Image of Obama Hung at Christian College

The hanging of a cardboard cutout of Barack Obama is stirring controversy on the campus of George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. The image was discovered at the small Christian college by custodial workers last week. A sign attached to the cutout read, Act Six reject. That’s a reference to a scholarship program that benefits minorities. The student body is predominantly white. Fox was founded by Quakers more than 100 years ago.

Pastors Defy IRS

Churches across the country defied the IRS Sunday when pastors endorced presidential candidates from the pulpit. CNN files this report:

Pastor with a Punch

Seattle's KING-TV reports on a pastor who preaches with a punch.

Fireproof Comes in at #4

The new film starring Kirk Cameron called Fireproof came in 4th this weekend at the box office. The movie took in a strong $6.5 million. That’s the most money of any film this year opening on fewer that 1000 screens except for the Hannah Montana concert movie. The Christian-themed movie was made by a Albany, Georgia Baptist church that made Facing the Giants. It’s about the marriage of a firefighter. Cameron also starred in the film Left Behind.

Aiken's Admission

Former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken has admitted in an interview with People magazine that he’s gay. The pop singer says having a baby convinced him not to hide his sexuality. Aiken considers himself a born-again Christian and told interviewers the admission may turn off some fans – along with his decision to have a child outside of marriage.

Christian College Coach Fired for Profanity

The coach of Ave Maria University's men's basketball team has been fired. Ricky Benitez says he was let go because he used profanity during a scrimmage. Members of the team at the Roman Catholic school are telling local media Benitez didn’t swear at them. Ave Maria was founded in 2003 and is only in its first season of play.

Con Man on Loose

WNEM-TV in Flint, Michigan files this report on a con man who took thousands from church goers.

College Campus Voter Registration

Liberty University is hoping to get all 10,500 students at the evangelical Christian college registered to vote. The Lynchburg, Virginia campus is in a swing state that could be crucial in the presidential election. Two-thirds of Liberty students on campus are from out of state, but if they register in Virginia, they can vote in Virginia. Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr has canceled classes on Election Day to encourage students to cast their ballots.

Billboard Campaign

A billboard put up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The campaign has been going around the country over the past year.

More on Raid of Cult

KHBS-TV reports on the FBI raid of the compound of cult leader Tony Alamo.

Quitting Church

A new book called Quitting Church tries to explain why so many are leaving congregations across the country. Written by Washington Times reporter Julia Duin, the book points to the church’s lack of relevance to youth and singles because many social and personal issues are not addressed in services. She sites figures showing the growing number of “unchurched” in the US. Those looking for answers may have to search elsewhere. The book is more about the growing problem than practical solutions.

Google Changes Abortion Ad Policy

Google has agreed to change its policy on ads related to abortion. Until now, the search engine giant refused to sell the “abortion” keyword to religious groups while at the same time it allowed secular groups, even doctors who perform abortions, to buy the same ads. Earlier this year, Google turned down the British organization called The Christian Institute. The ad said, “UK abortion law: Key news and views on abortion law from The Christian Institute.” The group filed a lawsuit claiming religious discrimination and now a settlement has been reached. The only stipulation is that the advertisements connected with abortion search queries be factual, and not graphic or emotional ads.

Bible Park in Tennessee

Nashville's WZTV reports on plans for a Bible Park in Lebanon, Tennessee.

FBI Raids Cult Compound

The FBI has raided the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries near Texarkana, Arkansas today. The cult is under investigation for involvement with child pornography. Some children have been taken from the compound. Tony Alamo has already faced child abuse charges and was convicted of tax evasion in the mid-90’s.

Episcopal Bishops Toss Out Conservative

Bishops in the Episcopal church has removed one of their own from the pulpit. Robert Duncan has been at odds with his denomination over the ordination of actively gay priests and bishops. The group decided on a vote of 88-35 to remove Duncan had been leading his Pittsburgh diocese toward a vote on realigning with another branch of the Anglican church that does not support gay clergy. The vote on secession is still expected to take place on October 4th. Millions of dollars in church property is at stake as other Episcopal groups have broken away and are fighting the denomination over ownership of the assets. This includes groups in Southern California and Northern Virginia. A vote is set to take place over the same issue this November in Fort Worth, Texas.

A Survey of American Adults on Religion

92% of conservative Christians believe hell absolutely or probably exists
82% of Americans believe heaven exists
79% of Roman Catholics believe hell absolutely or probably exists
73% believe hell absolutely or probably exists
69% of Liberal Protestants believe hell absolutely or probably exists
55% of Americans believe in a 'guardian angel'
46% are at least "quite certain" they will go to heaven
45% report having at least two religious encounters
14% take part in a community prayer group
12% take part in faith-based programs not affiliated with or sponsored by a congregation
9% take part in a Bible study group
4% say they are atheists

Source: Baylor University's Institute of Studies of Religion

Christian Magazine Taken Off Shelves

Lifeway Christian Bookstores have yanked one of its magazines from it store shelves. But the Southern Baptist Convention (owner of the bookstores) will still sell you copies of Gospel Today magazine, you just have to ask for it. The latest issue of the Georgia publication has been put behind the counter because the latest issue shows five women pastors on the cover. That’s a no-no for Southern Baptists who believe only men can take the pulpit.

Washington Post Cartoon on Pentacostals

The Washington Post is taking heat for a cartoon it published that many critics (including those from other newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle) are saying is an attack on Pentacostals. Here's the cartoon.

University Damage from Hurricane

Houston Baptist University has an estimated $8 to $10 million in damages from Hurricane Ike. There is significant wind and water damage to buildings. The campus is still without power and classes have been cancelled this week.

Poll of White Southern Evangelicals

53% of white Southern evangelicals believe the government uses torture in its anti-terrorism campaign, despite claims by government officials to the contrary. (A Pew Research Center poll earlier this year found that 48% of the general public think torture can be justified)

57% of respondents said torture can be often or sometimes justified to gain important information from suspected terrorists.

32% said it was never or rarely justified.

32% say the government does not use torture as a matter of policy.

65% support McCain

14% support Obama

21% are undecided

Source: Faith in Public Life and Mercer University

Threats to Behead Christians

A Colorado Springs man who called himself an atheist is in custody after threatening to behead two women because they were Christians. The Colorado Gazette says he showed up at the women’s apartment welding a knife. Another resident pulled out a shot gun and ordered him to drop the knife. He refused and attacked the women. The man was injured so severely he now faces losing an eye from the altercation.

Apology to Charles Darwin

The Church of England is officially apologizing to Charles Darwin today for misunderstanding his theory of evolution. Darwin’s great-great-grandson dismissing the move as ‘pointless’ since Darwin died 126 years ago. Two years ago, the Church of England apologized for its role in the slave trade.

Getting to know.. Christian publisher NavPress

• Founded by The Navigators 75 years ago
• Relocated in 1953 from Southern California to Colorado Springs
• 4,200 employees
• Missionary operations in dozens of countries
• Revenue $97 million in 2004, $112 million in 2007

Author Claims BBC Banned Him

The book Shadowmancer spent more than a dozen weeks at the top of the British book sales charts a couple of years ago. But the author says a producer told him off the record that the BBC dropped him from a series of programs after learning he’s a Christian. G P Taylor has sold millions of books worldwide and Shadowmancer is being made into a film. The Anglican priest is working on a new series under an assumed name. Taylor says he plans to hire an actor for public appearances to prevent further discrimination. The BBC denies his claim.

Ray Boltz: I'm Gay

Retired Christian singer Ray Boltz says he’s gay. Known for songs like Watch the Lamb, Thank You, and The Anchor Holds, the 55-year-old piled up awards and had a string of 12 number one singles on Christian radio, selling 4-million units before leaving the industry. Boltz has revealed his double-life to several gay issue publications. The singer says he tried to change and fought depression, even suicide. He took Prozac and other anti-depressants for years. Now living in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Botlz retired from Contemporary Christian Music in 2004, was divorced the next year. He has four grown children. Ex-wife Carol Boltz is involved with the Christian gay advocacy group called Soulforce. Ray Boltz is scheduled to sing at the Metropolitan Community Church in Washington a week from tomorrow.

Church Members Giveaway $750k

A church near Abilene, Texas gave away nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in cash and goods at a recent service. The Kingdom Life Fellowship in Clyde asked those with pressing financial needs to come forward. The church then gave away $338,000 from a nest egg and the congregation added cars and other items until about $750,000 exchanged hands between the 300 or so members. They meet in a Junior High auditorium.

Megachurch Study

Megachurches are growing larger as they duplicate many of the functions of denominations. A study by Leadership Network and Hartford Seminary's Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows churches with weekly attendance of 2,000 or more are multiethnic and emphasize contemporary worship. Trends would include offering more services in multiple locations, a new emphasis on community service and the role of small groups. Here are some other findings:

▪ 78% of megachurches use contemporary worship
▪ The average megachurch income is 6.5 million dollars
▪ Half of the income goes toward salaries with the rest divided between buildings and missions along with programs
▪ Seven out of Ten have internship/residency programs to train potential staff and ministerial candidates

The full report can be found here.

Church Loses Property Dispute

An Oklahoma megachurch is losing its property. Kirk of the Hills congregation cut ties with Presbyterian Church, USA in 2006 and aligned with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The Tulsa church wanted to keep the property because it has been making payments on the property for decades. But the denomination filed a lawsuit because the church constitution says congregations of the PCUSA only held property for the denomination. Now, a judge has ruled in favor of the denomination. An appeal is planned.

Palin's First Interview

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin says she was thinking of Abraham Lincoln's words when she made a comment that the US was fighting a holy war. In an interview today with ABC's Charlie Gibson, her first since being tapped John McCain's running mate, she said, "I would never presume to know God's will or to speak God's words." Asked if her son who is headed to Iraq is on a mission from God, Palin said, "I don't know if the task is from God. What I know is that my son has made a decision. I am so proud of his independent and strong decision he has made, what he decided to do and serving for the right reasons and serving something greater than himself and not choosing a real easy path where he could be more comfortable and certainly safer."

Presidential Poll

John McCain now leads Barack Obama among white Evangelical voters 61% to 25% according to a new Fox News poll.

Rick Warren and Sarah Palin

Megachurch pastor Rick Warren got a call from Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Warren says she wanted some advice- along with Bible verses dealing with unjust criticism. Warren interviewed John McCain and Barack Obama at his Saddleback Church last month.

The Largest Bible Publisher

The biggest printer of Bibles in the world is not in the US. It’s in South America. The Bible Society of Brazil puts out more than 7-and-a-half million Bibles each year. But overseas sales have taken a down turn. The Society ships to more than 100 countries but the number has fallen in both of the last two years.

Dem Compares Obama to Jesus

Congressman Steve Cohen of Tennessee compared Barack Obama to Jesus and Sarah Palin to Pontius Pilate on the floor of the House.

The Collider and God's Existence

Associated Press offers this explaination of the powerful particle collider going online today in Europe concerning whether it could prove the existence of God:

"The experiment will examine what happened shortly after the universe was created. It does not seek to confirm or deny the existence of any supernatural being."

Prayer against Crime

There's a movement in Jacksonville, Florida to come against violence and crime by getting the community to pray. WTEV-TV reports:

Biggest US Megachurches

Here's a list of the top five megachurches in terms of attendance along with the percentage change from the year before.

1. Lakewood Church Houston - Joel Osteen 43,500 -.7.4%
2. Second Baptist Church Houston - Ed Young Sr. 23,659 -2.6%
3. North Point Community Church Alpharetta, Ga. - Andy Stanley 22,557 +15.2%
4. Willow Creek Community Church South Barrington, Ill. - Bill Hybels 22,500 +8.7%
5. LifeChurch (13 locations in 6 states, online at secondlife.com) -Craig Groeschel 20,823 +4.6%

Source: Lifeway Research

Politics in the Pulpit

The Alliance Defense Fund wants pastors to talk politics from the pulpit on Sunday, September 28. Endorsing candidates would challenge IRS rules that prohibit tax-exempt churches from engaging in partisan politics. The “Christian ACLU” considers it an act of civil disobedience in defend free speech. An IRS investigation of a church could be challenged in federal court.

Alaska Homosexuality Conference

Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out Conference will be held at Abbott Loop Community Church in Anchorage, Alaska this weekend. It’s also being promoted by Sarah Palin’s home church, Wasilla Bible Church. The group promises to teach attendees how to "respond to misinformation in our culture" and help them "overcome" homosexuality. Because of Palin's connection, the event may draw protesters.

Sarah's Story

Christian publisher Tyndale House is offering a biography of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned the Political Establishment Upside Down was first released this spring by regional publisher Epicenter Press. Now, Kaylene Johnson’s book will be given a wider audience through Tyndale. Johnson includes personal interviews with Palin, her family, and other highly placed sources.

Palin's Faith

Sarah Palin grew up attending an Assembly of God church. CNN files this report on her ties to the Pentecostal denomination.

Obama Tries to Clarify Abortion Comment

“What I intended to say is that as a Christian, I have a lot of humility about understanding. All I meant to communicate was that I don’t presume to be able to answer these kinds of theological questions.”

Barak Obama on ABC’s This Week explaining his answer to a question about abortion during Saddleback’s forum last month. Obama had said answering the question of when life begins was “above my pay grade.”

Biden on Abortion

"It's a personal and private issue. For me, as a Roman Catholic, I'm prepared to accept the teachings of my church. I'm prepared as a matter of faith to accept that life begins at the moment of conception. But that is my judgment. For me to impose that judgment on everyone else who is equally and maybe even more devout than I am seems to me is inappropriate in a pluralistic society."

"Back in 'Summa Theologia' when Thomas Aquinas wrote "Summa Theologia," he said there was no--it didn't occur until quickening, 40 days after conception. How am I going out and tell you, if you or anyone else that you must insist upon my view that is based on a matter of faith? And that's the reason I haven't. This is a matter between a person's God, however they believe in God, their doctor and themselves."

Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden on Meet the Press

Palin's Church Talk & State Funds

Sarah Palin’s use of state funds to make an appearance at a church is coming under scrutiny. A newspaper in Alaska is reporting that she had the state pay for her plane ticket and meals when she traveled to her hometown to speak to students graduating from a program at Wasilla Assembly of God. A spokeswoman said the state paid for the trip because Palin was invited as the governor and not as a private citizen. And that elected officials often attend religious events as part of their official duties. Palin was baptized at Wasilla Assembly as a teenager and now attends other churches. Here's a video of her appearance that day.

Statement on Palin

The Wasilla Assembly of God has released a statement about Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. It describes her involvment with the church, the congregations support of her political career and asks that believers pray for her.

Palin & Prayer

Sarah Palin asks her church for prayer involving an energy deal:

Defining Evangelicals

An “evangelical Christian" is someone who:

36% - I have no idea
18% - tries to spread his or her faith
9% - Christians who are particularly devoted or zealous about their faith
8% - Evangelicals are people who are focusing strongly on the Bible
8% - People who are saved by Christ, saved by grace, believe in a born again experience, and believe in eternal life through Christ, etc.
6% - Someone with a conservative view of politics
5% - fanatical about their beliefs
4% - hypocritical, bigots, stupid, manipulative, etc.
4% - close-minded about religion
3% - focuses on money rather than God
3% - wants to impose their beliefs or standards on others

Source: Ellison Research

Jewish Groups Balk at Palin Selection

Some Jewish groups are upset with the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate. The National Jewish Democratic Council calls her "a poor choice" while an op-ed piece in the Jerusalem Post says she is “out of step with public opinion in the Jewish community.”

One of the criticisms of Palin has to do with her church. She was in the audience recently when a speaker for the group Jews for Jesus told the congregation that violence in the Middle East should be partly blamed on Israeli Jews who have not accepted Jesus as their Messiah. A campaign spokesperson says Governor Palin does not share the views he expressed.

McCain Gets Boost from VP Choice

Obama and McCain are tied at 42% in a poll by CBS News conducted after the selection of Sarah Palin as McCain’s running mate. McCain was down by 8 points just a week earlier in the same poll. It doesn’t take into account Palin’s Wednesday night speech or McCain’s own acceptance speech. The poll also found Evangelical support for McCain jumped from 57 to 67%.

Hazing at Christian College

A private Christian college is in an uproar over the hazing of some freshman. Point Loma Nazarene University has apologized to the students who were awakened by upperclassmen from their all-male dorm and told to swim in the ocean naked. Some of the students say they were hit and one claims someone urinated on him. The San Diego school says it will hand out discipline after an investigation is completed.

Ancient Jerusalem Wall Unearthed

Archaeologists working in Israeli say they have found new sections of Jerusalem's ancient wall located south of the Old City, built in two different time periods. The project that began more than 100 years ago and has uncovered sections built more than 2000 years ago by the Hasmonean dynasty and second section built some 1500 years ago by Byzantine rulers. These walls are about 10-and-a-half-feet tall.

Protestors at Focus on the Family

Police took protesters off the campus of Focus on the Family today when they refused to leave. The American Right to Life Action demonstrators complain that Focus founder James Dobson isn’t living up to his pledge to never back a candidate who supports abortion. Dobson recently endorsed John McCain for president. Even though McCain has said he is against abortion and has a “pro-life voting record”, ARLA says Dobson shouldn’t support McCain because he makes an exception for rape or incest.

"Then I Went to Hell"

A sign outside Havens Corners Church near Columbus, Ohio is turning heads. In a take on the hit song by Katy Perry called I Kissed a Girl, the message reads:

I kissed a girl and I liked it -- Then I went to hell.

Pastor Dave Allison says he’s just reminding people that the Bible condemns homosexuality.

Fired for Mormon Beliefs?

Mormonism will go on trial September 15th in California. Mobile-home saleswoman Judy Clark claims she was fired for being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now, she has filed a lawsuit and wants $90,000. Clark says a memo turned up in the office before she was let go that called the group a cult and two other Mormons lost their jobs after she did. Her former employer says Clark was suspended for poor performance and chose to not return to work.

Deacons Go After Same Seat in Congress

Two deacons from the same church are running for the same congressional seat in Alabama's 2nd District. Democrat and Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright is up against Republican Representative Jay Love of Montgomery both attend Montgomery's First Baptist Church. They have avoided negative mud-slinging so far and seldom see each other at the 5000 member megachurch because they attend different services.

Palin Speech from this Summer

Here is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin giving a commencement address in June to a class at the Wasilla Assembly of God. It will give you an idea as to who she is and what she believes. Some liberal bloggers are criticizing her comments as eyeraising. Among other "controversial" commments, Palin told students to pray our country's leaders are sending troops "out on a task that is from God. That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan."

Pastors in Trouble with the IRS

The IRS which has issuing a set of guidelines that bar electioneering on the Web by churches. Here are some churches who have gotten in trouble recently with the agency for it because watchdog groups have filed complaints.

The pastor of a church in Harlem, New York, James David Manning posted a sermon online calling Barak Obama a pimp and his mother a “trashy white woman”. The clip from Atlah World Ministries made the rounds on YouTube with more than 2 million hits.

A St. Petersburg televangelist put a sermon on his website calling a vote for Mitt Romney, who is a Mormon, a “vote for Satan”.

Maury Davis, pastor of a megachurch in Nashville called Cornerstone Church, told the congregation he wasn’t supposed to tell them he supported three members who were running for seats on the school board. He went on to name them and the video was posted on the church website.

Survey of Catholics & Evangelicals

Church-going Catholics:
John McCain 49%
Barack Obama 42%
Undecided 9%

Evangelical Christians likely to vote:
John McCain 61%
Barack Obama 34%
Undecided 5%

The survey was taken last month, before the VP choices were made.

Source: The Catholic Association

Palin's Faith

Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin was baptized as a child in the Roman Catholic church. As a teenager, she began attending the Wasilla Assembly of God Church where she made a profession of faith and was baptized by founding pastor, Paul Riley. Now in his 80’s, Riley still serves as a prison chaplain. Palin attended that Pentecostal church until she was 38 years old, when she switched to Wasilla Bible Church because of the church's ministry for children. Senior pastor Larry Kroons says the Palin family has attended for six years and their new baby was dedicated at the church two weeks ago. Nevertheless, the McCain-Palin campaign says Palin attends many churches and does not consider herself to be Pentecostal.

Christians in India Face Riots

Rioting against Christians continues in eastern India where several churches and homes have been burned. As many as 50 people may have been killed. Thousands have come to refugee camps to avoid the Hindu mobs. Most of those who have been attacked are Catholic. The violence started when a Hindu religious leader and several followers were found murdered.

Former Obama Pastor is Back

All three services of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in downtown Houston were packed this morning, as the predominately black congregation got a message from Barack Obama's controversial former pastor. Jeremiah Wright spoke positively about Obama despite their falling out. Obama eventually denounced Wright following a firestorm over his messages. Obama called them “devisive”.

Concerts Go Head to Head

Orlando has competing Christian Rock concerts set for next weekend. Universal's Rock the Universe is set for Friday and Saturday of this week. Down the street, Walt Disney World's Night of Joy takes place on the same two days. Universal will feature on two stages Switchfoot, Relient K, Newsboys, Skillet, Grits, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay, Stellar Kart, along with Brian "Head" Welch, the former lead guitarist of Korn. Over at Disney, concert-goers can hear artists like Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, TobyMac Rebecca St. James and BarlowGirl.

Dobson on McCain VP Choice

James Dobson will appear on Fox News Channel’s Hannity & Colmes tonight talk about John McCain’s pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate.

Although Dobson once said he would not vote for John McCain, the Focus On The Family leader has announced that he’s willing to do so now. Dobson made the announcement while at meetings ahead of the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

Warren Plans Magazine

Megachurch pastor Rick Warren plans to launch his own magazine. A test issue coming out this fall and have a run of about half-a-million. The working title is Purpose – after his bestseller The Purpose Driven Life.

What Does McCain's VP Believe?

John McCain has picked first-term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Here’s some background on Palin that will interest Christians.

• She grew up attending nondenominational Bible churches and identifies herself as a Christian. She lead her high school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
• View on Abortion: should be banned for anything other than saving the life of the mother
• Stem cell research: opposed
• Physician-assisted suicide: opposed
• Creationism: should be discussed in schools
• State health benefits for same-sex partners: opposed, and supports a constitutional amendment to bar them
• Her view on religion and politics: "I believe everything happens for a purpose. In my own personal life, if I dedicated back to my Creator what I'm trying to create for the good . . . everything will turn out fine."
• Her son has Down Syndrome. Palin says she never considered ending the pregnancy. In an interview with AP she said, "We've both been very vocal about being pro-life. We understand that every innocent life has wonderful potential…Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?"

Christian Version of Guitar Hero

A Christian version of Guitar Hero game will be out next month. But the Guitar Praise is not affiliated with Activision's Guitar Hero franchise. Players will be able to strum along with tunes from the likes of Thousand Foot Krutch and Relient K. The game is only being introduced for Mac OS X, and Windows Vista and XP.

Charles Wesley's Secret Diaries

Kenneth Newport says he’s figured out Charles Wesley's coded diary. The Anglican priest and professor at Liverpool Hope University has spent years deciphered the 1,000-page, 300,00 word hand-written manuscript written between 1736 and 1756. Newport says the new information reveals Charles’ early relationship with his brother, John Wesley. Together they founded the Methodist movement. Charles wrote such hymns as Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing. But his diaries reveal another side. Here are some of the revelations in the diaries:

• Charles Wesley battled depression
• Tried to stop his brother’s proposed marriage from taking place with Grace Murray
• Partially blamed his brother for his own wife’s miscarriage
• Wanted to prevent the Methodist societies from breaking away from the Church of England
• Made a pact with his brother not to marry without the other’s approval
• Was concerned with the growing influence of Islam

Abortion Poll

Percentage of Americans who believe abortion should be legal:

• Democrats 63%
• All adults 54%
• Catholics 49%
• Republicans 41%
• White Evangelicals 33%

Source: Pew Research Center

Bible Classes in Public Schools

Lottery Winnings Go to Church

The True North Community Church in Port Jefferson, New York is getting a $3 million dollar donation from a lottery winner. The New York State Lottery announced the 650-member church will get at least $102,225 a year for the next 20 years.

School District Sued over Prayers

Two high school students are taking their Florida panhandle school district to court. They want the Santa Rosa County School District to stop prayers at school events like graduation. The ACLU is representing the two Pace High students. School officials have not responded to the suit.

From Basic Instinct to Faith

The author of screenplay thrillers like Basic Instinct, Showgirls and Jagged Edge is now writing about his faith. Joe Eszterhas latest work is called Crossbearer: A Memoir of Faith. It hits store shelves next week and tells about his conversion to Christ following his diagnoses with throat cancer a few years ago. He now regularly attends Catholic Mass on Sundays with his family. Eszterhas has turned down offers for high pay to write dark scripts for Hollywood because the Hungarian-born writer doesn’t want to go there anymore.

Scrolls Going Online

A project is underway to digitally photograph all the Dead Sea Scrolls and put them on the Internet. Infrared photography will be used by the Israeli Antiquities Authority to make the oldest known version of the Hebrew Bible available to both scientists and the public in about five years.

Get-Out-the-Prayer Campaign

The 40/40 Prayer Vigil for Spiritual Revival and National Renewal is a Southern Baptist initiative calling for Christians to pray for public officials and political concerns leading up to the general election in November. It’s part of the iVoteValues registration campaign being led by Southern Baptists and the Family Research Council.

Pastor's Fake Illness

A high-profile preacher in Australia lied about having cancer.

Evangelical Backs out of DNC Prayer

The editor of the Christian publication Relevant Magazine pulled out of his appearance at the Democratic National Convention. Cameron Strang explains his decision to Fox News.

In Silent Prayer

Father Anthony Russo has written a book about his 40 year ministry to the Deaf community. In Silent Prayer follows his path through churches in the Philadelphia area where the congregation is exclusively deaf and others where only a couple of people in the congregation is deaf. He traces this ministry back before his own time to the mid-1800’s. Russo was first assigned to the hearing-impaired when it was discovered that he himself suffers a mild hearing impairment. More information.

Favorite Book

"For pure enjoyment, the Bible has got some of the greatest mysteries, love stories, soap operas of any book ever written. It's probably the greatest book on life and leadership ever written." - Krispy Kreme CEO Jim Morgan to the (North Carolina) News & Observer when asked about his favor books.

Catholic Reaction to Biden Selection

Denver Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput is calling on Obama's vice presidential pick, Joe Biden, to stop taking Communion because of his stance on abortion. The Catholic advocacy group Fidelis expects the Communion question to come up regularly at Biden campaign stops.

White Catholics are about evenly divided between Obama and John McCain, although McCain is ahead among Catholics in polls taken in the critical states of Ohio and Florida.

Obama Apologizes for Slip

Barak Obama apologized shortly after attending the First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for a comment he made in front of the city's town hall. The Illinois Senator told the audience of several hundred, "If we can spend $10 to $12 billion a month in Iraq, we sure as HELL can pay $10 to $12 million billion dollars right here in the United States." He quickly apologized for using the word “hell”. At the service Obama attended, pastor John Kerr spoke shortly about humility.

Joe Biden’s Catholic Roots

The son of working-class Irish Catholics, Joe Biden was educated at a Catholic prep school. Barack Obama's running mate briefly considered the priesthood before turning to politics and eventually becoming a Democratic senator from Delaware. Biden still attends Mass each week but supports abortion rights, putting him at odds with the church leadership. He even voted in favor of a bill to ban late-term abortions. A Pew Research poll shows that 44% of those who attend Catholic Mass each week say abortion is a very important issue in the presidential race.

Chronological Study Bible

The Chronological Study Bible comes out this fall. Thomas Nelson’s new publication changes the order of the books of the Bible with the goal of providing a historical framework. That means the Gospels are merged into one book. The book of Psalms is divided up by time period.

Vampire Writer on Being Mormon

"Being Mormon is a big part of who I am, and I try very hard to live the right way, but I don't know that I'm an example. I hate to say, 'Yes, look at me. I'm a good example of being Mormon.' I want to be the best person I can be, so in that aspect, maybe I'm a good example." - Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight vampire saga in an interview with TIME magazine

Siblings Differ on Billy Graham Movie

Billy Graham’s children are at odds over a film about their father. Franklin Graham has been somewhat negative about the move Billy: The Early Years but older sister Gigi Graham has nothing but positive things to say about it. Franklin Graham has released a statement says the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association "has not collaborated with nor does it endorse the movie".

In one scene, Bob Jones Sr. the president of (at that time) Bob Jones College tells Billy Graham he’ll never amount to anything. Franklin Graham objects to it as a distortion of Jones but Billy Graham's own autobiography indicates that the exchange really happened.

Directed by Robby Benson, it hits the big screen October 10. Here the trailer:

Christian Publisher Drops Out of Dem Convention

The editor of Relevant Magazine has pulled out of his appearance at the Democratic National Convention. Cameron Strang was supposed to deliver a prayer Monday night. But the registered Republican worried that his decision to appear at the Denver meeting will be taken as an endorsement but as bridge-building gesture. Cameron's father is founder of Charisma magazine. Taking his place will be Donald Miller, who wrote the popular spiritual memoir Blue Like Jazz.

Presidential Swing Vote

White non-Hispanic Catholics:

• McCain - 45%
• Obama – 44%

Source: Pew Research Center

Presidential Support

White Evangelical Protestants:

• John McCain - 70%
• Barack Obama - 17%

Source: Wall Street Journal/NBC poll

Religion & Politics

Those who say, "Churches and other religious institutions SHOULD stay out of politics."

--------- 2008 compared to 2004

Everyone 52% / 44%

Conservatives 50% / 30%

Liberals 57% / 62%

Republicans 51% / 37%

Democrats 52% / 52%

Republican Protestants 46% / 28%

White Evangelical Republicans 36% / 20%

Source: Pew Research Center

Prayer Dispute

There was a walkout on a counsel meeting this week over prayer. WRTV from Indianapolis has this report.

Republican Pastor to Close Dem Convention

A Florida pastor has been tapped to deliver the closing prayer at the Democratic National Convention after Barack Obama accepts the Democratic presidential nomination. Joel Hunter pastors Florida's Northland Church. The anti-abortion minister is also a registered Republican. He left the Christian Coalition after he failed to get the group to focus on the issue of global warming and poverty.

A Survey of Christian Women

In a ministry setting, I have personally experienced:

• gender discrimination - 25%
• demeaning comments – 19%
• suggestive jokes – 18%
• glances with sexual overtones – 16%
• touching or sexual contact – 15%
• a hostile environment – 14%

About half of those who have personally experienced sexual harassment said they did not report it because they didn't want to cause controversy. About 30% confronted the perpetrator, 28% reported it to their supervisor, 21% quit, and 1% took legal action.

Source: NationalChristianPoll.com

More Accusations Against ORU

A former accountant of Oral Roberts Ministries claims money went into an unmarked account shared by the ministry and Oral Roberts University. The Associated Press is reporting that the unnamed employee says the funds were supposed to go toward scholarships or other needs at the school. But the earmarks were ignored, she says.

Another accountant has alleged that former president Richard Roberts and his wife spent university and ministry money on personal items. The Roberts deny the claims.

Another "Jesus Had Kids" Film in the Works

A comic book called The Magdalena is coming to the big screen. In this film, Jesus is said to have married Mary Magdalene and had children. Generations later, a women discovers she is party of this lineage of female warriors, descended from Mary Magdalene, who fight supernatural evil. Luke Goss and Jenna Dewan will star in the movie.

Chinese Bibles Returned

A group of Christians from Vision Beyond Borders is leaving the Kunming airport in China after customs officials decided to return their Bibles. More than 300 Bibles were confiscated from four members of the Sheridan, Wyoming-based group who then refused to leave the airport. They eventually left but returned to the airport to fly to Thailand and the Bibles were returned.

Film about Billy Graham Coming

A new film about Billy Graham will hit theaters October 10. More than 50 large churches will hold sneak previews in the next few weeks leading up to the premiere. Billy: The Early Years cost $6 million to make and comes with a soundtrack with contributions from such artists as Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans and Michael W. Smith. The movie was not approved ahead of time by Graham or his family.

Bible College Being Forced to Move

Eminent domain is forcing a Bible college to move from its location in Louisville, Kentucky WHAS-TV explains.

Catholic Diocese to Pay $10 Million

A Roman Catholic diocese in Kansas City has agreed to pay $10 million to settle nearly 50 sexual abuse claims against the diocese and its priests. Fox 4 News WDAF in Kansas City has more:

Church for Humanists

Some 3000 people gather in New York on Sunday's at the Society for Ethical Culture. AFP reports on this church for humanists.

Three-Year-Old Used in Church Robberies

Connecticut's WFSB-TV has this report on theft at a church involving a toddler.

Church Breaks Ground in Salt Lake City

FOX KSTU Reports on plans for Christ Meat of The Word Sanctuary & Fellowship.

Johnny Depp & Alternative Church History

A new film starring Johnny Depp (who is also producing the movie) called Rex Mundi tells the story of a search for the Holy Grail involving "descendents of Jesus" (in other words, in this film Jesus had children). It’s based on a graphic novel where where Martin Luther is assassinated, there is no Reformation, and the Catholic Church reigns supreme.