To Tuck or Not to Tuck

A mother has won her fight to allow her daughter to leave her shirt hanging out at school. The principal and district administrators in Irving, Texas ordered Dyker Neyland's 7-year-old to tuck the shirt inside her pants but Neyland says that's not appropriate because her daughter's behind shows. Neyland says she is being persecuted for being a Christian. The Irving school board agreed with her and overturned the principal's decision.

IRS Clears Group

The IRS has ruled a Texas group didn’t violate the law with a series of closed-door pastor conferences. The Texas Restoration Project encouraged church congregations to vote their values did not endorse specific candidates. The organization had the backing of governor Rick Perry before his reelection in 2006. The Texas Freedom Network had filed a complaint.

Church Sex Trial

KING-TV in Seattle reports on a church sex abuse trial.

Gay Porn Suspension

A Christian college student suspended for appearing in gay porn videos says he’ll finish his degree at another school. John Gechter attended Grove City College in western Pennsylvania until administrators discovered his activity when an e-mail with images of him spread across campus. The Presbyterian college offered him the opportunity to reapply for admission in a year if he stopped his acting career. But Gechter plans to move to New York where he will be headlining a play. Grove City has agreed to allow him to transfer a few courses he’ll need to graduate with a degree from the school. Gechter says students threw fruit at him in the cafeteria and sent him hate mail. The molecular biology senior earned in around $10,000 each weekend from the more than a dozen films in which he appeared.

Christians in the Holy Land

Marketing the Church

An advertising Age article on the marketing of the church.

Methodist Campaign

Here's a video of a new advertising campaign from the United Methodist Church called Rethink Church. The $20 million dollar campaign just started this past week and is aimed at 18- to 34-year-olds. There's a Facebook page, t-shirts and other items all pointing back to an web site called 10 Thousand Doors.

Miss Cali Keeps Title

Carrie Prejean will keep her Miss California title. She stirred controversy a couple of weeks ago with her answer to a question about gay marriage at the Miss USA pageant. She was first runner-up. But her comments against same-sex marriage lead the Miss California organization consider appointing a possible replacement for her. Despite more racy photos of her showing up on the internet, Donald Trump, who owns the pageant, told reporters this morning Prejean will keep her title. She said some of the photos were not supposed to be published and some were photo shopped.

Prejean told James Dobson on his daily Focus on the Family program the issue is a spiritual battle:

"I just knew at that moment that God was just telling me "Carrie, how bad do you want this? Are you willing to compromise your beliefs for a one year crown of Miss USA.. And (after speaking against gay marriage) I knew there was no way I was going to win Miss USA. No way.. I felt as though Satan was trying to tempt me in asking me this question."

One Year Ago.. Davey Creator Dies

The 90-year-old creator of the Davey and Goliath children’s TV show died one year ago this day in Dallas. Dick Sutcliffe came up with the Lutheran program featuring a boy and his talking dog as claymation figures using stop-action animation. It was popular in the 60’s and 70’s but fell off the public's radar until 2003 when it made a comeback. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America which owes the rights to the figures reluctantly agreed to let them star in a commercial for Mountain Dew. The star was the subject of a one-hour documentary called Oh Davey!... History of the Davey and Goliath Television Series.

Miss California Skeletons

Miss California may lose her state title because she told pageant officials there was only one photo of her in her underwear that showed up on the internet this week. But now more photos have popped up on a celebrity news site. That would violate her Miss USA contract because she's topless in the shots. Carrie Prejean stirred controversy by answered a question during the national pageant about same-sex marriage by declaring her opposition to it. The response may have cost her the crown.

Muted Prayer Day

The White House is planning no public events connected with today’s the National Day of Prayer. Obama will not hold any public events with religious leaders as was done during the Bush administration. Some two million people took part in 40,000 events marking the day last year. The Obama administration has asked a judge to dismiss a suit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation trying to stop the effort entirely as a violation of church and state.

History Teacher Broke Law

A Southern California judge has ruled a history teacher violated the First Amendment rights of a student by offering critical comments about Christians. James Corbett teaches at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo and referred to Creationism as “religious, superstitious nonsense”. A student sued in 2007 claiming Corbett repeatedly made disparaging remarks about Christianity. Here are more details.

Prayer Day Question

The White House still hasn’t said whether it will take part in the National Day of Prayer this Thursday. Some groups are trying to pull the reins of the event away from the conservative National Day of Prayer Task Force (headquartered at James Dobson’s Focus on the Family). Jews on First and The Interfaith Alliance is asking President Barack Obama to declare it a day for all Americans - even for nonbelievers.

Twittering in Church

TIME magazine looks at Twittering in Church in this article.

Pop Stars Sing Gospel

A new gospel compilation album features pairs pop artists with celebrated gospel choirs. Jon Bon Jovi backed by the Washington Youth Choir sings Keep the Faith and Al Green contributes People Get Ready with R&B singer Heather Headley. The Clark Sisters will duet with Robert Randolph on Higher Ground and 3 Doors Down teams with Soul Children of Chicago on Presence of the Lord. Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart and at online retail.

Kemp Dies

Jack Kemp has died. Diagnosed with cancer this year, the former vice presidential candidate ran with Bob Dole in 1996. Kemp became a Presbyterian in the 1950’s and said he become a born-again Christian though he's remembered more for championing conservative economic policy over conservative social policy.

Torture Survey

Here's the results of a survey asking if the use of torture against suspected terrorists is ever justified:

White evangelical Protestants – Yes 61%
Those who attend services at least once a week – Yes 54%
All Respondents – Yes 49%
Those who seldom or never go to services – Yes 42%
unaffiliated with any religious organization - Yes 40%
mainline" Protestants – Yes 31%

Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Abortion Poll

The # of Americans favoring abortion has fallen to its lowest level since 1995, according to a new poll.

I believe abortion should be legal in most cases
August 09 - 54%
Now -46%

Moderate and liberal Republicans who say abortion should be legal in most cases:
August 09 – 57%
Currently – 43%

White mainline Protestants who say abortion should be legal in most cases:
August 09 – 69%
Currently – 54%

White Evangelical Protestants who say abortion should be legal in most cases:
August 09 – 33%
Currently – 23%

Source: Pew Research

The National Day of Prayer

Thursday is the 58th Annual National Day of Prayer. Groups will gather on the front steps of County Courthouses at noon to pray for the nation. This year’s theme is Prayer...America's Hope. It’s based on Psalm 33:22: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You." Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson has been chair of the National Day of Prayer since 1991. The Continental Congress first set aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established an official day of prayer and in 1988 it was designating the first Thursday in May.

Creationists Settle Dispute

A fight between two creationist groups is over. Answers in Genesis and Creation Ministries International once were allies but began fighting over copyrights and ownership of mailing lists four years ago. Soon there were accusation of financial mismanagement and poor business decisions. Mediation failed and the two went to court but now they’ve agree to put aside their complaints- though terms of their settlement are not being made public. Answers in Genesis (led by Ken Ham) is based in the US and grew out of Australia’s Creation Ministries International (founded by Carl Wieland). Answers has made a splash recently with its well-attended $27 million Creation Museum in Kentucky.

Methodist Keep Gay Marriage Ban

Methodist pastors are being told not to perform same-sex marriages or gay civil unions. The denomination’s highest court says that goes even in districts where the regional church officials support same-sex unions. Last year, the United Methodist General Conference voted to keep a ban on same-sex marriages and clergy were told to stay away from performing the ceremonies in the church.

Judge Nixes Name Change

Jonathan L. Thomas wants to change his name to Sinner Lawrence Bilskirnir but a Nebraska judge has said, “no”. Thomas says he wants the change because of his Norse religion. He calls himself a heathen who follows Thor as his God and is serving a prison term for burglary, drug possession and theft.

Robertson Stepping Down

Pat Robertson is retiring from the University he founded. He’ll step down as president of Regent University next summer. The religious broadcaster founded the Virginia Beach school in 1978. The 79-year-old Robertson will continue as chancellor and a member of the board of trustees.

Brotha Car Tag

A Florida state senator is proposing a specialty tag that would read: Can A Brotha Get a Break? Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson is reacting to another proposed license plate that would feature an image of Jesus on the cross. Lawson wants to money from sale of the plates to go toward the Employees Relief Fund for the purpose of offsetting salary and benefit cuts by the Legislature and providing grief counseling. Lawson plans to run for a seat in the US Congress next year.

Howard: Catholics Will Like A&D

Director Ron Howard writes this about his new film Angels & Demons: "I nor Angels & Demons are anti-Catholic. And let me be a little controversial: I believe Catholics, including most in the hierarchy of the Church, will enjoy the movie for what it is: an exciting mystery, set in the awe-inspiring beauty of Rome."

CCM RIP?

BeliefNet explores some of the reasons Contemporary Christian Music may be dying.

Thanks But No Thanks

A Harvard Law School professor is refusing to accept an award from Notre Dame because President Obama will deliver this year's commencement address. Mary Ann Glendon will not accept the Laetare Medal because the school is giving Obama an honorary degree despite a request from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Glendon says she’s concerned her award was designed to give the appearance of balance.

Why They Leave

Most former Protestants and Catholics say their decision to leave their church was not prompted by a single event or issue but gradually took place over time (71%). Here are some other findings in a new study:

Was clergy sex-abuse scandals an important reason for why you left your church?
Yes- 27% of those who are now unaffiliated

Was finding a religion you liked better an important reason for why you left your church?
Yes – 58%

Was “unmet spiritual needs” an important reason for why you left your church?
Yes – 51%

Was the reason for your withdrawal from faith because you "just do not believe in God" or most religious teachings any more?
Yes – 42% Catholic
Yes-39% Protestant

Was the notion that "modern science proves religion is superstition" an important reason for your disaffiliation?
Yes – 32%

Do you see religious people as hypocritical, judgmental and insincere?
Yes -75% (unaffiliated)

Are you open to returning to the faith sometime in the future and just have not found the right religion yet?
Yes – 33% (unaffiliated)

Did you stop believing in church teaching?
Yes – 65% Catholic
Yes - 50% Protestant

Wa the Catholic Church's specific teachings on abortion and homosexuality an important reason for your departure?
Yes – 56% (former Catholics who are now unaffiliated)
Yes – 23% (former Catholics who are now Protestant)

Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Pastor's Pay Dispute

Members of New York’s Riverside Church are trying to stop a new pastor from making $600,000 a year. That would be about twice what his predecessor was paid. They went to court claiming Brad Braxton is refusing to reveal the church’s financial condition. But a judge has put the case off until after Braxton’s Sunday installation. His base salary will be a quarter-of-a-million dollars along with a monthly housing allowance, insurance benefits; money for a maid, private school tuition for his daughter, entertainment, travel and other expenses. Braxton calls himself a progressive evangelical. The dissenters complain the Southern Baptist minister will push the church toward more conservative positions.

Miss Cali Speaks at Church

Miss California spoke today at a San Diego megachurch where she’s been a member for several years. The San Diego Christian College junior told the congregation that her state sponsors wanted her to apologize for saying marriage should be between a man and a woman during the Miss USA pageant but Prejean refused. The Rock Church where she spoke was founded by former San Diego Chargers defensive back Miles McPherson and was involved in the campaign to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriages in California. Some pageant observers say since Prejean was first runner-up, low scores from one judge in response to her answer would have been enough to cost her the title.

Gay Clergy Voted Down

The Presbyterian Church, USA has turned aside efforts to allow gay clergy – but the margin is getting narrower. Two church districts (or presbyteries) voted against the plan yesterday which ensures the proposal will be defeated. It passed the denomination’s General Assembly last summer but still needed the approval of of the nation's 173 presbyteries. The margin of rejection was smaller than a similar earlier measure.

"Great Sex for You"

A Florida church may lose its meeting site because of sermons on sex. Melbourne’s New Hope Church pastor Bruce Cadle is going through a series titled Great Sex for You. But the Brevard Public School District's risk-management department isn’t happy about it and is threatening to kick the Church out of the Sherwood Elementary School because of complaints over a flier sent to thousands of people titled Is Your Sex Life A Bore? New Hope regularly meets inside the school auditorium.

Standing O for Miss Cali

The conservative audience attending the Dove Awards gave Miss California a standing ovation when she came out to introduce Mercy Me singing their hit I Can Only Imagine. At the Miss USA pageant last weekend, Carrie Prejean was asked by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton about gay marriage. Prejean responded that she believes marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

School Prayer Law Moves Forward

Missouri lawmakers have approved a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing Missourians' right to pray in public places, including schools. If the State Senate goes along with the house, the proposal would appear on a statewide ballot next year. Although supporters say it doesn’t allow anything that’s not already permitted, they hope it will prevent students from being stopped from praying in public schools. Detractors say it’s pointless and a waste of money to hold a statewide election on a constitutional amendment that would have no practical effect.

What Would Jesus Do?

The novel that inspired the phrase What Would Jesus Do is being turned into a film. Charles Sheldon’s In His Steps What Would Jesus Do? was has sold more than 40 million copies since it was first published in 1896. Entertainment Group is producing the film and Nasser Entertainment will distribute it. John Schneieder (Bo Duke in the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard) will play one of the roles of four people: a singer, a newspaper editor, a wealthy philanthropist and a Minister (who loses his faith). Each one vows to walk in the steps of Jesus by asking themselves What Would Jesus Do?

Waiting for IRS Reaction

33 pastors are still waiting to hear from the IRS about their protest during last year's presidential election. They told their congregations to cast their ballots according to the conservative views they say are espoused in the Bible. Some directly endorsed John McCain for president. The coordinated protest across the country called Pulpit Freedom Sunday was designed to be a direct challenge to the agency’s rules preventing religious nonprofits from supporting or opposing political candidates.

Baptists Lose Members

Southern Baptists lost members last year and baptized the fewest people in more than 20 years. Baptisms fell for the fourth straight year to just over 342,000. That’s a drop of just over one percent, according to the denomination’s Annual Church Profile put together by LifeWay Christian Resources. Total membership fell by more than 38,000 (that’s a .02 percent drop).

Preacher Probe Ongoing

A congressional probe of several televangelists is not over. Senator Charles Grassley started the investigation 17 months ago. He’s looking into the finances and extravagant lifestyles of Kenneth Copeland, Randy and Paula White, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar and Eddie Long. Some of them have provided Grassley with requested documents but some are dragging their feet on cooperating. The Senator is considering sending out subpoenas for requested documents.

Bama Lawmakers on Miss USA

Alabama lawmakers have passed a resolution praising a Miss USA contestant for her comments against gay marriage. The Alabama House has approved the resolution about Carrie Prejean yesterday on a voice vote. During the competition, judge Perez Hilton asked her about gay marriage during Sunday’s telecast. Prejean said she felt marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

Seminary Closes School

Sinking enrollment has lead to the closure of the School of Church Music and Worship at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The 65-year-old program will merge with the School of Leadership and Church Ministry to form a new School of Church Ministries. The Louisville, Kentucky school has recently struggled financially. Administrators faced a budget shortfall of more than $3 million shortfall at the end of last year. Since then 35 administrative positions have been cut.

Dove Winners

Steven Curtis Chapman won the Dove Award for artist of the year tonight in Nashville. This is the seventh time he’s won the top honor. Last year, Chapman’s seven-year-old daughter was killed when she was accidentally hit by a vehicle driven by her older brother at the family's home. Other winners:

• Female Vocalist of the Year: Natalie Grant (her 4th year in a row)
  


• Male Vocalist of the Year: Brandon Heath
  


• Song of the Year: Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath
  


• Group of the Year: Casting Crowns

Global Warming Survey

Nearly half of Protestant pastors believe global warming is a real man-made problem. About the same number disagree. A recent poll asked whether pastors strongly or somewhat agree that man-made global warming exists.

• 47% of all the pastors surveyed agreed
• 75% of mainline pastors agree
• 32% of evangelical pastors agree
• 61% of mainline pastors reported preaching about the environment several times a year or more
• 23% of evangelical pastors reported preaching about the environment several times a year or more

Source: LifeWay Research

Megachurch Pastor Critique

Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll takes on the teachings of Joel Osteen in the video below.

Latin Pastor to Schuller Church

Robert Schuller’s megachurch has hired an Argentinian preacher to lead its Hispanic ministry. Dante Gebel has appeared on in TV shows and movies and written several motivational books. The Crystal Cathedral in Southern California has a 10,000-member congregation.

Osteen at Yankee Stadium

Joel Osteen is renting out the new Yankee Stadium for about $1.5 million. The Houston televangelist will be the first non-baseball attraction when he speaks on Saturday Tickets are $15 each.

Preacher Sues CNN

WSB-TV reports on a preacher suing CNN for his arrest by security guards while on a sidewalk outside the network's Atlanta headquarters.

Bono On the Soul

U2's Bono from his Op-Ed piece in the New York Times: "Then comes the dying and the living that is Easter. It’s a transcendent moment for me — a rebirth I always seem to need. Never more so than a few years ago, when my father died. I recall the embarrassment and relief of hot tears as I knelt in a chapel in a village in France and repented my prodigal nature — repented for fighting my father for so many years and wasting so many opportunities to know him better. I remember the feeling of “a peace that passes understanding” as a load lifted. Of all the Christian festivals, it is the Easter parade that demands the most faith — pushing you past reverence for creation, through bewilderment at the idea of a virgin birth, and into the far-fetched and far-reaching idea that death is not the end. The cross as crossroads. Whatever your religious or nonreligious views, the chance to begin again is a compelling idea."

Carolina Pastor Indicted

A Charlotte pastor faces charges of tax evasion. Anthony Jinwright leads the 2000 member Greater Salem City of God. Prosecutors say he lived a lavish lifestyle and made millions while filing false state and federal tax returns, tax evasion and making false statements to federal agents.

The Gospel Of Green

Newsweek profiles Evangelical environmentalist Peter Illyn.

Lawsuit Over Evolution

The Institute for Creation Research is suing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board over a decision not to let it train science teachers by confer a master's degree in science education. The state board ruled the program did not meet state academic standards but the Institute says it came down to its views on evolution.

Miss Cali Controversy

She didn’t win the Miss USA contest Sunday night but first runner-up Carrie Prejean (Miss California) is getting most of the attention. A judge asked her about legalizing same-sex marriage. Her answer: "I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be.” Prejean says she’s gotten 1,000 new Facebook messages. The title went to Miss North Carolina, Kristen Dalton.

High Court Rejects Challenge

Khristian Oliver’s death sentence will stand. The convicted murderer had ask the Supreme Court to rule that his constitutional rights were violated by Texas jurors because they used Bible during deliberations. Oliver fatally shooting and bludgeoning his victim with the barrel of a gun. While jurors were deciding whether to impose a death sentence, they read a passage about a murder committed with an iron object.

Church Head: Jesus Not Only Way

Jesus is not the only way to God. That’s what the head of the Episcopal church told people attending a special convention. Katherine Jefferts Schori said to insist Jesus is the only way to God is to "limit God."

Schori made the remarks in Peoria, Illinois where she had come to shore up support for the denomination. The local Diocese decided to leave the Episcopal Church in November and realign with the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone. The Episcopal Church has battled local organizations in recent years over homosexuality and the ordination of women.

Name Change for Armstrong Church

The Worldwide Church of God is changing its name. The organization founded by Herbert W. Armstrong was considered a cult by Evangelicals for years. But after Armstrong's death in 1986, the church took a conservative theological turn. The denomination will now be known as Grace Communion International. It’s also become a member of the National Association of Evangelicals.

10 Years Ago.. Columbine

Ten years ago today, two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado went on a shooting rampage, killing a dozen classmates and a teacher. They injured 23 others and then killed themselves.

Dave Cullen’s new book titled Columbine tackles some popular misconceptions about the shootings – such as reports that Cassie Bernall was asked if she believed in God before she was shot to death. The 17-year-old Christian supposedly answered "yes" before her death. Her heroism and was popularized by many in the Evangelical community. Cullen says it was another student, Valeen Schnurr, who proclaimed her belief in God as she was shot. Schnurr, on the other hand, survived the attack.

Susan Boyle

When Susan Boyle hit the stage at Britain's Got Talent, audience members rolled their eyes. But the skepticism melted when the 47-year-old began to sing. Father Basil Clark, dean of the district that covers her village in Scotland, told Catholic News Service Boyle has a learning disability that has left her unemployed. But she’s a churchgoing Catholic who’s life revolves around her family and her parish. Clark says she is a "very gentle and very caring" woman of “great faith” and "When I watched the judges' faces it reminded me of what I was like when I first saw Susan singing -- absolutely blown away by the quality of the singing and by that fantastic voice.. I think it's great at one level. It might just be the thing that will make her, but she is a very vulnerable person and it could be quite difficult. Here's the video of her appearance on the show.

Athletes & Evangelists Cross Paths

ESPN offers this article and video on the role of televangelists in professional.

Twittering Away Your Morality

USC researchers say Twitter and other fast-moving social networking windows block out our morality. We simply don’t have enough time to process the information and see what rules apply, they claim. The lead author of the study says, in contrast to the rapid-fire digital environment, “We need to allow for adequate time and reflection.” Children are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing.

The scientists asked about a dozen study participants to tell stories. Their brains were the scanned as they tried to recall the stories and attached emotions. Details will be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

ORU Gets One Million

The Armand Hammer Foundation is giving Oral Roberts University a $1 million gift. The grandson of the late industrialist, Michael Hammer, is behind the effort. He's on the school's board of trustees. Officials say the funds will drop the University’s debt to about $2.5 million. Not long ago it was more than $50 million.

Alamo Sues State

Tony Alamo is suing the state of Arkansas as he waits trial on charges that he took young girls across state lines for sex. Arkansas authorities have already taken 36 children from the cult leader’s compound and Alamo wants to stop child services from taking any more or forcing parents to leave the church in order to regain custody of their children.

Beatle Visit to India

Ringo Starr told reporters at a news conference in New York that he didn’t care for India when the Beatles made their famous visit to the country in 1968. At the time, the band had become followers of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. At a press conference to promote a benefit concert for teaching meditation to children, Starr said, "There were lepers without fingers and noses” and he left after 10 days because "the food was too spicy".

Osteen on Labels

"There was a time where I thought I don't want to be known as "an evangelical" because at the time that meant you were a Republican that was against everything. I think that's changed. That was a few years back. I don't want people to look at me as their minister and say he's a Republican and he's against this, that and the other because my church is made of up of all different types of people. In some ways I would agree with that. That's again probably back to a belief my dad had that he didn't get political because he didn't want to divide the audience. I feel that same way. I don't want to be categorized. Our message is about spreading Christ's love to everybody. If you look at somebody and say he's against that or that or he's on that side, to me people start turning you off because of that."

Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen in an interview with BeliefNet

Born Agains

A survey of self-described Christians and those who say they are Born Again.

Born agains are twice as likely to strongly agree that:
the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches;
that their life has been greatly transformed by their faith;
that a person can be under the influence of spiritual forces such as demons
to hold an unfavorable opinion of Wicca.

Born agains are twice as likely to strongly disagree that:
Satan is just a symbol of evil
that Jesus sinned while He lived on earth.

Born agains are three times as likely to strongly disagree that:
that the Holy Spirit is merely a symbol of God’s power or presence;2
that Mormons are Christians; and that the Bible, Koran and Book of Mormon teach the same truths.

Born agains are one-third more likely to strongly disagree that:
1.to have a definition of God as the omniscient, omnipotent creator and ruler of the world

Source: The Barna Group

MercyMe Makes Splash

MercyMe’s new album hit 18 on Billboards Top 200 Chart in its first week of release. The release is called “10” and sold nearly 30,000 units. It includes a new recording of their hit I Can Only Imagine which features the London Session Orchestra. The group has sold out shows across the country including venues seating up to 18,000. The tour has been broadcast on MercyMeTV.

Obama's Income

President Barack Obama and the first lady made $2.7 million last year. They gave $1400 to five churches. Less than one-percent of their income. And none of it went to the Trinity United Church of Christ. In 2007, the Obama’s gave $26,270 to the church. But this past year he separated from pastor Jeremiah Wright. In all, Obama donated $172,050 to charities, including $25,000 to CARE and the United Negro College Fund.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill earned $269,256 last year and gave just $1,885 to charity. That’s also less than one-percent of their income.

A Survey of Unchurched Americans

I am "spiritual" because I want to know more about "God or a higher supreme being":
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 73%
30 years old and older – Yes 62%

I would listen to what someone believes about Christianity:
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 89%
30 years old and older – Yes 75%

"I would be willing to study the Bible if a friend asked me to.”:
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 61%
30 years old and older – Yes 41%

I would attend church if it presented truth to them in an understandable way "that relates to my life now.":
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 63%
30 years old and older – Yes 47%

I would be more likely to attend if people at the church "cared for me as a person.":
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 58%

I would be willing to attend a small group:20- to 29-year olds – Yes 46%
30 years old and older – Yes 27%

Source: LifeWay Research

New Moody President

The Moody Bible Institute has picked its next president. Paul Nyquist will take over the reigns of the school founded in 1886 by evangelist D.L. Moody. Nyquist currently works with Avant Ministries, an international mission that develops churches around the world. He has also pastored churches in the mid-west. Besides the college, other ministries outreaches include Moody Publishers and Moody Radio.

Is the Bible Accurate?

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches?

Strongly Agree – 55%
Agreeing Somewhat -18%
Disagreed Somewhat - 13%
Strongly Disagree – 9%

Source: The Barna Group

Warren Skips Interview

This past Sunday, Rick Warren was supposed to appear on the ABC show hosted George Stephanopoulos "This Week". But the megachurch pastor decided not to go on the show to clarify his controversial remarks surrounding California’s proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage between a man and a woman.. His church said Warren was exhausted. Warren delivered his Easter sermon at his church in Southern California but was sick Saturday when the ABC interview was due to be taped. Fox News told viewers that Saddleback Church had put varnish on the pulpit right before the services and the fumes got to him. Some bloggers are suggesting that Warren is ducking the marriage controversy. The issue started when he told CNN's Larry King that he did not campaign for passage of the measure. He said, "I am not an anti-gay- or anti-gay-marriage activist. Never have been, never will be.”

Are Mormons Christians?

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe Mormons are Christians?

Strongly Agree – 18%
Agreeing Somewhat -21%
Disagreed Somewhat - 12%
Strongly Disagree – 17%

Source: The Barna Group

Ambassador to the Vatican

The Vatican isn’t happy with Barack Obama’s choices to serve as its US ambassador. The Holy See has apparently already turned down three candidates because of their support for abortion rights. One of them is Caroline Kennedy. The Vatican is also upset about Obama’s decision to lift a previous ban on embryonic stem cell research. The president travels to Italy in July and will meet with Pope Benedict XVI.

Most Important Purpose

A survey of self-described Christians. Would you agree that the most important purpose in your life is to “love God with all their heart, mind, strength and soul”?

Strongly Agree – 74%
Agreeing Somewhat -15%
Disagreed Somewhat - 7%
Strongly Disagree – 4%

Source: The Barna Group

Faith's Impact

A survey of self-described Christians. Are you contend that your religious faith has significantly impacted their life.

My faith had “greatly transformed” my life – 59%
My faith “has been helpful but has not greatly transformed” my life – 29%
My religious faith “has not made much of a difference” in who I am and how I live – 9%

Source: The Barna Group

Evil Spirits

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you a person can be under the influence of spiritual forces, such as demons or evil spirits?

Strongly Agree – 39%
Agreeing Somewhat -25%
Disagreed Somewhat - 10%
Strongly Disagree – 18%

Source: The Barna Group

Stolen Equipment Returned

WOAI-TV in San Antonio explains how a church got its stolen equipement back.

The Holy Spirit

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe the Holy Spirit is “a symbol of God’s power or presence but is not a living entity”?

Strongly Agree – 38%
Agreeing Somewhat -20%
Disagreed Somewhat - 9%
Strongly Disagree – 25%

Source: The Barna Group

No Gay Housing

Gay students will not get campus housing at Texas Christian University as originally planned. A new living learning area called the DiversCity Q community was supposed to open this fall. Eight students had signed up. TCU is associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Did Jesus Sin

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe Jesus sinned when He lived on earth?

Strongly Agree – 22%
Agreeing Somewhat -17%
Disagreed Somewhat - 9%
Strongly Disagree – 46%

Source: The Barna Group

The Bible vs Other Holy Books

A survey of self-described Christians. How does the Bible compares to other holy books? When faced with the statement that “the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths”.

Strongly Agree – 19%
Agreeing Somewhat -22%
Disagreed Somewhat - 12%
Strongly Disagree – 28%

Source: The Barna Group

Belief About Satan

A survey of self-described Christians. Would you agree with the statement that Satan “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil" ?

Strongly Agree – 40%
Agree Somewhat - 19%
Disagree Strongly – 26%
Disagree Somewhat – 9%

Source: The Barna Group

Faith Groups Losing Gay Rights Fight

The Washington Post take a look at how some faith groups are losing their fight against gay rights.

Warren On Gay Marriage

Rick Warren spoke with Christianity Today magazine about recent media reports that he had changed his position on gay marriage:

In a Beliefnet interview.. Steve Waldman asked me about gay marriage. I said I believe marriage, that term, should be reserved for a man and a woman. I'm not saying same-sex couples don't love each other. I gave some examples of what I think shouldn't be considered to be marriage, like an older guy with a younger woman. Then [Waldman] said, "Are you saying that those are the same thing?" I said, "Oh sure." It made it sound like I was equating homosexuality with pedophilia and incest. I don't believe it, never have, and never would. I don't believe that, but because I made a commitment to not say anything about it, people just ran with it. They were looking for a new poster boy. There's a lot of hatred out there.

No More Christians

The Mosaic Church has hit the Crestview, Florida area with signs and commercials with the slogan No More Christians. A web with the same name promote a series of discussions planned at the church.

Christian But Not Conservative

CNN has a discussion of the growing number of Christians who are not politically conservative.

Obama Hosts Seder

Barack Obama will host a Seder tonight.It's believed to be the first time the traditional Passover meal has been celebrated at the White House.

Pop Winans Dies

The head of the Gospel singing Winans family has died in Nashville. Pop Winans was 74 years old, having suffered a heart attack and stroke in October. His children have won six Grammys and his last recording called Uncensored was nominated for a Grammy for best traditional gospel album in 2000.

Blessing of the Sun

NPR offers a look the Jewish "Blessing of the Sun".

Supreme Court Religious Affiliations

Roman Catholic: Chief Justice John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito

Jewish: Stephen Breyer, Ruth Badger Ginsburg

Protestant: John Paul Stevens

Episcopal: David Souter

Pastor Dies in Church

Pastor Rodney Bowling of Grace Point Baptist Church in the north Alabama town of Somerville was found dead inside his church yesterday. The 46-year-old apparently died of a heart attack. Bowling leaves behind three children.

Mags Dropped

The Navigators has decided to stop publication of its two magazines, Discipleship Journal and Pray! will be dropped in favor of developing a greater web presence.

Last year, Ignite Your Faith and CCM Magazine ceased publication. At the same time, Rick Warren has launched a magazine called the Purpose Driven Connection.

Is it Episcopal or Episcopalian?

You may have heard reporters refer to Episcopalian bishops and the Episcopalian Church. But here's how it should work. Episcopal is an adjective (She is an Episcopal priest). Episcopalian is a noun referring to a member of the Episcopal Church (She is an Episcopalian). An Episcopalian can be a minister, in the sense of ministering to others, and this can be either a lay or an ordained ministry. Priests are usually referred to as the Reverend So-and-So, not Reverend So-and-So. (And they're generally addressed as Father So-and-So, not Reverend that's like addressing a judge as Honorable.) Bishops are usually the Right Reverend So-and-So, and addressed as Bishop So-and-So. Bishops can be identified because they wear purple. Bishops are important in the Episcopal Church.

Disgraced Pastor Wants to Lead Again

Henry Lyons wants to lead the National Baptist Convention, USA again – despite the fact he was given more than five years in state prison for racketeering and grand theft. Lyon’s says he’s no longer the man he was a decade ago. The election for president of the denomination takes place in September. Current president William Shaw can’t run again. The only other declared candidate is Julius Scruggs who serves as pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Rick Warren Switch on Gay Marriage?

Some gay rights websites are suggesting that Rick Warren has switched his position on gay marriage after Warren appeared on CNN’s Larry King Live this week. The megachurch pastor told viewers, "I am not an anti-gay marriage activist. Never have been, never will be.."

10 Years Behind Bars for Praying

An Italian court hsa sentenced a pilot to 10 years in prison for praying instead of taking emergency steps to avoid a crash off the coast of Sicily that killed 16 people four years ago. 23 people survived. Chafik Gharby was flying the Tunisian bound airline when it developed problems. Investigators say it had a wrong part installed and Chafik could have glided the plane for a landing. Prosecutors claim he panicked and crashed the plane, praying when he should have been taking emergency measures. His voice on a recording can be heard asking from help from "Allah and Muhammad his prophet".

Focus Employee Indicted

A man who works in the Spanish broadcasting department of Focus on the Family is facing charges that he used the internet to arrange sex with a teenage girl. Juan Alberto Ovalle also narrates the Bible in Spanish on CDs for Trans World Radio. Police arrested him after he drove to meet the girl. She turned out to be an undercover officer.

Disgraced Leader Wants Comeback

Henry Lyons wants to lead the National Baptist Convention, USA again – despite the fact he was given more than five years in state prison for racketeering and grand theft. Lyon’s says he’s no longer the man he was a decade ago. The election for president of the denomination takes place in September. Current president William Shaw can’t run again. The only other declared candidate is Julius Scruggs who serves as pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church, in Huntsville, Alabama.

No war with Islam

"Let me say this as clearly as I can. The United States is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical."

A remark made by President Obama today in Turkey during his first visit to a Muslim-majority nation.

Mosques Point in Wrong Direction

About 200 mosques older in Islam's holiest city of Mecca point pilgrims in the wrong direct for prayers, according to the BBC. Mosques are supposed to indicate the direction of the most sacred Islamic site of an ancient cube-like building in Mecca's Grand Mosque called the Kaaba. The misleading Mosques in Mecca were spotted by people in high-rises.

One Year Ago.. Texas Polygamist Compound

More than 180 women and children were taken from The Yearn for Zion Ranch near Eldorado, Texas by Texas Child Protective Services one year ago. Jailed polygamous religious leader Warren Jeffs leads the breakaway Mormon sect. Reports from local media suggested the group had first refused to allow authorities on the compound. Police began a roadblock around the secluded retreat.

The End of Christian America

Newsweek offers this article on the fall of the number of self-identifying Christians in the US.