Power of Prayer Fights Off Carjacker

A report from KSAZ in Phoenix, Arizona:

1/2 Million Visit Creation Museum

The Creation Museum has drawn more than a half-million visitors since its May 2007 opening in rural northern Kentucky. It took $27 million in private donations to build the museum. Regular visitors pay $20 for admission. Answers in Genesis is the Christian organization that operates the museum.

Box Office Numbers

The Baptist-church-made Fireproof fell out of the top ten this weekend. The film took in dipped 20% in its third weekend, grossing an estimated $3.2 million from 875 runs. The film about a firefighter's battle to save his marriage has take in about $17 million. It took only a half-million to make it.

The movie by atheist and comedian Bill Maher called Religulous dropped 35% in its second weekend. The film about odd slices of religion grossed an estimated $2.2 million from 568 theaters for a total of only $6.7 million so far.

Billy: The Early Years reported a screen average of $709. The Billy Graham biography took in less than $200,000 from 282 locations.

Billy Graham to Hospital

Billy Graham is back home after a stay in the hospital yesterday. The 89-year-old Evangelist fell over one of his dogs at his Montreat, North Carolina home. Mission Hospital in Asheville says his X-rays showed no broken bones. He will celebrate his 90th birthday November 7th.

Supreme Court Takes on Ten Commandments

The Supreme Court has begun its fall term and will take up a case involved the display of the Ten Commandments on public property. Pleasant Grove City, Utah is asking the high court to approve a decision it made to prevent a small religious group from adding their monument beside a Ten Commandments display in a public park. An appeals court ruled against the city, saying it violated the group's free speech rights. It said the city should either display all religious monuments donated by third parties or display none of the donated monuments.

Bible Course Switch

The Craig County, Virginia school board has decided to drop a Bible education course. The ACLU had complained that The Bible in History and Literature course, promoted by actor Chuck Norris, promoted Christian beliefs over other religions. Next year the district will add a course called The Bible and Its Influence which was put together by the Bible Literacy Project.

Funding-Raising Scam

There’s a scam in Columbus, Georgia involving a local church. Local media is reporting there are two men asking residents for money on behalf of the Columbus First Baptist Church. They claim a member of the church is facing surgery and a fund-raiser scheduled on her behalf. But senior pastor Jimmy Elder says the church is not involved in any such door-to-door fundraising.

Supreme Court on Bible Reading Case

Just because jurors heard a passage from the Bible is no reason a man convicted of murder and given the death penalty should be let off. That’s the opinion that will stand in the case of Jimmie Lucero. His lawyers had appealed to the Supreme Court over the issue. But justices on the High Court refused to consider the case. Lucero was convicted in the killing a couple in their 70’s and their 31-year-old daughter. During deliberations the jury foreman read Romans 13:1-6 to hold-out jurors who decided to change their vote. An Appeals court said it did not violate the man’s rights and was a "harmless error." The two jurors who switched their votes said it had no impact on their votes.

Anne Rice Memoir

The novelist best known for a best-selling vampire series has a new book out. Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession by Anne Rice hit store shelves this week. In 1998, she returned to the Roman Catholic church after a 30-year absence. The long-time New Orleans resident left before Hurricane Katrina arrived and now lives in San Diego. Rice has written two novels about the young Jesus and now this memoir.

Publishing Bibles is Big Business

Bibles, testaments, hymnals and prayer books were a $795.2 million market last year. The Book Industry Study Group estimates the market will continue to grow and reach $823.5 million this year.

ORU Suit Nears Settlement

A lawsuit against Richard Roberts and his family may be settled soon out-of-court. The Associated Press is reporting that a mediation conference is scheduled in two weeks. The former Oral Roberts University's former president and his wife are accused of improperly spending school money on shopping sprees, home remodels and lavish vacations. Roberts stepped down from his position at ORU in November. The couples denies they did anything wrong. civil suit was brought by two professors who claim they were fired out after uncovering the financial and ethical wrongdoing.

Baptist School Allows Alcohol on Campus

Nashville’s Belmont University may have been founded by Baptists in 1951 as a alcohol free school but that changed with last night’s debate. The Christian school agreed to allow alcohol to be served at a hospitality tent for the news media.

In all, Belmont spent about $3 million, most of it on a temporary facility built on the school’s soccer field for news media covering the debate.

The third and final presidential takes place next week at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

Donations by Household

Average household donation rank.
1. Utah
2. DC
3. Maryland
4. New York
5. Connecticut

46. South Dakota
47. New Mexico
48. Vermont
49. Maine
50. North Dakota
51. West Virginia
Source: Center on Wealth and Philanthropy

Volunteerism

States with the highest rates of volunteer hours:
1. Utah
2. Nebraska
3. Minnesota
4. Alaska
5. Montana

States with the lowest rates of volunteer hours:
45. Arizona
46. New Jersey
47. Mississippi
48. Louisiana
49. Florida
50. New York
51. Nevada

Sources: VolunteeringinAmerica.gov, Corporation for National & Community Service

Young-Older Evangelicals Differ on Gay Issues

A survey of White Evangelicals:
25% - Abortion should be legal in most cases
46% - There should be limits on abortion rights
25% - Abortion should be completely illegal

A survey of White Evangelicals between 18-29:
26% - Gay couples should have the same right to marry as heterosexuals
37% - Support legal recognition of civil unions between gays
41% - There should be no legal recognition of relationships between gay couples
62% - Support John McCain
30% - Support Barack Obama
20% - Obama is more religious than McCain
48% - McCain is more religious than Obama

A survey of White Evangelicals over 30:
9% - Gay couples should have the same right to marry as heterosexuals
49% - There should be no legal recognition of relationships between gay couples
73% - Support John McCain
22% - Support Barack Obama
13% - Obama is more religious than McCain
55% - McCain is more religious than Obama

Source: Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research

The Love Dare

In the film Fireproof, star Kirk Cameron reads a book called the The Love Dare and it changes his live. Moviegoers have been asking where they can get a copy of the book. Originally, the devotional book was only a plot device. But the movie producers decided to go ahead and write something to be published. It was set to come out with the Fireproof DVD. However, demand was strong enough for The Love Dare at private showings that the publication was pushed forward to coinside with the film’s theatrical release.

The Love Dare is set up as a 40-day plan for revitalizing a struggling marriage. Each day starts with a Bible verse and a short lesson follows. Sales are strong at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. The book has already sold more than 6,000 copies and that does not include sales at places like Wal-Mart.

Church of Scientology in New Mexico

The Church of Scientology is asking the Albuquerque city council to allow the organization to move into a downtown building. KOB-TV reports.

Family Guy Takes on Jesus

Last night’s episode of Family Guy on the Fox Network had the main character (Peter) making friends with Jesus. The cartoon moved quickly into territory designed to offend Christians by portraying Jesus as a record store employee who becomes a Hollywood celebrity. After an appearance on the MTV awards with the Pussycat Dolls, fame gets to his head and he gets drunk and arrested. The Jesus characters says he’s not ready for the world and needs to mature.

Fireproof Burns Bright

Fireproof raked in $4.1 million this past weekend. So far, the movie has earning about $12.5 million. Made on a shoe-string for half-a-million dollars, Fireproof stars Kirk Cameron – best known for his role in Growing Pains during the 80’s. Some of the proceeds from the film will go to Camp Firefly, Cameron’s children’s charity. The company that put Fireproof together, Sherwood Pictures, is a small production house affiliated with Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

Critics have given the film mixed reviews from critics in the mainstream media. Neil Genzlinger in The New York Times wrote:

“Fireproof” may not be the most profound movie ever made, but it does have its
commendable elements, including that rarest of creatures on the big (or small)
screen: characters with a strong, conservative Christian faith who don’t sound
crazy.

The film is in 839 theaters now and will expand to more than 1000 by the end of the week.

Abortion and the High Court

The Supreme Court began its fall term this morning and although the issue of abortion isn’t on the docket, it looms over the justices as a possible issue in the future. Opponents of Roe v. Wade believe they could be just one or two justices away from overturning the ruling that opened the door to legalized abortion in the US.

Three justices who stand by Roe could retire during the term of the next president. That includes Justice John Paul Stevens who is 88 years old, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who is 75 years old and suffering from major health problems and Justice David Souter is pondering retirement.

As for the presidential candidates, they have widely different views on who they would appoint to the court.

Republican John McCain says he’ll nominate justices in the mold of President Bush's appointees, John Roberts and Samuel Alito

Democrat Barack Obama he "would not appoint somebody who doesn't believe in the right to privacy." That’s a legal linchpin for Roe v. Wade.

Santana Wants to be Priest

Carlos Santana says he’s going to become a priest in Maui, Hawaii in the next few years. The rock legend tells Rolling Stone magazine that religion helped him through last year’s divorce. He’s currently on tour, promoting his two-disc album Multi-Dimensional Warrior. The compilation of Santana songs from his 40-year career hits store shelves a week from tomorrow.

He says, "I'm not sick of what I do, but I find that God gave me the gift of communication even without my guitar and with the ability to get people unstuck with certain sections of the Bible having to do with guilt, shame, judgment and fear. The God of that stuff is retarded, demented and not real. The real God is beauty, grace, dignity and unconditional love. And I'm the kind of motivator who can motivate people to believe that what I'm saying is good for them. It's like my manager Bill Graham once said to me: 'Carlos, you have to accept that your music is very sensual and stop apologizing for it. People want to have sex to your music, and that's just the way that it is.' And once I accepted that, I wasn't so much in conflict with my Catholic upbringing and thinking it was dirty or against God to have an erection."

Chip Maker Sued Over Christmas Trees

A Utah truck driver is suing Frito-Lay. Richard Cleaveland of West Valley City says he was punished for refusing to deliver Christmas trees. Cleaveland says he was uncomfortable because of his Jewish faith and was put on difficult shifts and given less responsibility. Frito-Lay hasn’t commented yet.

Diocese Breaks Away

The Pittsburgh diocese voted today to break off from the Episcopal Church. The final talley was 240 to 102 with 121 Clergy voting in favor of the split and 33 voting against it. The Pittsburgh diocese follows in the steps of the the Diocese of San Joaquin, California which realigned with a wing of the Anglican church in South America. Similar votes are set for dioceses in Illinois and Texas. The most significant disagreement between the Episcopal Church and conservative dioceses is the Consecrated of gay clergy and bishops.

Palin More Generous Than Biden

Sarah Palin may make a lot less than rival Joe Biden but she gives a lot more to charity.

The Palin family has donated more money to charity in the last two years than Biden has in the last eight years - combined.

Palin's just released tax records show that her family made $127,869 in income during 2006 and donated $4,880 to charity. The next year, they took in $166,080 and donated $3,325 to nonprofits.

Biden, on the other hand, has donated just $3,690 since 1998. As a Senator, he made $320,000 last year but gave only $995 to charity. That’s less than 1% of his income.

Stop the Praying!

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to stop the National Day of Prayer. The atheist and agnostic group says it’s a government endorsement of religion. Named in the suit: President Bush, the governor of Wisconsin (the group is based there) and other government officials. The National Day of Prayer takes place on the first Thursday of each May and the lawsuit claims it makes for a "hostile environment for nonbelievers”. The wife of James Dobson, Shirley Dobson is chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

Megachurch Pastor Has Heart Surgery

John Hagee is recovering from open heart surgery in a San Antonio hospital. Hagee's Cornerstone Church says the operation was a success. The megachurch is expected to be out of the pulpit for a month. In the meantime, Matt Hagee, his son, will take over in the pulpit. Hagee has been in the news related to the presidential campaign this year. After he endorsed John McCain, the presidential candidate rejected the endorsement when it came to light that the Texas preacher had suggested God sent Adolf Hitler to help Jews reach the promised land.

McCain Support Less from Young Evangelicals

White evangelical Christians:
71% - McCain
23% - Obama

White evangelical Christians under the age of 30:
62% - McCain
30% - Obama

Palin Support:
46% - White evangelical women below 30
65% - White evangelical women over 30

Source: Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

Couple Arrested in Faith Healing Case

An Oregon couple will appear in court this morning on charges related to their son’s death. When she fell ill, they relied on prayer instead of medical care. Jeff and Marci Beagley, who attend Followers of Christ Church in Oregon City, lost their son to bladder complications several months ago. A medical examiner says his death could have been prevented had his family taken him to a doctor. Several children from the church died in the 90’s. Another couple in the church already face charges involving the death of a toddler who passed away earlier this year. They are expected to go on trial next year.

Reaction to Baptist Store Yanking Magazine

LifeWay Christian Bookstores took the magazine Gospel Today off the shelves for its cover featuring five women pastors. WRCB-TV in Chattanooga spoke with one of the women on the cover about he controversy.

Former Pastor Gets Jail Time

A former Texas pastor is headed to jail. Donald Roger Clyde of Round Rock got a 5 year sentence for stealing about $700,000 from his church. He plead guilty to taking money from Fellowship at Forest Creek Church. Clyde turned himself in to police and has returned about half of the funds he stole to buy property, boats and go on expensive vacations.

Baptist Couple on BBC Show

A couple from Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama is appearing on a British reality show. Mark and Lynn Garnett are going will be featured on the BBC reality show World's Strictest Parents. They played host to two rebellious UK teens for eight days in July and August. They have three children of their own. The connection between the Garnett's and the reality show was Rick Burgess of the Rick and Bubba radio Show. He attends church with the Garnetts and recommended them for the program.

Falwell's University Gets Visit from Pro-Gay Group

WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Virginia reports on a pro-gay group's visit to the University founded by Jerry Falwell.

Amy's Tour

Six-time Grammy Award winner Amy Grant is planning a reunion tour this fall that features most of the band that accompanied her on the original Lead Me On concert tour. Grant will also be promoting her new release The Christmas Collection, just released this week. She’s hoping to get into the studio and record a few songs for her next album before the fall tour begins.

Pastor on Trial

A church trial started today and is expected to end tomorrow in Pittsburgh. At issue: whether a minister in the Presbyterian Church violated church law by conducting a marriage ceremony between two women. Janet Edwards was cleared in a her first hearing because charges were filed too late. The marriage ceremony took place in 2005.

Focus Cutting Jobs

James Dobson’s Focus on the Family plans to cut about 50 jobs in marketing, sales and distribution. Christian Book Distributors will take over the ministry's product distribution next year to cut costs. Orders for products have dropped as retailers (such as Wal-Mart) are moving into Christian product distribution.

Cult Leader Waives Extradition

Tony Alamo has waived his right to fight extradition to Arkansas from Arizona. The cult lead is accused of moving minors across state lines for sexual purposes. Sometime next week he’ll go back to Arkansas where his compound was raided last weekend. He was convicted of tax fraud in 1994 and served four years behind bars.

Students Confess Hanging Obama Image

George Fox University now says it will punish four students who confessed to hanging a likeness of Barack Obama from a tree on the Oregon campus. A fishing line was tied around the neck and a sign calling for the rejection of a scholarship program that helps minority students. But the issue may not be over with just the Christian school’s discipline. The FBI is looking into whether any civil rights were violated.

Jesus Poster at Public School

WJXT-TV in Jascksonville, Florida reports on a religious poster at an elementary school that's created controversy- because it mentions Jesus.

Complaints Filed against Churches

Americans United for Separation of Church and State has filed complaints against six churches, saying they violated IRS rules by endorsing a presidential candidate from the pulpit. The pastors deliberately made their choices public in an act of defiance against federal tax law, encouraged by the Christian legel group called the Alliance Defense Fund. The six are:

Bethlehem Baptist Church, Bethlehem, Georgia
Warroad Community Church, Warroad, Minnesota
Fairview Baptist Church, Fairview, Oklahoma
Calvary Chapel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
First Southern Baptist Church, Buena Park, California
New Life Church, West Bend, Wisconsin

The pastors of each church endorsed John McCain for president.

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.