Friday, August 12, 2011

In Jerusalem, scholars trace Bible's evolution

A look at efforts by scholars at Hebrew University to publish an authoritative edition of the Old Testament. Read about it here.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Colbert: God Could Use an Ad Campaign

Comedian Stephen Colbert takes a look at a new Mormons new ad campaign and suggests one for Catholics and God.

10 Years Later

Read about singing God Bless America at major league baseball games here.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Starbucks & Willow Creek

Starbucks' CEO and founder has abruptly cancelled an appearance at Willow Creek Community Church. Howard Schultz was supposed to speak at the Chicago megachurch Friday, but an online petition insisting he denounce the congregation's views on homosexuality started bringing negative publicity to the company. His talk was titled “How Starbucks Fought for its Life Without Losing Its Soul.” Willow Creek holds a leadership summit each year. The company would not confirm the cancellation had to do with the campaign.

Creditors Threaten Legal Action

The Garden Grove Church must sell the Crystal Cathedral or creditors say they will sue the southern California megachurch. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County is offering more than $50 million for the 40 acres.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

CNN Segment on Religion and Politics

Adam And Eve

NPR takes a look at Evangelicals and the story of Adam and Eve here.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Ministry Layoffs

Prison Fellowship, founded in 1976 by former Nixon aide Chuck Colson, is laying off more than 70 employees. The ministry to inmates blames the economy. Former Michigan past Jim Liske is taking over as CEO and former Atlanta pastor Garland Hunt is now president. Some 8,500 churches and 14,000 volunteers work with Prison Fellowship in support of prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families.

Fight at Mobile Church

Police in Mobile, Alabama say a pastor was tasered by his former minister of music. Daryl Riley of New Welcome Baptist Church fired Simone Moore and in a dispute over the amount of Moore's final check, Moore alledgedly tased Riley. Several church members, including Moore's own mother got involved. Officers say she was stabbed by a church deacon Harvey Hunt.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Getting to Know.. TBN

Trinity Broadcasting Network..
• Programming on over 6,000 stations in 75 countries
• Audience of 5 million houses each week in the US
• Programs are dubbed in 11 different languages
• 3 spinoff channels:Enlace USA a Spanish-language, channel JC-TV offers youth-oriented Christian programs, The Church Channel broadcasts church services
• Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California (a similar complex is located in Texas)
• Owns Trinity Music City USA, near Nashville (paid more than $13 million to acquire)
• TV Stations: 23 full-powered, 252 low-powered
• Yearly Revenue: $170 million (surpluses averagedabout $60 million a year since 1997)
• 400 employees
• The board of directors: Paul & Jan Crouch, & Ruth Brown (Paul's sister)
• Pastors on the network can solicit donations only during the last 30 seconds of a half-hour show or the last 60 seconds of a one-hour show

Paul Crouch..
• 77 years old
• Salary: over $400,000
• Parents: Pentecostal missionaries
• Homestate: Missouri• Bible College: Central Bible Institute(Springfield, Missouri)
• Former Employer: Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missouri
• Duties: Overseeing a Film Library

Jan Crouch..
• 73 years old
• Maiden name: Bethany
• Father: Assemblies of God pastor
• Salary: more than $360,000 Perks..
• The Crouches use TBN's $7 million Turbo jet to fly around the world
• The Crouches use 2 mansions in Newport Beach & about 30 other ministry-owned houses

Family..
• Paul Crouch, Jr (their oldest son) makes about $91,000 as TBN's administrative VP
• Matthew Couch (son) has gotten more than $30 million to make movies like The Omega Code