Luxuries at largest Christian TV network

The New York Times investigates the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the lifestyle of its founders, Paul and Jan Crouch. Read the story here.

Muslims and Jerusalem

More Muslims are trying to visit Jerusalem. Read the story in the Economist here.

Stanley Catches Flack

Some Evangelical leaders are criticizing megachurch pastor Andy Stanley for a recent sermon on homosexuality. Read about it here.

Fired for Bible & Prayer

A Christian doctor in the UK has lost his unfair dismissal claim. David Drew was fired by Walsall Manor Hospital in the suburb of Birmingham from his position as clinical director after quoting from the Bible and emailing a prayer by 16th century Jesuit founder St Ignatius Loyola, to motivate his department. He wrote to colleagues: "I find this a personal inspiration in my frail imperfect efforts to serve my patients, their families and our department." Drew plans an appeal because he says the ruling tells people they can no longer say "I am a Christian" at work.

Pastor Apoligizes for Gay Kids Remark

It was just hyperbole. That's what a Fayetteville, North Carolina pastor says about his comment during a sermon to fathers that "the second you see that son dropping the limp wrist, you walk over there and crack that wrist. Man up. Give them a good punch.” Sean Harris says he regrets his choice of words and he didn't endorse hitting children. The Berean Baptist Church pastor was speaking just days before the vote on an amendment to the state constitutional that would ban gay marriage.

Mormons on the Rise

The number of Mormons are on the rise in the U.S. and the number of mainline Protestants and Catholics is falling. That's according to the 2012 Religious Congregations and Membership Study. In the largest county in the U.S. Catholics fell 7% and Mormons rose by 55%. In fact, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fastest-growing religious group in the U.S. While 8 of 10 Americans call themselves Christians, only half have an affiliation with a local church.

Bible Reading Marathon

CNN reports on a Bible Reading Marathon on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Campus Preacher Wins Appeal

An appeals court has sided with a preacher against a Tennessee school that said he couldn't give out tracts or speak on campus without a two week wait. John McGlone was forced to leave Tennessee Technical University. He filed a lawsuit and it was thrown out by a judge. But the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals says the state school's speaking permit rules are unconstitutional. The three-judge panel ruled campus sidewalks are a “public forum” and therefore any regulation on the content of speech is unconstitutional, unless justified by a “significant” government interest. Even the school's own lawyers admited the 14 day waiting period is burdensome and overly long.

From Minister To Atheist

NPR profiles a former pastor who turned atheist here.

Burning the Koran.. again

Evangelical leaders are condemning Terry Jones decision to burn copies of the Koran over the weekend along with an image of Muhammad. The Gainesville, Florida pastor says he's protesting Iran's continued imprisonment of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. About two dozen people showed up and the city gave the church a citation for violating burn ordinances.

Students Walk out on Speaker

Students walked out on a speaker at a high school journalism conference in Seattle following his derogatory comments about the Bible. Dan Savage told students at the National High School Journalism Convention - among other things - to ignore the “bulls--t in the Bible about gay people.” A conservative gay rights group said it was ironic that at a speech on bullying, the speaker would resort to name-calling. Savage called the students who were offended "pansy-asses." Video of what happened is posted below.

Written on the Heart

A new play about the Bible is getting positive reviews in London. The Royal Shakespeare Company production of Written on the Heart tells the story of the translation of the King James Bible. The play focuses the human cost of bringing God's word to the masses, including the execution of William Tyndale.