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October 2, 2023

Andy Stanley, pastor of an Atlanta-based megachurch, spoke out from the pulpit Sunday after he led a controversial, two-day conference geared toward “support[ing] parents and LGBTQ+ children in their churches.”

The North Point Community Church pastor addressed the “Unconditional Conference” during his Sunday message, which was not live-streamed, according to The Roys Report.

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Stanley’s message was purportedly in response to the widespread criticism he and North Point have faced following news he would be hosting the Sept. 28-29 conference, which included LGBTQ-affirming speakers.

Among the critics was Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Mohler argued the event marked Stanley’s departure from a biblical understanding of sexuality, which sees marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman for life.

Mohler stated on a recent episode of his podcast, “The Briefing”:

[A]s a theologian, I just feel a responsibility to say that what this represents is a departure from historic, normative, biblical Christianity. I think both sides understand this is the most basic disagreement we could imagine, so are sex and gender. It’s over ontology and being; it’s over Scripture, the authority of Scripture, and the interpretation of Scripture. It’s over God and the Gospel. It just doesn’t get any more basic than this, but I do recognize the gravity of the words I’m using when I say that what we see here is a departure from historic, normative, biblical Christianity. I say that because I believe that’s exactly what it is, and I believe Christians ought to take note of it.

The Georgia pastor reportedly said he “never subscribed to [Mohler’s] version of biblical Christianity.”

“This version of biblical Christianity is why people are leaving Christianity unnecessarily,” Stanley said. “Its the version that causes people to resist the Christian faith, because they cant find Jesus in the midst of all the other stuff and all the other theology and all the other complexity that gets glommed on to the message’s bottom line, that version of Christianity, draws lines.”

“And Jesus drew circles,” the preacher continued. “He drew circles so large and included so many people in His circle, that it consistently made religious leaders nervous.”

Stanley went on to explain he supports the view “biblical marriage is between a man and a woman,” but applied qualifiers to that statement, making his exact stance on the matter somewhat unclear.

He explained some who struggle with same-sex attraction “are convinced that traditional marriage is not an option for them” and, as such, commit “to living a chaste life.” However, the pastor continued, “For many, that is not sustainable, so they choose same-sex marriage not because theyre convinced its biblical. … They choose to marry for the same reason many of us do: love, companionship.”

Stanley added that, once two people make a decision to enter into a same-sex romantic partnership, it is “our decision” to determine “how are we going to respond to their decisions.” North Point, he reportedly explained, has taken the stance that, “regardless of their starting point, regardless of their past, regardless of their current circumstances, our message is come and see and come sit with me.”

Although Mohler has not yet addressed Stanley’s latest statements from the pulpit, other Christian thought leaders have responded to the pastor’s explanation for his conference.

Andrew Walker, an ethics and public theology professor at SBTS and author of “God and the Transgender Debate,” outlined what he sees as Stanley’s “distinction between doctrine and pastoral practice.”

“What does that mean?” Walker wrote. “It means the doctrine has not officially changed, which is why he can technically affirm a ‘biblical view’ but, for all practical purposes, there is a pastoral accommodation that allows for LGBT-identified persons to disobey Scripture and remain in good standing as a Christian.”

He continued, “What Stanley considers as a failure to live up to an unattainable ideal, Scripture calls sinful. Nowhere in the messages was there any expectation that someone would turn from their same-sex relationship. This is an example of unbounded empathy that listens (which is good) but never invites toward transformation (which is not good).”

Read Walker’s full response below:

I was able to listen to Andy Stanleys messages from today on the topic of same-sex attraction and marriage.

Whats clear from Stanleys teaching is that hes drawing a distinction between doctrine and pastoral practice. What does that mean? It means the doctrine has not— Andrew T. Walker (@andrewtwalk) October 2, 2023

Denny Burk, president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, wrote Sunday that Stanley’s view is “subversively anti-Christian.”

“The message is anti-Christian because it tells unrepentant sinners that they can inherit the kingdom of God a message that the Bible roundly contradicts,” he explained in the article on the CBMW website.

Stanley has faced criticism for a handful of theological stances in recent years, including his view of the Old Testament, from which he argued Christians should “unhitch” themselves.

In 2018, he conceded at the end of a sermon series that the Old Testament is “divinely inspired” but argued it should not be “the go-to source regarding any behavior in the church.”

“[First century] Church leaders unhitched the church from the worldview, value system, and regulations of the Jewish Scriptures,” he said, preaching on Acts 15. “Peter, James, Paul elected to unhitch the Christian faith from their Jewish scriptures, and my friends, we must as well.”

Several Christian leaders criticized Stanley for those remarks.

In fact, during a recent conversation with CBN Digital, author and Atlanta-based Pastor Michael Youssef explained his concerns over Stanley’s statements about the Old Testament. View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tr Goins-Phillips (@tregp)

“Get ‘unhitched’ from the Old Testament?” Youssef said. “This would be like saying, ‘I love this big, beautiful, tall building, but the foundation is not really necessary. Just let’s get rid of it.’ You get rid of the foundation, the building will not stand for very long.”

“If you understand the Bible … it is one book, not two books,” he continued. “Often, I liken it to a house. The Old Testament is that house, with a foundation and the walls, but it’s lacking a roof. The New Testament is the roof and, therefore, together, you have one building a house. … One without the other doesn’t really make a lot of sense and, so, all of our foundational structure in the Old Testament that says constantly, for hundreds of years, ‘Christ is coming, Christ is coming,’ the New Testament say, ‘Hey, He’s here.’ The New Testament fulfills the Old Testament.”

***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwires daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

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Sports

FSU LB moves to rehab facility after shot in head

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October 9, 2025

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FSU LB moves to rehab facility after shot in head

  • Andrea AdelsonOct 9, 2025, 01:56 PM ET

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    • ACC reporter.
    • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
    • Graduate of the University of Florida.

Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was released from the hospital Thursday, nearly six weeks after he was shot in the back of the head while driving his aunt home.

In a statement, Florida State said Pritchard is alert, responsive and able to communicate. He is being moved from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next stage in his recovery.

On a video posted to Instagram Stories by quarterback Tommy Castellanos, the entire FSU team cheered Pritchard as he was wheeled on a stretcher out of the hospital for the trip to Jacksonville.

“We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues,” the school said in a statement.

Pritchard was shot Aug. 31 in what the authorities have described as a case of mistaken identity. He was dropping his aunt and a child off following a family party in Havana, Florida, about 16 miles from Tallahassee, near the Georgia state line.

Four people were arrested last month in connection with the shooting.

“I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son,” said Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father. “There have been a lot of ups and downs over these last 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked Florida State coach Mike Norvell for checking in every day and being a constant presence in the hospital.

“His players and staff have continued to make us feel part of the team,” Earl Pritchard said. “I can’t fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked the hospital and Florida State sports medicine staffs as well as the staff at Seminole High in Sanford, Florida, where Ethan played, for the support.

“I also want to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the FDLE for their hard work and dedication to pursuing justice for Ethan,” Earl Pritchard said. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support for so many people, and I’m so appreciative for every single one of you.

“Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will continue to fight and he will do so with the full support of our FSU and Seminole County families and all who have been impacted by his story.”

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Science

‘FlyingToolbox’ Drone System Achieves Sub-Centimeter Accuracy in Mid-Air Tool Exchange

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October 9, 2025

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Researchers from Westlake University have developed the ‘FlyingToolbox,’ a drone system that exchanges tools mid-air with sub-centimeter precision. Using vision tracking, electromagnets, and AI airflow correction, it achieved 0.8 cm accuracy even under strong downwash. The innovation could transform aerial maintenance, construction, and rescue operations.

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Environment

EcoFlow TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations at new lows from $104, Leviton 48A EV chargers, Greenworks, more

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October 9, 2025

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EcoFlow TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations at new lows from 4, Leviton 48A EV chargers, Greenworks, more


Amazon’s Prime Day event may have formally ended, but that doesn’t mean all the savings have ended with it. EcoFlow has extended its ongoing Prime Day Sale through to next week, with its TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh and TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Stations (and bundles) headlining today’s Green Deals at new low prices starting from $104. We also spotted Leviton’s 48A Level 2 EV Charging Stations – both smart and standard models – starting from $514, as well as Greenworks’ latest Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer at $320. There’s also three one-day-only Birdfy smart birdhouse/bird feeder deals, and some of the best ongoing Prime Day Sales waiting for you below – with plenty more to browse through in our Prime Day Green Deals hub.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow’s extended Prime Day savings take up to 60% off TRAIL compact power stations at new lows from $104

As part of its extended Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow is continuing to offer the best rates yet on its new TRAIL series of power stations, with extra sitewide savings too. You can pick up the TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh Portable Power Station at $103.55 shipped, after using the code 25PDFAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off, while the TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station is down at $141.55 shipped, after using the same code. What’s more, you’ll be getting a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger too (valued at $26), with the prices here also beating out Amazon by up to $7. These new charging solutions launched back at the top of August carrying $200 and $250 MSRPs, which we saw brought down to $113 and $151 with launch savings, dropping further to these rates for the earlier phase of the brand’s Prime Day Sale. You’re getting an extended period to pick them up at the best rates we have tracked, with a total $96 and $108 in savings off the going rates on top of the additional $26 in free gear. Head below to also check out their bundle options.

We’ve been seeing many of our favorite backup power brands releasing similar-sized devices to rival the ones from Anker SOLIX, which might have kicked off the trend with its popular PowerCore Reserve/C200 DC/C300 DC stations. EcoFlow’s smaller TRAIL 200 DC power station is a 4-pound unit with a 60,000mAh LiFePO4 battery, with the 300 DC model bumping things up to a 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacity. These stations deliver up to 220W and 300W output through their four or five port options. The 200 DC sports two 12W USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and a 100W USB-C port, while the 300 DC has the same USB-A ports but two 140W USB-C ports and a 120W car outlet.

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EcoFlow’s TRAIL power stations have a bunch of protections built right in against overvoltage, overloading, short circuiting, and much more – with both also being given built-in woven handles to make carrying them easier when not stashed inside a bag. Recharging from a standard AC outlet provides 200W or 280W speeds, with the 300 DC model being the one boasting a 110W maximum solar input via an appropriate panel.

***Note: Remember to use the sitewide code 25PDFAFF at checkout to score these prices below!

EcoFlow’s TRAIL power station deals:

Be sure to check out EcoFlow’s extended full Prime Day Sale lineup here while it lasts, with the brand also recently having released its newest DELTA 3 Max and Ultra power stations with up to $2,000 in savings and some FREE gear that start from $759. We also have the ongoing exclusive low price from Wellbots on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra Home Backup Power Station with a FREE 400W solar panel at $3,799.

man charging EV with Leviton 48A EV charger

Bring home Leviton’s 48A level 2 EV chargers with or without smart controls starting from $514

Amazon is offering the Leviton 48A Hardwired Level 2 Smart EV Charger at $599.20 shipped, with this being from carried-over Prime Day savings. Normally fetching $749 at full price, discounts have almost entirely kept costs above $629 over the year, with a single fall further to the $527 low back during July’s Prime Day event. While the savings last here, you’re looking at a 20% markdown from the going rate that cuts $150 off the tag for the second-lowest price we have tracked. Of course, if you want to save a bit more and don’t mind losing the in-app smart controls, you can pick up the standard EV charger variant at $514.28 shipped, down from $643.

If you want to learn more about these EV charging stations, be sure to check out our original coverage of these post-Prime Day deals here.

man using greenworks pro 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer to clean front porch stairs

Get a more adaptive cleaning experience with Greenworks’ Pro 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer at $320

Amazon is now offering the newest Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer at $319.99 shipped. Normally fetching $450 at full price, discounts over the year have largely kept costs above $330, save for a few drops to the $292 low until Prime Day cut the tag to $305. If you missed out on the two-day-only Prime rate, you can get it for just $15 higher in price while these savings last. You’re still getting a solid $130 markdown here, which lands it at the third-lowest price we have tracked and equips you with the latest and most powerful of the brand’s electric pressure washers.

If you want to learn more about this pressure washer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Birdfy Nest Polygon smart solar birdhouse strapped to tree

Birdfy’s Nest Polygon smart solar birdhouse is back at $200 low + more from $290 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Birdfy Nest Polygon Smart Solar Birdhouse with camera back at $199.99 shipped, as well as two bird feeder discounts, also only lasting through the rest of the day (more on those below the fold). While it carries a $300 MSRP direct from the brand (currently priced $20 higher), we’ve been seeing it more often keeping between $240 and $260 elsewhere, with discounts regularly falling between $220 and $210 over the year. This low price first appeared in July and repeated once in September, and now it’s back again to give you a $40 to $60 markdown off the going rate for the best price we have tracked. It’s also beating out Amazon’s pricing by $20 right now too.

If you want to learn more about this birdhouse, or see the two bird feeder offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these one-day-only deals here.

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Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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