Evangelical Political Divide

The Associated Press takes a look at the divide among Evangelicals when it comes to Iowa politics here.

Arthur F. Holmes

Christian philosopher Arthur Holmes has died at the age of 87. Holmes made a impact on many Wheaton College students, coming from England to study at the school in the early 50s and he began teaching at the school in 1951. He chaired the Philosophy Department for 37 years and wrote numerous books on philosophy from a Christian perspective.

Pastor Steals $650,000

The pastor of a Roman Catholic church in Las Vegas took $650,000 from his parish over nearly a decade. Kevin McAuliffe stole from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton mission fund, the gift shop fund and even from a pot of money intended for candles. McAuliffe pleaded guilty last week and could be sent to prison for 60 years. He built it into one of Nevada’s largest Roman Catholic parishes, but used the funds for a gambling addict.

Romey wants Perry to Reject Texas Pastor

Mitt Romney is calling on Rick Perry to "repudiate" remarks by Texas pastor who said Mormonism is a cult. Romney says it is "poisonous language." Perry has said doesn't consider it a cult, but also won't disavow pastor Robert Jeffress. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie endorced Romney and also condemned Jeffress' remarks.

Taking The Reins Of Billy Graham's Legacy

NPR looks at whether Billy Graham's daughter can take the reigns of his ministry here.

Is Mormonism a Cult?

CNN offered a segment on the subject.

Mormon Flap

The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas has stirred controversy by saying Republicans shouldn't vote for Mitt Romney because he's a Mormon and he said Romney is a member of a cult. Robert Jeffress introduced rival Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit in Washington tonight and then told reporters, "I think Mitt Romney's a good, moral man, but those of us who are born again followers of Christ should prefer a competent Christian."

Amish on Amish Violence

Read the story of attacks on Amish by a cast-off group in Ohio here.

Teacher Loses in Court

An Ohio public school teacher has lost his case against the Mount Vernon school board. John Freshwater sued for wrongful termination, after he was let go for talking about his beliefs in class and keeping a Bible on his desk. He was also accused of burning a cross into the arm of a students, but that allegation was resolved outside the courtroom. Freshwater may file an appeal.

Steve Jobs

CNN offers a story about the spiritual side of Steve Jobs here.

Schuller Lawsuit

Creditors of the Crystal Cathedral are taking the megachurch's founder and family to court, accusing Robert H. Schuller of taking $10 million from the ministry's endowment fund to cover the salaries of his family, going back to 2002. Schuller says it's not true. He recently tried to raise money to prevent the selling of the land on which the Crystal Cathedral stands - but the Schullers failed to raise even half of what is needed. The highest bid comes from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange for $53.6 million. Other potential buyers include Chapman University and Hobby Lobby.

ADA and Churches

The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could decide whether churches can avoid lawsuits that other employers cannot. A teacher at a Lutheran school in Redford, Michigan was fired and she claimed discrimination under ADA laws. The school is claiming it's exempt from facing the lawsuit because it falls in area that bans lawsuits against clergy performing their religious duties. Teacher Cheryl Perich and her lawyers say her claims against Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church are not a religious matter. She was let go after she was diagnosed with narcolepsy and she says that's a clear violation of ADA law. A district court ruled in favor of the school. An appeals court overturned that ruling.

The Political Pulpit

The New York Times takes a long at Pulpit Freedom Sunday here.

Faith Healing Convictions

Two more members of a faith healing church in Oregon will spend time behind bars. A jury found Dale and Shannon Hickman guilty of of manslaughter in the death of their infant son David. Five other members of Christ Church have been convicted as well for other similar crime. The Hickman's prayed and rubbed oil on their son when he had trouble breathing just nine hours after has birth. An autopsy showed he had a bacterial infection and underdeveloped lungs - and hospital treatment would have ensured his survival. The Hickman's claimed the charges was nothing more than religious persecution. The couple will be sentenced at the end of October.

Why young Christians aren't waiting anymore

CNN has an article about abstinence among Christian teenagers and young adults. Read the story here.

Nearing Home

Billy Graham's 30th book will be out soon. Nearing Home will hit store shelves shortly before his 93rd birthday in November. The idea for the book came a few years ago when he realized, "I had been taught all of my life how to die, but no one had ever taught me how to grow old." In the book, Graham finds examples of seniors who embrace their age and he offers verses of encouragement to do the same.

Obama Heckler

A heckler interrupted President Obama's fundraiser in Los Angeles last night shouting, "Christian God is the one and only true living God" and then "Jesus Christ is God!" He was soon outshouted by other people chanting "four more years!" There are reports that when the man was being taken away he added, "Barack Obama is the antichrist!" Afterward, Obama said "first of all, I agree Jesus Christ is the Lord. I believe in that." Here is a video showing Obama's reaction.

Gospel Singer Dies

Gospel music singer Jessy Dixon has died at the age of 73. He passed yesterday at his home in Chicago. Dixon recorded five gold albums. During the 1970s he was the opening act of Paul Simon and recently he played a roll on Bill Gaither's popular "Homecoming" series.

Belieber! in print

A new book about Justin Bieber explores his Christian beliefs. Belieber! Fame, Faith, and the Heart of Justin Bieber written by Cathleen Falsani describes his journey from singing Christian songs on YouTube to international stardom. His mother, Patricia Mallette, attends Jubilee Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational church in Stratford, Ontario. The book compiles information from articles, social media and interviews with the seventeen-year-old Canadian who had never concealed his faith.

Religious Rights Battle at Vanderbilt University

Below is a video from Fox News about a battle on the campus of Vanderbilt University over the religious freedom of a student group.