Baptist Pastor Sues Texas Baptists

Otto Arango is suing the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The pastor who’s been involved with starting churches in the Rio Grande Valley claims he was defamed by the group when it investigated allegations of misspent money. Some 250 new churches in south Texas were given received more than $1 million in funds but many of those churches never existed except on paper. Some of the money went into Arango’s personal bank account, according to the investigation launched by the General Convention. But he’s never faced any formal charges and calls the allegations nothing more than rumors. The Baptist organization says the lawsuit has no merit.

Obama & McCain at Megachurch

John McCain and Barack Obama will make an appearance together tomorrow at Rick Warren’s southern California church. The candidates will appear separately, only passing each other on stage and coming together for a handshake. Warren will ask each one questions for an hour. The Southern Baptist pastor is best known for writing The Purpose Driven Life. Read more about Rick Warren. Here's what Warren had to say to ABC News.

Judge Orders Prayer in Courtroom

The ACLU has filed a complaint against an Alabama judge for dropping to his knees during a hearing and ordering everyone (about 100 people) to hold hands and pray. The case involved members of the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Monroeville. They were suing to get financial records from a former church secretary.

Covington County Circuit Judge Ashley McKathan of Andalusia first gained notoriety a few years ago when he donned robes embroidered with the Ten Commandments.

Christian Network to Buy Virginia TV Station

Living Faith Ministries plans to buy Roanoke TV station WDRL. It reaches into the Danville and Lynchburg markets as well. Abingdon-based Living Faith already owns three TV stations: WLFG in Grundy, WLFB in Bluefield, West Virginia and WAGV in Harlan, Kentucky. Liberty University tried to buy the station last year for $6 million but changed its mind when it found lots of FCC violations at WDRL that it would have to fix. Living Faith is paying $5.3 million.

Osteen Verdict

Here's a report from KTRK-TV in Houston on the verdict in the case involving megachurch pastor Joel Osteen and his wife.

Verdict in Osteen Case

A Houston jury has determined that the wife of megachurch pastor Joel Osteen did not physically assault a flight attendant on a Continental flight in 2005. Sharon Brown wanted at least $405,000 in damages for their altercation. Even a witness called by her attorney testified that no assault occurred.

Flight Attendant has Done this Before

Final arguments will be heard this morning in the trial of Victoria Osteen, wife of megachurch pastor Joel Osteen. A flight attendant (Sharon Brown) has accused her of assaulting her on a plane before takeoff. But not only have three passengers testified there was no altercation, a Continental gate agent told jurors yesterday that a decade ago Sharon Brown accused her of pushing and hitting her. A judge dismissed that complaint. Brown's attorney tried to stop the jury from hearing about that but the judge allowed it.

Presidential Polling

Since June, Obama’s lead has dropped by a large number of points among these groups:

• Non-evangelical born again Christians - 9
• Active Christians - 20
• Protestants - 13
• Catholics - 11

But Evangelical support for McCain has among evangelical voters has also dropped during this time period – from 78% to 61%.

Source: The Barna Group

Dobson's Focus on the Family Pulls Video

Focus on the Family has yanked a video posted on its site after getting some bad publicity. The video shows Stuart Shepard, director of digital media for Focus Action, the political arm of the conservative Christian group. In the video, Shepard is asking Christians to pray for disruptive rain during Barak Obama’s acceptance speech in Denver. The clip is intended to be humorous and make a point but some supporters complained. Make up your own mind:

The Gospel of Management

Villanova University's School of Business is now offering a master's degree in church management. The courses in the program will have a Catholic focus and be offered primarily online. Only a one-week residency on campus is required and the cost is $23,400.

Abortion & Mental Health Issues

There is no link between elective abortion and mental-health problems for adult women, according to a report presented to the American Psychological Association yesterday. The information came from a two-year review of published research. Some courts have issued opinions based on the belief that there is a significant connection. But he APA has endorsed these findings.

There are more than a million abortions each year in the US and nearly half are to women who have already had an abortion previously. This group, as well as teenagers who account for nearly a fifth of all US abortions, were left out the report.

Richard Roberts to Get Severance Package

He left Oral Roberts University in the midst of accusation that he spent school funds on personal luxury items. Now one-time president Richard Roberts is getting a severance package. The school is refusing to say just what he’s getting to go away.

The son of school founder Oral Roberts, the televangelist denied any wrong-doing.

But critics say the deal sends the wrong signals. Among the allegations: Roberts and his wife spent school money on horses for their daughters, home improvements and shopping sprees.

Here are some other posts on the wrongful termination lawsuit against the school and money the school has gotten to keep going. Be sure to vote in our online poll.

Witnesses Testify in Osteen Trial

The wife of megachurch evangelist Joel Osteen didn’t assault or yell at a flight attendant. That’s what three passengers who were onboard the plane in her trial in Houston told jurors. Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown is suing the Osteens, claiming Victoria Osteen attacked her and even threw her against a bathroom door. Brown wants 10% of the couple’s net worth. The Osteens have already paid a $3,000 FAA fine for interfering with a crew member.

Criswell Interim President Named

Lamar Cooper will be the interim president of Criswell College. The Dallas Bible school lost its president when Jerry Johnson decide to quit battling the pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Robert Jeffress. First Baptist founded the school but Johnson accused Jeffress of trying to sell its assets in order to fund a church sanctuary. Jeffress has denied the charge. Cooper has been a professor of Hebrew and Old Testament studies and served as acting president in 2003.

Support for The Presidential Candidates

Non-evangelical born again Christians:

• Barack Obama 43%
• John McCain 31%

Notional Christians:

• Barack Obama 44%
• John McCain 28%

People aligned with faiths other than Christianity:

• Barack Obama 56%
• John McCain 24%

Atheists and agnostics:

• Barack Obama 55%
• John McCain 17%

Catholics:

• Barack Obama 39%
• John McCain 29%

Protestants:

• Barack Obama 43%
• John McCain 34%

Source: The Barna Group

Candy Canes at the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will consider whether to take up the case of a former Saginaw, Michigan student who was told he couldn’t make an ornament with a Christian message attached to it. The fifth-grade student at Handley Elementary School made the ornament for a class project and included The Meaning of the Candy Cane which has references to Jesus. A judge ruled that the principal violated Curry's First Amendment rights but a appeals panel reversed the that decision. The high court could decide this fall whether to consider the case. Although often repeated by Christians, the Candy Cane story has been discredited as not historical.

Judge Favors Lawsuit by Christian Group

A Virginia school system has to stop charging a Christian group to use its facilities while a lawsuit progresses over the payment. The Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools has been making Child Evangelism Fellowship of Virginia pay $12.50 per hour for the right to hold after-school meetings of The Good News Club. Other groups get to meet on school property for free. A judge now says it’s not constitutional to make a religious group to pay when other don’t and he expects the Christian organization to prevail in court.

Osteen Trial Resumes

A Continental Airlines flight attendant who is suing the wife of megachurch pastor Joel Osteen took the stand yesterday. She'll take the stand again this morning. Houston's KRIV has this report.

Denver Pastor Dies While Climbing Matterhorn

Osteen Trial Update

The airline flight attendant who's taken the wife of megachurch evangelist Joel Osteen to court for allegedly assaulting her on a flight is testifying today. Flight attendant Sharon Brown admitted she called Joel Osteen a devil during her deposition and said his Lakewood Church was “a cult”. The incident started over over a spill on a first-class seat. Read More.

Counting Evangelicals in the Presidential Race

About 4-out-of-10 Americans say they are Evangelicals. And among this group that say they are likely to vote in the presidential election, John McCain’s lead is narrow:

• McCain 39%
• Obama 37%
• Undecided 23%

But instead of asking people whether they are Evangelicals, The Barna Group asks a series of questions to determine whether the respondent fits into the traditional understanding of evangelicals.

Barna’s more restrictive figures show only 8% of Americans really qualify as Evangelicals. Among those people in this group who say they are likely to vote, McCain’s lead blooms:

• McCain 61%
• Obama 17%
• Undecided 14%

Calvinism Among Southern Baptists

A survey released last year shows nearly a third of recent Southern Baptist seminary graduates say they are Calvinists. Among all Southern Baptist pastors, only about one-out-of-ten consider themselves Calvinists. The survey was conducted by the Southern Baptist Convention's Lifeway Research and North American Mission Board Center for Missional Research.

Report on Abortion

A comprehensive report reviewing years of research on how abortion affects women is due out this week. It will be presented at the American Psychological Association's annual conference in Boston. Both sides of the issue hopes the report will support their position. In its ruling upholding a ban on partial-birth abortion, the Supreme Court cited concerns over women’s health as one of the reasons for stopping the late-term procedure.

Bush at Church in China

President Bush gathered for photos with parishioners after attending services at a Protestant church in Beijing. Bush told reporters, "It just goes to show that God is universal. No state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion.” A well-known Christian activist and pastor at an underground church was detained while on his way to join the worship service. His Bible and cell phone were taken away. Here is a video report on Bush's church visit.

White Evangelical Voters

A survey of white evangelical voters shows that 7 out of 10 support John McCain. Here are some other findings:

• 27% of McCain's Evangelical backers say they are NOT enthusiastic about him
• 15% of McCain's Evangelical backers say they ARE very enthusiastic about him

Asked which presidential candidate is most guided by his religious beliefs, White Evangelicals say:

• McCain - 42%
• Obama - 17%

Source: TIME magazine

Girl's Brain Tumor Gone after Prayer

Can prayer make a difference? One east Texas mother sure thinks so. Her 11-year old girl was diagnosed with a brain tumor that covered a quarter of her brain. That’s when her church down to some serious praying. KLTV news explains what happened next.

Read More.

Former Librarian Sues over Harry Potter

Deborah Smith has filed a lawsuit with the help of the ACLU against her former employer the Poplar Bluff Public Library in Missouri. Smith alleges she was punished for not promoting the Harry Potter book series.

Smith is a member of Temple Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff and says the books promotes the occult. She was suspended for not taking part in the library’s Harry Potter event last summer and her duties changed following her return. She later quit the job. The city denies her allegations.

Osteen Takes Stand

The wife of megachurch evangelist Joel Osteen took the stand in her trial over a confrontation with an airline flight attendant who's accusing her of assault her over a spill on a first-class seat. KTRK-TV in Houston has this report.

Obama & the Antichrist

Some Democrats and religious scholars say a new McCain for president internet ad links Barack Obama to the antichrist. The ad is called The One and it’s gotten more than a million hits. But McCain’s people say it’s only a bit of humor making the point that Obama is sometimes self-aggrandizing.

Elvis' Boyhood Church

The church where Elvis Presley learned to sing and play the guitar is opening its doors again. The Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation is restoring the First Assembly of God Church in Tupelo, Mississippi after being closed for more than a half-century. A ceremony tomorrow will mark it’s reopening. The small wooden chapel only seats 48 people and has no steeple or stained-glass windows. Presley lived down the road from the church and attended for some 13 years.

The Purpose of Christmas

Rick Warren has another book coming out soon. The Purpose of Christmas will be out in October. The founder and pastor of the 22,000-member of Saddleback Community Church in southern California is author of The Purpose Driven Life which has sold more than 10 million copies.

James Dobson Bests Howard Stern

James Dobson’s Focus on the Family radio program will be the first religious program inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. In national voting, Dobson beat out shock-jock Howard Stern, talk show host Laura Schlessinger and sportscaster Bob Costas. He’ll go into the Hall on November 8^th along with radio show host Art Bell.

Chapman on Larry King Live

Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman and his family appeared on CNN's Larry King Live last night to talk about his daughter's death. Here's a part of that interview.

Christian Motorcycles Arrested

Six members of the Christian motorcycle club Set Free Soldiers are behind bars for “conspiring to commit murder”. They are accused of stabbing two members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang but deny the charges. The six were taken into custody by police in Newport Beach, California - along with three Hells Angels following a bar brawl last week. Three people were injured in the melee. The Hells Angels are accused of assault and drug possession.

Seminary President Resigns

The president of Criswell College has resigned. Jerry Johnson is leaving after recent brush ups with the First Baptist Church of Dallas, the church that founded the school. Johnson has accused First Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress of trying to gain control the school and sell off its assets in order to raise money for a new church sanctuary. Jeffress denies the allegations.

Segregation on Sundays

Of the 5% or of American churches that are racially integrated, half of them are in the process of becoming all-black or all-white, according to Curtiss Paul DeYoung, co-author of United by Faith.

Church Protests over New Movie

A growing list of churches and Christian ministries are protesting a new movie called Hamlet 2. The film tells the story of a failed actor who becomes a drama teacher and plans to stage a high school sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. One of the musical numbers is called Rock Me Sexy Jesus. The movie is scheduled for wide release two weeks from Friday (August 22). Here’s the movie trailer:

Jury Seated in Osteen Case

A report on Victoria Osteen's court case from KTRK-TV in Houston.

Chapman on GMA (long version)

Here is the long version of Steve Curtis Chapman's appearance on today's edition of Good Morning America. He lost his daughter in a recent tragic accident.

Osteen Trial Gets Underway

A jury is expected to be picked today in Houston in a lawsuit against the wife of megachurch pastor Joel Osteen. Joel Osteen, his wife and 2 children agreed to leave a Continental flight after Victoria Osteen got into an argument with a flight attendant. The pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church, the largest in the nation, was headed to Vail, Colorado for a skiing vacation.

A spill on Victoria Osteen's first class seat was not cleaned to her satisfaction and resulted in an argument with a flight attendant. In a letter, posted on the church’s website shortly after the incident, Victoria Osteen wrote that she regretted what happened, emphasizing that she chose to leave the plane and was not forced to do so. However, wire reports quote the FBI as saying Victoria Osteen, "failed to company with the flight attendant's instructions and they were asked to leave the plane." What's not in dispute is that the incident led to an hour delay for everyone on board. They took a later flight to Colorado.

No charges were filed. But the FAA fined Victoria Osteen $3,000 for interfering with a crew member during the flight.

But that wasn't the end of it. Flight attendant Sharon Brown decided to sue. She alleges Victoria Osteen assaulted her during the flight by throwing her against an airplane bathroom door and elbowing her in the chest. The Osteen’s denied these allegations.

Chapman on Good Morning America

Steve Curtis Chapaman lost his daughter in a recent tragic accident. He and his wife appeared today on Good Morning America. Here's the short version.

See more of the interview.

Ernie Chambers vs God

Video report on lawsuit against God from KMTV, the CBS affiliate for western Iowa.

Abuse Accusations

A Harlem pastor is denying allegations he sexually abused a minor two decades ago. Wallace Harris was one of the organizers of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to New York. The archdiocese says he will not be allowed to serve as a pastor until it completes an investigation. The New York DA’s office says it will not be involved because the statute of limitations for the complaint has run out.

Wright Needs Help with Medical Bills

The family of Timothy Wright is asking for help to cover his medical expenses. The Grammy-nominated gospel singer was critically injured in a car crash that killed his wife and grandson in Pennsylvania. His car was hit by a driver going the wrong way. His family now says his insurance has run out. Wright is being treated at the Kessler Institute in New Jersey and may be in the hospital for months and is weeks away from breathing on his own. He was on his way back from a promotional stop in Detroit. Donations for his medical bills can be sent to his church, Grace Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York.

Chapman to Talk about Daughter's Death

Steven Curtis Chapman will make the rounds on the TV talks shows this week to talk about his 5-year-old daughter’s death. He’s confirmed for Good Morning America tomorrow and Larry King Live Thursday night. Maria Sue was accidentally hit by an SUV driven by her brother. Chapman will tour this fall with Michael W Smith. Maria was one of three girls the Chapmans had adopted from China and the accident has led to a surge in donations to Shaohannah's Hope, a non-profit organization the family started to help adoptions.

$4 Million for Columbus Radio Station

A Christian Talk radio station in Columbus, Ohio is being sold for $4 million. Christian Voice of Central Ohio is buying WRFD 880-AM from Salem Communications. Christian Voice already owns 8 stations in Ohio, Indiana and Alabama.

Smith & Chapman Tour

Christian singers Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman plan to tour together this fall, stopping in more than 20 cities. The United Tour starts October 9^th in Columbus, Ohio and ends November 8^th in St. Augustine, Florida. The two have recently worked together on bhalf of the charity Compassionart. Smith has a new worship album due out in late October called A New Halllelujah.

New York Christian Station Switches Formats

New York City Christian radio station 970AM is switching formats. Going by the name Radio Frank, the station is playing nothing but Frank Sinatra songs before it moves to an all talk format later in the week. The new lineup of shows has not officially been announced by Salem Communications, the big company that owns the station, but it’s expected to include programs already on network – including Bill Bennett, Michael Medved and Mike Gallagher. The station's call letters WTTT will be dropped in favor of WNYM. The station was at one-time known as WWDJ.

Solzhenitsyn Dies

Writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn has died at the age 89. His writings were rooted in an Orthodox Christian faith. His books helped to bring down the Soviet Union. He lived in exile in the US for a number of years before finally returning to his Russian homeland after the Soviet System collapsed. In 1978, Solzhenitsyn delivered the commencement address at Harvard, offering harsh comments about laziness, materialism and godlessness in the West.

Criswell College vs 1st Baptist Dallas

Criswell College says the First Baptist Church of Dallas is trying to sell off part of the school to fund a new church building. First Baptist founded the college along with radio station KCBI. The Dallas Morning News reports Criswell President Jerry Johnson as saying First Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress is “trying to cannibalize Criswell College to fund his building program at the church, which will cost $170 to $240 million." Johnson claims there are plan to let Criswell be taken over by Fort Worth’s Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeffress denies there are any plans to sell the radio station or the college campus.

Most Conservative (major) Cities

1. Provo, Utah
2. Lubbock, Texas
3. Abilene, Texas
4. Hialeah, Florida
5. Plano, Texas
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
7. Gibert, Arizona
8. Bakersfield, California
9. Lafayette, Louisiana
10. Orange, California
(based on the 2004 election results)

source: Bay Area Center for Voting Research

Most Liberal (major) Cities

1. Detroit, Michigan
2. Gary, Indiana
3. Berkeley, California
4. District of Columbia
5. Oakland, California
6. Inglewood, California
7. Newark, New Jersey
8. Cambridge, Massachusetts
9. San Francisco, California
10. Flint, Michigan
(based on the 2004 election results)

source: Bay Area Center for Voting Research

Controversial Professor Leaves Seminary

A theology professor is leaving Westminster Theological Seminary. Peter Enns was suspended from the Calvinist school this past March for the book he wrote about the Bible called Inspiration and Incarnation. The seminary, located in the Philadelphia suburb of Glenside, issued a statement saying a a deal had been reached with Ennes but no details were released. Emms has defended his views on his personal blog.

Salem buys Intercristo

Salem Communications is buying an online Christian employment website from CRISTA Ministries. Intercristo.com will join Salem’s Web Network which already includes ChristianJobs.com and ChurchStaffing.com. Although Salem owns 95 radio stations, its online presence includes:

• OnePlace.com
• Christianity.com
• Crosswalk.com
• TownHall.com
• SermonSearch.com
• CrossCards.com
• CrossDaily.com
• TheFish.com

McCain's VP Selection

Some Evangelical leaders are warning John McCain not to pick Mitt Romney as his running mate, according to the Washington Times. Novelist Tim LaHaye, Phyllis Schlafly and Rob McCoy, pastor of Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, California says the move would alienate “the entire evangelical community”. One leader says McCain would lose between 7 and 10% of the evangelical vote. That would be enough to make McCain the loser in a tight race. Another points out that Romney’s selection would bring to the ticket as much enthusiasm from supporters as Mike Huckabee would bring, but “Romney's would be from fiscal conservatives and Huckabee's would be evangelicals.”

Megachurch pastor is Out

The pastor of a Nashville megachurch is stepping down. Jerry Sutton has been criticized in the last year at Two Rivers Baptist Church for his use of church funds. Some members sued to get access to the church’s financial record, after accusing him of failing to abide by church rules and punishing those who question his authority. Sutton and others denied the allegations. Two Rivers has admitted that it paid more than $4000 to hold a wedding reception for Sutton's daughter, a year after losing a bid to become president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Last year, church officials said there was no truth to the accusations that Sutton used church computers for pornography or carried on an affair at the church. The charges come from one of Sutton's former administrative assistants. The congregation's HR director says a church investigation gave no support to the claims. Sutton ends his more than 20 years at Two Rivers with a whopping $314,000 retirement package.

Between Jobs

More than a decade ago a pastor at Northwest Bible Church in Spring, Texas started Between Jobs Ministry. The group offers job-search assistance meetings weekly led by retired career experts and professionals. Besides offering emotional and spiritual support, volunteers give talks on job-search topics, help with networking, critique résumés, and even organize mock interviews.

Church Shooting Motive: Liberal Views

The man accused of killing two people at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville yesterday had a four-page letter in his vehicle that expressed anger toward "the liberal movement" and gay people. was motivated by anger over the church’s liberal social policies and did not have any personal connection to the congregation. Five people are still in serious or critical condition. Jim D. Adkisson is being held on charges of first degree murder. Witnesses say he shouted "something hateful" before opening fire.

Baptism Drowning

A Southern California man in his early 20's is believed to have drowned during a baptism in the San Joaquin Delta northeast of the San Francisco Bay. A Drowning Accident Rescue Team joined the weekend underwater search for the unnamed Hispanic man but officials called off it off last night.

Two Killed, 7 Injured in Church Shooting

Knoxville Police have a suspect in custody who they suspect of shooting and killing two people and seriously injuring seven others at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church this morning. He began shooting while several hundred people were watching a children's production of the musical Annie. Parishioners eventually tackled the gunman. No children were among the injured. One of the dead men shielded others from the gunfire. The seven were taken to a nearby hospital and a dozen others were treated for minor injuries. Local reports say the suspect did not put up a fight and was not a church member.

Gay Lutheran Pastor

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston has ordained an openly gay pastor. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America ordains gay pastors only if they agree to remain celibate. But Lura Groen isn’t planning to do so.

Questions over Copeland's Financies

Many of Kenneth Copeland’s friends and relatives have gotten rich, according to the Associated Press. In response, ministry officials say no one has improperly benefited from ties to Copeland. But AP says tax experts who have looked over some of the documentation on the ministry’s finances call the ministry's integrity into question because of the many “red flags” raised by the various relationships between it's investments and Copeland associates.

Gunman Killed at Christian Radio Station

Police in Pennsylvania shot and killed a man yesterday at Christian radio station WTLR in College Station. Ferguson Township Police arrived at the station after getting a tip about a possible gunman headed there. Sure enough, Brian Neiman of Pottersdale arrived and exchanged gunfire with officers in the parking lot. Station personel say they aren’t sure why they were targeted but there are reports he wanted to broadcast something about his life. Neiman’s ex-wife told local media he was mentally ill. WTLR is owned by Central Pennsylvania Christian Institute.

Evangelist's Son Killed

The son of evangelist Greg Laurie died in a car crash yesterday. Christopher Laurie ran into a truck in Southern California. The 33-years-old served as the art director at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside where his father is senior pastor. The church has more than 15,000 members.

Baylor President Fired

John Lilley is out as president of Baylor University. The Texas school’s regents fired him yesterday. Lilley served in the post for about two-and-a-half years and often battled the faculty of the world's largest Baptist university.

Men in Church

Percentage of denomination that is male:

Evangelical Protestant: 47%
Mainline Protestant: 46%
Orthodox: 46%
Roman Catholic: 46%
Mormon: 44%
Historically Black Protestant: 40%
Jehovah's Witness: 40%

Members who say they attend services at least once a week:

Evangelical Protestant
Male: 46%
Female: 54%

Mainline Protestant
Male: 31%
Female: 38%

Historically Black Protestant
Male: 49%
Female: 65%

Roman Catholic
Male: 36%
Female: 45%

Mormon
Male: 75%
Female: 76%

Jehovah's Witness
Male: Not available
Female: Not available

Orthodox
Male: 30%
Female: 38%

Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Christian PAC for Obama

A political action committee has been formed to promote Barack Obama to Christians. The Matthew 25 Network intends to spend half-a-million dollars on Christian radio and publications aimed at the evangelical community. The spots will run in swing states and focus on Obama’s faith. The PAC was named for the Bible verse that reads, "I tell you the truth, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me".

The Oldest Surviving New Testament

Bible scholars are excited that they’ll soon be able to take a look at the oldest surviving copy of the New Testament – on line. In the next year, the British Library plans to make the 4th century version of the Gospels and epistles available. It’s called Codex Sinaiticus and it was discovered in the mid-19th century by a German Bible scholar. Parts of it are in Britain, Russia, Germany and Egypt. It will be pieced together through the internet. The Book of Psalms and the Gospel of Mark have already been uploaded.

Lieberman to Speak to Hagee Group

Senator Joe Lieberman will appear tonight at the Christians United for Israel summit in Washington. The annual conference is hosted by Texas pastor John Hagee. Republican presidential nominee John McCain rejected Hagee’s endorsement after videos can to light showing the megachurch pastor making controversial remarks about Adolf Hitler and the Catholic church. Liberal advocacy groups have urged to get Lieberman to cancel his speech.

Lawsuit over VBS Flyers

Patricia Regan has filed a lawsuit against Hudson, New Hampshire School District. School officials had refused to allow her to give out flyers about vacation Bible school for the Calvary Baptist Church at the Nottingham Elementary School. Regan points out that other nonprofit groups have been allowed to give out information to students.

Third Day's New Album

Third Day's 10th studio album drops a week from today. The Christian band has collected three Grammy Awards, 23 Dove Awards, one platinum album, a platinum DVD and six gold albums. The new project is titled Revelation and features Daughtry contributing vocals. It’s the band's first studio album since 2005's Wherever You Are. The Georgia-based rockers lost longtime guitarist Brad Avery earlier this year. Third Day has opted not to replace him. Third Day hits the road for a 23 city tour to support the album.

Pastor Injured during Sermon

An Indiana pastor injured himself during a sermon – with a dirt bike. Jeff Harlow, who pastors Crossroads Community Church in Kokomo, brought the bike for a illustration of unity. Only he wound up breaking his wrist when he lost control of it. He drove the motorcycle off the platform and into the empty front row pew.

Pull Your Pants Up

A Gospel Rapper by the name of Dooney Da Priest (Duwayne Brown) has gotten some airplay around the country with his single Pull Your Pants Up. Dooney’s album drops this week. He made an appearance on the Dr. Phil Show after his tune about the fashion trend was selected as the theme song for an ordinance that would ban sagging pants in his hometown of Dallas. The proposal failed to pass in Dallas but several Louisiana cities have passed similar ordinances and Jackson, Mississippi is considering one. Here's a local report on the song and Dallas ordnance.

Boaters vs Baptizers

The City Commission of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee has voted to require churches to call city hall and get permission from the town before performing baptisms near public boat ramps. The decision came after reports that a boater decided to launch his vessel while baptisms were being held for several dozen people. Someone decided to call the police and complain about the impatient boat owner. So, the issue wound up before leaders of the Chattanooga-area community. Even though one commissioner wanted to put up a sign, they unanimously voted to have churches call officials so it can be determined whether too many baptists were planned, possibly tying up the public docks.

Changing Churches

A new survey shows nearly 7 out of 10 Americans have attended more than one place of worship as an adult. The Ellison Research study shows only 3 out of 10 say their current place of worship is the only one they have regularly attended since age 18. Here are some other findings about American Protestants:

• 43% have moved to a larger congregation
• 45% switched to a smaller one
• 11% are attending a place that is about the same size of the place they left

• 31% say their current church has a more contemporary worship style
• 42% say their new church is more traditional in worship
• 51% have switched to a place similar in worship style

• 28% moved to a place that is more theologically conservative
• 12% changed to one that is more liberal

• 52% moved to a place that is theologically different from their old church

Catholics:

• 25% moved to a place that is theologically different from their old church

Obama & McCain to Meet at Church

Barack Obama and John McCain will appear together before their party conventions – thanks to Rick Warren. He’s talked them into attending a forum at his Saddleback Church in southern California. The presidential candidates will appear onstage together and then Warren will interviews them separately. The megachurch pastor tells the New York Times, “I’ve known both the guys for a long time, they’re both friends of mine, and I knew them before they ran for office, so I just called them up.” Warren plans to get come up with questions based on input from various religious groups.

Dobson May Switch Positions

A shift may be underway in conservative Christian politics. Focus on the Family’s James Dobson is leaning toward an endorsement of Republican presidential hopeful John McCain - something he previous has said he could not do in good conscience. In a radio broadcast to be aired Monday, Dobson says, “While I am not endorsing Senator John McCain, the possibility is there that I might." Dobson has criticized McCain for his votes on gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research. He also talks on the program with Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Albert Mohler about Barack Obama. Dobson says Obama, “contradicts and threatens everything I believe about the institution of the family and what is best for the nation.” Dobson came under fire recently for an attack on Obama, accusing him of distorting the Bible and calling Obama’s take on the Constitution a "fruitcake interpretation".

Lambeth Conference Begins

The Lambeth Conference has started in England. The once-a-decade summit draws together Anglican bishops from around the world. Church leaders are hoping to avoid a split over the issue of gay clergy. A large number of theological conservative Bishops (most of them from Africa) are boycotting the conference over the issue. At the center of the controversy is Gene Robinson of New Hampshire – the denomination’s first openly gay bishop. Robinson was barred from attending Lambeth. The Anglican Communion has 77-million-members worldwide. The Episcopal Church is the Anglican body in the US.

Christian Singer Joins Classic Rock Band

The band Boston has two new members handling duties as vocalists for the multiplatinum classic-rock band (hits include the 70’s songs More Than a Feeling and Hitch a Ride). One of them is Michael Sweet – best known for his work with Christian-metal band Stryper. He and obscure singer Tommy DeCarlo are filling the shoes of Boston's original singer, Brad Delp. He committed suicide last year. The group played Friday night at the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, Iowa and thousands came out to hear them - one of the largest crowds in the fair's history.

Ordination of Women Priests

Three women will be ordained today as Catholic priests in Boston. In anticipation of the ceremony, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston has sent a notice to local priests reaffirming that women cannot become priests. If the trio is ordained, they will be excommunicated, warns the Archdiocese. A women consecrated as a bishop in Germany is supposed to perform the ceremony.

Calendar Leads to Excommunication

Chad Hardy has gotten kicked out of the Mormon church for his calendar of shirtless Mormon missionaries. His Men on a Mission has sold some 10,000 copies for $14.99 apiece. None of the models were punished by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bible Classes in Texas Approved

The Texas State Board of Education has given final approval to elective Bible classes in public high schools. Members of the board decided not to make specific teaching guidelines. Last year, state lawmakers passed a law allowing for the courses to be taught – provided they are focused on the Bible as history and literature rather than particular theological views.

Atheist Lawsuit Tossed

A lawsuit filed by a group of atheists and agnostics against the state of North Dakota has been thrown out of court. A federal judge has decided Freedom From Religion Foundation has no right to sue over a state program that sends juveniles to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, a church-affiliated ministry affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The decision may be appealed.

Gay Weddings in Methodist Churches

United Methodist Church ministers in California have begun conducting weddings for gay and lesbian couples. The Los Angeles Times reports that “Ministers in Santa Monica, Claremont, Walnut Creek and other cities have already performed ceremonies”. The state Supreme Court recently overturned a ban on same-sex marriage. But conducting same-sex weddings violates Methodist church law and bishops are warning there could be disciplinary action taken against ministers who ignore the policy.

Bible Saves Girl in Shooting

Charlotte Thompson was riding with her two great-granddaughters in Indianapolis when gunfire sent stray bullets into her car. The woman was uninjured but one of the girls was shot in the stomach. The 10-year-old survived because Thompson’s Bible and Sunday School book slowed the bullet. It came to a stopping in a watermelon they were carrying in the car.

$3 Million for Union

Union University's disaster relief is getting a $3 million donation from the Southern Baptist Convention. The money will mostly go to rebuild the Tennessee school’s dorms. More than 6000 donors have contributed about $13 million to the fund. Tornadoes that swept through the state in February of last year, trapping students in residence halls. More than 60 students had to be treated for injuries and 17 buildings were damaged.

Evangelical Voters not Excited

Just one in ten white Evangelicals say they are excited by this year’s presidential election. Half say they are frustrated by it. Here’s how their support breaks out:

John McCain – 62%
Barack Obama – 18%

Source: AP-Yahoo News Poll

Church Basement Ladies

A musical comedy called Church Basement Ladies will premiere in Chicago this September. William Christopher, who you’ll remember as Father Mulcahy on the TV show M*A*S*H, will headline. The show was a smash hit in Minneapolis, where it sold out for 130 straight weeks. It’s based on a book called Growing Up Lutheran and tells the story of four women who tirelessly prepare the food and solve problems for the congregation of a rural church.

Visiting Focus on the Family

What you’ll find if you visit Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs you'll find a three-story slide to ride along with these attractions:
• 7,000-squarefoot bookstore
• Soda shop
• A modest movie theater
• Loads of kids’ activities
• Watch Dobson tape one of his radio show

Fired Professor Sues Ohio College

A Bible professor fired from Cedarville University is suing the Baptist school. David Hoffeditz was let go, along with another professor, after what media reports say was a “debate over theology”. But the Ohio school disputes that claim and says it has not moved away from its conservative heritage.

Uncut Solzhenitsyn

An unedited version of Aleksander Solzhenitsyn's The First Circle is coming out in English, four decades after it was first published and immediately banned by Soviet officials. The prison camp story will be published by Harper Perennial, a paperback imprint of HarperCollins. Solzhenitsyn now lives in Moscow. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1970. A shortened version appeared for English audiences in 1968 over objections by the author.

Top Book Awards

It’s a first for the Christian publishing industry. The book of the year is an audio Bible. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association says The Word of Promise, published by Thomas Nelson, earned the top honor. The audio book features New Testament as read by performers like Jim Caviezel. He speak the words of Jesus, the role he played in Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. Other Hollywood stars involved in the project include Lou Gossett Jr. as apostle John, Lou Diamond Phillips as Mark and Luke Perry as Judas.

Here are some of the other winners:

Bible: Discover God Study Bible

Bible Reference & Study: An Old Testament Theology - Bruce K. Waltke

Children & Youth: Teen Virtue: Confidential - Vicki Courtney

Christian Life: When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box - John Ortberg,

Fiction: In Search of Eden - Linda Nichols

Inspiration & Gift: Step into the Bible - Ruth Graham

Act One

Act One is a group of Christians working in Hollywood. Since 1999, they have tried to put Christian writers inside the film industry. Act One does not work to produce explicitly religious films but trains scriptwriters to promote Christian values and not compromise artistic integrity.

Copeland Challenges Inquiry

In a new statement released today, Kenneth Copeland is disputing a claim by Senator Charles Grassley that Copeland’s ministry is not cooperating with a congressional investigation. Copeland says it’s not true. Among other things, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee wants the numbers on housing allowances, loans to members of Copeland’s family and ministry credit card statements. The televangelist says Grassley should go to the IRS for information about his financial operations and that his inquiry “raises serious constitutional issues”.

What Obama Believes

The latest issue of Newsweek hits newsstands today with a cover story on Barak Obama. The article is called What He Believes and in it Obama says that in his prayers he asks God for forgiveness for his sins and flaws, the protection of his family and "that I'm carrying out God's will, and not in a grandiose way, simply that there is an alignment between my actions and what he would want."

Sir John Templeton Dies

Sir John Templeton has died at the age of 95 from pneumonia in the Bahamas. Templeton was a philanthropist best know for his foundation’s award called the Templeton Prize. It was awarded each year for “progress in religion”. Mother Teresa was the first recipient in 1973. She was given $85,000 for her charities. The winner now gets more than a million dollars. Templeton got the "Sir" in front of his name when he was knighted by the Queen of England for his efforts to encourage spiritual thinking.

Born in Tennessee, Templeton made a fortune in global stocks and developing mutual funds. His charities give away more than $70 million each year. Despite serving as a elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA, Templeton argued that the Bible revealed little about God, so he encouraged spiritual exploration through his charitable giving.

Gay Bishop Told to Stay Away

Gene Robinson has been told by Anglican authorities he is not welcome at a church meeting in London because of the controversy over his appointment as the first openly gay bishop in the church. Robinson serves in New Hampshire with the Episcopal church, the Anglican church presence in the US. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is hoping to avoid the issue and prevent a split in the church. He asked Robinson not to give a sermon in London today but Robinson defied the Archbishop. His talk was interrupted by a protester who calling Robinson a heretic and urged him to repent. Look for more fireworks during the Lambeth Conference which begins Wednesday and runs through August 3^rd.

What Americans Believe

Do you agreed that many religions can lead to eternal life? Those responding “yes”:

• Catholics – 79%
• All Americans – 70%
• Evangelical Christians – 57%

Is evolution the best explanation for the origins of human life?

• All Americans - Yes 48%
• Evangelicals – No 70%

The questions below show the results from everyone in the survey.

Would you considered yourself:

• Conservative – 37%
• Liberal – 20%
• Moderate - 36%
  

Do you believe in an afterlife?

• Yes – 74%

Do you believe in Heaven?

• Yes – 74%

Do you believe in Hell?

• Yes - 59%
  

Do you favor keeping abortion legal in all or most cases?

• Yes – 51%
• No – 43%

Of those who are unaffiliated with a church, 70% said the believe in God. More than half of those who called themselves agnostic said they believe in God.

Source: Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

Was the Resurrection Just a Sequel?

A three foot tall tablet called Gabriel's Revelation is raising new questions about Jesus resurrection.

The artifact discovered nearly a decade ago near the Dead Sea is owned by a Swiss-Israeli antiques collector. The ink-on-stone wording on the tablet has been dated to a period just before Jesus' birth. While some Christians suggest it confirms Jesus’ resurrection, critics claim the 87 partial lines of archaic Hebrew explains whey early believers claimed their Messiah rose from the grave in three days.

Israel Knohl who teaches at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, says the artifact tells about the raising of a messiah after three days in the grave. But Knohl claims the reference is to a man killed by the Romans a couple of years before Jesus’ birth. Knohl suggests Christians later borrowed from the resurrection model.

Ada Yardeni, a specialist in ancient languages, rejects Knohl's conclusions but agrees the faded word in the tablet could mean "lives." Haifa University professor Devorah Diamant says the references on the tablet could be connected to other figures from the Bible and not necessarily the messiah.

Another professor at Hebrew University, Moshe Bar-Asher, who is also president of the Israeli Academy of Hebrew Language, says Knohl’s conclusions outrun his evidence.

The line in question about the Messiah “coming to life” could be a reference to him showing up on the scene, not rising from the dead. Christian scholars point out that if Knohl’s reading is right, it puts aside the modern idea that references by Jesus in the Gospels to his resurrection were added later.

Biblical Archeology Review has more on the topic and next month will publish “the full text of the stone Dead Sea Scroll, plus Professor Knohl’s reconstructions.”

Voters asked to Decide When Life Begins

For the first time ever in the US, a ballot this November will ask voters to decide when life begins. Colorado voters will decide whether to allow The Human Life Amendment to become state law. The ballot initiative, also known as the personhood amendment, would define the words "person" or "persons" in the state constitution to include “any human being from the moment of fertilization." The proposal is funded by Colorado for Equal Rights but does not have the support of the National Right to Life or James Dobson’s Colorado-based Focus on the Family. These groups are more focused a judicial change rather than a legislative strategy.