Kids in Political Ad about Gay Marriage

Some parents in San Francisco are upset that their children have been used in a commercial about gay marriage. A ballot measure (Proposition 8) would prohibit same-sex marriage in California. KGO-TV has the details.

Obama Christian Radio Ad

There are some new ads for Barack Obama's presidential campaign running on Christian radio. The Matthew 25 Network political action committee can up with the announcements that will be heard on stations in Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina. You can listen to one of them here.

Abortion Photos

An Albuquerque church is stirring controversy with its anti-abortion message. KOB-TV reports.

Church Discovery

What a church found inside its new building in Jacksonville, Florida led members to build a bond fire. WPTY-TV in Memphis has the story.

Schuller boots Schuller

Robert A. Schuller is no longer a part of the Hour of Power syndacated television show. His father, Robert H. Schuller, took him off program after a lengthy struggle over the direction of the ministry. Among the disagreements between farther and son was the the younger Schuller’s decision to invite guest pastors to speak and changes to attract a younger congregation. He (the younger one) remains senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral.

Breaking Down the Vote

Barack Obama is making "significant inroads" among Christian voters, according to The Barna Group. The research group says the numbers break out this way among “born again” voters:
John McCain – 45%
Barack Obama – 43%

Evangelicals represent about 9% of likely voters. Here’s how they break down:
John McCain – 63%
Barack Obama – 23%
Undecided – 12%

Obama had only 17% of Evangelical voters in May.

Non-evangelical voters:
Barack Obama – 48%
John McCain – 41%
Undecided – 9%

Voters associated with other faiths:
Barack Obama – 74%
John McCain – 14%

Atheists and agnostics:
Barack Obama – 50%
John McCain – 28%

Church Mystery Shopper

WOAI-TV in San Antonio reports on a new way to shop for a church home.

Voting for Racial Minorities

Would you vote for a racial minority if he or she was nominated by your party?
Percentage who responded “yes”.

non-Hispanic white Americans - 84%
non-Hispanic white Americans who say the Bible should be taken literally – 75%
non-Hispanic white Americans who say the Bible should be taken literally and attend church with an all-white congregation – 69%

Source: Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion

Dobson Interview with Palin Raises Questions

An interview conducted by James Dobson on his radio program with Sarah Palin has stirred controversy. The Republican vice presidential candidate told the broadcaster John McCain opposes federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. But McCain wrote to the Science Debate 2008, "While I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, I believe clear lines should be drawn that reflect a refusal to sacrifice moral values and ethical principles for the sake of scientific progress.” Even some radio ads tout McCain’s support for the funding. FactCheck.org even included a post pointing out that Barack Obama’s ads saying McCain opposed stem cell research were wrong. The McCain campaign says it will be his views that are implemented should they win the election and not those of the vice presidential candidate.

ORU Settles Lawsuit

A legal battle over the leadership at Oral Roberts University is over. The school has cut a deal with a couple of former professors. They filed a lawsuit claiming they were let go after revealing financial improprieties on the part of then school president Richard Roberts and his wife. The scandal led to Roberts departure though he denied any wrongdoing. A $70 million donation from billionaire an Oklahoma City businessman has cut the ORU debt from more than $50 million to about $18 million.

Baptist Leader: Birth Control Pills = Murder

Thomas White says taking birth control pills is "murder of a life" He made the comments at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth earlier this month. A video showing the Baptist leader making the remarks has been making the rounds on the Internet. White is a mentor for students at the seminary.

Christians Persecuted in Iraq

Iraqi Christians who refuse to convert to Islam or leave Mosul are being told they will be killed.

Church Cuts Deal with Denomination

Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church has agreed to shell out $1.75 million to keep its building. The Tulsa, Oklahoma megachurch will pay its old parent denomination – the Presbyterian Church, USA. Kirk of the Hills is now aligned with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Warren Update

Rick Warren’s personal assistant says Jaime Warren, who is married to the megachurch pastor’s son, is doing as well as can be expected. She remains in the hospital, recovering from many hours of brain surgery. Warren gave birth to her son five weeks prematurely in August. Her father-in-law did not preach Sunday and it is not clear when Rick Warren will return to the pulpit. Read the notes he sent to the congregation here.

Bomb Scare at Christian University

A suspicious package turned up on the campus of Cedarville University near Dayton, Ohio yesterday. The uproar at the Baptist school led to a Dayton Police Bomb Squad. investigation. The package, covered in odd scribblings was found in a ministry center where the university holds a daily chapel session. It was moved to a parking lot where authorities found.. chocolates inside. It was part of a game played by students who were supposed to search for the box around campus.

Rick Warren's Family Crisis

Below are some of the notes written by Saddleback pastor Rick Warren to his congregation about his current family crisis involving his daughter-in-law :

Kay and I, and our entire family are deeply grateful for your prayers for Jaime and her battle with a brain tumor.

SATURDAY
Jaime was hospitalized for blurred vision, instability, and headaches. A CT Scan revealed a massive tumor at the base of her brain.

SUNDAY
My 25 year old daughter-in-law, Jaime, (Josh's wife) is facing her second life-threatening health crisis in less than two months. Seven weeks ago, Jaime went into labor five weeks early. They discovered the baby was in the breech position and an emergency C-section was ordered because the baby's heart rate began to drop. Cole was not breathing when he was born, and it took great skill from the medical personnel to resuscitate him.

TUESDAY
After getting 3 professional opinions on the nature of the tumor, we've moved Jaime to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The UCLA chief of neurosurgery has taken Jaime's case because of its risk and complexity.

WEDNESDAY 10 AM
Jaime was just rolled into the operating room for her 16 hour brain surgery. We now know the premature birth and emergency C-section of Cole likely saved Jaime's life. She could have died pushing in a normal delivery. What we often think is a problem (at that moment) is often a protection.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT 11 pm
Hour 13 of Jaime's surgery. We are told the tumor is tangled with all of the nerves on the left side of her brain, pushing its way into the brain.

THURSDAY 6 AM
After almost 20 hours, Jaime leaves the operating room. She'll now be in recovery for several hours.

THURSDAY 10:30 AM
VERY BAD NEWS. A post-op CT Scan shows that Jaime is bleeding internally and building pressure on her brain. This is life-threatening, so doctors must go back to the operating room, reopen the wound, find the cause of the bleeding, and stop it. This will take another 4 ½ hours.

THURSDAY 3 PM
The second surgery stops two areas of internal bleeding. The doctor frankly discusses the possible long term damage.

THURSDAY 5 PM
Josh just got to see Jaime for the first time in 32 hours. It was only 30 seconds but she opened her eyes. She is on a breathing machine and can't speak but can move all four of her extremities. The next 24 hours will be extremely critical. Our family is all worn out too.I love you and I'm grateful for you.

Rick Warren
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network

Ohio Evangelicals

CNN reports on the Evangelical vote in Ohio.

Call for IRS Investigation

IRS asked to investigate Little Rock church for involvment in politics. KLRT-TV reports.

Rick Warren's Family Tragedy

Rick Warren is asking is congregation to pray for the recovery of his daughter-in-law from multiple brain surgeries. The pastor of Southern California’s Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life says 25-year-old Jaime Warren had to have emergency surgery after a she was diagnosed with a massive life-threatening brain tumor after she was admitted for blurred vision and headaches. Warren gave birth to a son in August, when an emergency C-section might have saved her life because she “could have died pushing in a normal delivery” Warren writes. Read the notes by clicking here.

Palin on Faith

Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin tells CBN in a new interview that she's been a target because of her faith. She says:

"I think the saddest part of that is that faith, not just my faith, faith and God in general has been mocked through this campaign, and that breaks my heart, and that is unfair for others who share a faith in God and choose to worship our Lord in whatever private manner that they deem fit, and my faith has always been pretty personal."

See the video or read the full story here.

Actress' Former Boyfriend Faces Prison

Actress Anne Hathaway's former boyfriend will be sentenced this week for his involvement in a church scam that Raffaello Follieri plead guilty to cheating investors out of millions. He claimed he could he could buy Catholic property at bargain prices. Because he had family connections to the Vatican. The Italian businessman used the money on a lavish lifestyle.

Osteen's on Happiness

Megachurch pastor Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria talk about her new book on achieving happiness and living a fulfilling life.

Fireproof Numbers

Fireproof fell out of the box office top ten this weekend. The faith-based drama took in about $2.7 million for a total of $20.7 million since it was released. The surprise hit could end up with $30 million.

Pastor Plays College Football in his 50's

Fox News has the story of a 51 year old college football player. Who's also a pastor.

Budgets and the Bible

Baptist Pastor Bryan Wright tells CNN why he believes the best financial advice comes from the Bible. Wright is is pastors the 7,400 plus member Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in northwest metro Atlanta.

The Outlaw Larry Norman

There’s a new documentary out about Contemporary Christian Music pioneer Larry Norman. Fallen Angel: The Outlaw Larry Norman by David Di Sabatino tells the story of Norman’s alleged abandoned son and dips into questionable business dealings. Norman died of heart failure earlier this year in Salem, Oregon at the age of 60. He stirred controversy in the 70’s with songs like Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music? and I wish We’d all Been Ready. The Gospel Music Association inducted him into the group’s Hall of Fame in 2001. He introduced Randy Stonehill to Christianity and produced his first few albums.

Fire Grows in Theaters

Fireproof expands to more than 900 theaters this weekend. That’s 100 more than last weekend. Made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, it has grossed more than $17 million.

Meanwhile, The Love Dare book, which is mentioned in the movie is now on top of the New York Times bestseller list for paperback advice books. It was written by the brothers who wrote the screenplay for the movie.

Southern Gospel on Digital Radio

A radio station in Springfield, Ohio says it is the first to broadcast a southern gospel format on a multicast channel. When radio stations switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, they are able to send more than one signal to recievers. WEEC-FM HD2 says it is programming mostly music. It is a non-commercial broadcast facility.

While the FCC has not mandated a date for all radio stations to make the digital switch as it has television broadcasters, many stations are already broadcast on both bands. The 1,700-plus HD Radio channels on the air covering more than 83% of the country. The first wave of HD Radios were pricey, up to $500. New radios just coming out will include models for less than $100.

Reba McEntire & Reincarnation

Reba McEntire says she believes in reincarnation. The country singer had previously professed her Christian belief. She tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

I will get flak from Christians who will say I can't be a Christian if I believe this. That's true, and I'm sorry, but this is how I live my life, this is what I believe. I believe I have spent time with my son Shelby before. I believe I have spent time with other people in my life before. Who knows? Maybe I'm part Buddhist."

Spotting Mental Illness

A large number of pastors can’t spot mental illness. That’s the finding of a study conducted at Baylor University in Texas. Researchers sent people to their pastors who were previously diagnosed by a licensed mental health provider as having a serious mental illness. About a third of the pastors said the parishioner did not really have a mental illness but the problem was spiritual in nature. Women were more likely than men to have their mental disorders dismissed and the researchers say conservative churches were more likely to be dismissive of concerns over mental illness. The results of the study are in the Journal Mental Health, Religion and Culture.

Baylor Paying for Test Scores

Baylor University is paying students to retake the SAT if they can raise their scores. Freshmen get a $300 campus bookstore credit along with $1,000 in merit scholarship if they boost their total by 50 points. Nearly three out of ten students took up the challenge, raising the average SAT score average for incoming freshmen at the Texas school ten points higher (to 1210). Some students and faculty have complained that it is inappropriate for a Christian institution to pay for higher scores in order to achieve better rankings among colleges. Baylor's Faculty Senate passed a motion criticizing the effort as "academically dishonest.”

Gates Gives Millions to World Vision

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $6.4 million to World Vision. The funds will go to aid farmers in Angola's central highlands, most of whom are women. More than a third of the country has been displaced because of a war that has ravaged the nation for three decades. The Christian relief organization has had a presence in Angola for about 20 years.

Lawsuit Against God

A Nebraska judge has thrown out a lawsuit against God. The judge says, "There can never be service effectuated on the named defendant. State Senator Ernie Chambers had filed the complaint against the Almighty, asking that he be prevented from unleashing natural disasters. Chambers argued that since God is all-knowing, he does have notice.

Wallet Stolen from Church

While Rob Hamby was speaking to the congregation at Fort Worth Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, someone was stealing his wallet. His briefcase was taken from the church office as he talked about showing mercy. Security cameras caught images of a man and woman who then went on a shopping spree for luxury items.

Jailed for Giving a Spanking

A South Carolina pastor is facing charges after he spanked a 4-year-old boy. Michael Belcher of Lakeview Baptist Church in Pickens is accused of assault. He asked the parents for permission before discipling the boy at the preschool. The parents agreed but filed charges when they found he left bruises on the child. The past is out on a $7500 bond.

More Liberal in College

A new survey show college students become more liberal from the time the move from freshman to juniors and then move more conservative after graduation. Researchers at UCLA claim it’s not left-leaning professors but other students that cause the drift away from the right.

Do you support legalized abortion?
As freshman: 52% said “yes”. The same group as college juniors: 60% said “yes”.

Do you support "legal marital status" for gay couples?
As freshman: 54% said “yes”. The same group as college juniors: 66% said “yes”.

The research is based on a sample of some 15,000 students who entered 136 colleges in 2004 and a second sample when they became juniors.

Do you support laws prohibiting homosexual relationships?
As freshman: 31% said “yes”. The same group as college juniors: 21% said “yes”.

Would you say that you “never” attend religious services?
As freshman: 19% said “yes”. The same group as college juniors: 37% said “yes”.

Would you call yourself "liberal" or "far left"?
At graduation 24% said “yes”. The same group six years later: 30% said “yes”.

Would you call yourself "conservative" or "far right"?
At graduation 28% said “yes”. The same group six years later: 31% said “yes”.

Source: UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute

A survey of 1200 Megachurches

Megachurches that identify themselves as “predominately conservative”:
2005 - 51%
2008 - 33%

Megachurches that identify themselves as “somewhat conservative”:
2005 - 33%
2008 - 44%

Megachurches that identify themselves as “right in the middle”:
2005 - 11%
2008 - 17%

Megachurches that identify themselves as “theologically moderate”:
2000 - 12%
2008 - 6%

Megachurches that identify themselves as “evangelical”:
2000 - 48%
2008 - 65%

Source: The Hartford Institute for Religion Research

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.