pathetic. So I improved it. What do you think? I think it's more on the mark, more accurate. Should I show it to Bill? If he likes it I could have a new career

A guy I know just had his truck repossessed. He claims he was current on his payments and because I used to be in the auto remarketing many years ago, he called (texted) me for assistance. He bought the truck and financed it with Tricolor. Here's the AI info...

I'm not feeling so well the past week. And it's about Charlie Kirk. Honestly I never followed Charlie very much before his assassination. I rewpected him and knew he was partially responsible for electing Trump. I watched his presentations this past week and I find myself agreeing virtually with everything he said. I find boldness in areas that I was too intimidated to say in public. I fnd myself unworthy of even tying his shoes. He lived a Christlike life like his Savior. Now I just feel an emptiness in my soul as we mourn this humble principled servant. I...

Generational power dynamics are why we’re in this position. I’m a late Gen-Xer. By some accounting, I’m an early Gen Y/Millenial. I refuse to be lumped into that group of individuals, personally, but that’s not why I’m writing this. Growing up, our parents pressed us to reach for our dreams. I think every good parent would want that for their kids, but I believe every generation’s motivations for that message are different. The Greatest Generation wanted their kids to not repeat the mistakes of the world at the turn of the 20th century. So many died for freedom, and the...

My 2006 Scion Xa (with only 74,000 miles on odometer) has lately been "jumping" when I first start it up for the first time in a day. I had my local mechanic put it on the scope, but he found nothing. He changed 3 of the ignition coils. No change. He changed a small hose from the ignition complex, which was hard and frayed at the ends. It's a little better, but still jumps when you first start it up. The mechanic drove it around, and it didn't miss. It ONLY does that when you first start it up, first...

Jimmy Kimmel and the Long Tradition of Television Censorship by NetworksWhen Disney pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air after affiliate stations refused to run it—and Kimmel refused to apologize—many framed the moment as a free speech issue. But in reality, this is not a new phenomenon. Kimmel is merely the latest in a long line of television personalities to discover that while free speech is protected from government interference, it does not shield individuals from the consequences imposed by employers, advertisers, or the broader marketplace.The tension between individual expression and corporate image has shaped the entertainment industry for decades....