Beatle Visit to India

Ringo Starr told reporters at a news conference in New York that he didn’t care for India when the Beatles made their famous visit to the country in 1968. At the time, the band had become followers of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. At a press conference to promote a benefit concert for teaching meditation to children, Starr said, "There were lepers without fingers and noses” and he left after 10 days because "the food was too spicy".

Osteen on Labels

"There was a time where I thought I don't want to be known as "an evangelical" because at the time that meant you were a Republican that was against everything. I think that's changed. That was a few years back. I don't want people to look at me as their minister and say he's a Republican and he's against this, that and the other because my church is made of up of all different types of people. In some ways I would agree with that. That's again probably back to a belief my dad had that he didn't get political because he didn't want to divide the audience. I feel that same way. I don't want to be categorized. Our message is about spreading Christ's love to everybody. If you look at somebody and say he's against that or that or he's on that side, to me people start turning you off because of that."

Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen in an interview with BeliefNet

Born Agains

A survey of self-described Christians and those who say they are Born Again.

Born agains are twice as likely to strongly agree that:
the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches;
that their life has been greatly transformed by their faith;
that a person can be under the influence of spiritual forces such as demons
to hold an unfavorable opinion of Wicca.

Born agains are twice as likely to strongly disagree that:
Satan is just a symbol of evil
that Jesus sinned while He lived on earth.

Born agains are three times as likely to strongly disagree that:
that the Holy Spirit is merely a symbol of God’s power or presence;2
that Mormons are Christians; and that the Bible, Koran and Book of Mormon teach the same truths.

Born agains are one-third more likely to strongly disagree that:
1.to have a definition of God as the omniscient, omnipotent creator and ruler of the world

Source: The Barna Group

MercyMe Makes Splash

MercyMe’s new album hit 18 on Billboards Top 200 Chart in its first week of release. The release is called “10” and sold nearly 30,000 units. It includes a new recording of their hit I Can Only Imagine which features the London Session Orchestra. The group has sold out shows across the country including venues seating up to 18,000. The tour has been broadcast on MercyMeTV.

Obama's Income

President Barack Obama and the first lady made $2.7 million last year. They gave $1400 to five churches. Less than one-percent of their income. And none of it went to the Trinity United Church of Christ. In 2007, the Obama’s gave $26,270 to the church. But this past year he separated from pastor Jeremiah Wright. In all, Obama donated $172,050 to charities, including $25,000 to CARE and the United Negro College Fund.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill earned $269,256 last year and gave just $1,885 to charity. That’s also less than one-percent of their income.

A Survey of Unchurched Americans

I am "spiritual" because I want to know more about "God or a higher supreme being":
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 73%
30 years old and older – Yes 62%

I would listen to what someone believes about Christianity:
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 89%
30 years old and older – Yes 75%

"I would be willing to study the Bible if a friend asked me to.”:
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 61%
30 years old and older – Yes 41%

I would attend church if it presented truth to them in an understandable way "that relates to my life now.":
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 63%
30 years old and older – Yes 47%

I would be more likely to attend if people at the church "cared for me as a person.":
20- to 29-year olds – Yes 58%

I would be willing to attend a small group:20- to 29-year olds – Yes 46%
30 years old and older – Yes 27%

Source: LifeWay Research

New Moody President

The Moody Bible Institute has picked its next president. Paul Nyquist will take over the reigns of the school founded in 1886 by evangelist D.L. Moody. Nyquist currently works with Avant Ministries, an international mission that develops churches around the world. He has also pastored churches in the mid-west. Besides the college, other ministries outreaches include Moody Publishers and Moody Radio.

Is the Bible Accurate?

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches?

Strongly Agree – 55%
Agreeing Somewhat -18%
Disagreed Somewhat - 13%
Strongly Disagree – 9%

Source: The Barna Group

Warren Skips Interview

This past Sunday, Rick Warren was supposed to appear on the ABC show hosted George Stephanopoulos "This Week". But the megachurch pastor decided not to go on the show to clarify his controversial remarks surrounding California’s proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage between a man and a woman.. His church said Warren was exhausted. Warren delivered his Easter sermon at his church in Southern California but was sick Saturday when the ABC interview was due to be taped. Fox News told viewers that Saddleback Church had put varnish on the pulpit right before the services and the fumes got to him. Some bloggers are suggesting that Warren is ducking the marriage controversy. The issue started when he told CNN's Larry King that he did not campaign for passage of the measure. He said, "I am not an anti-gay- or anti-gay-marriage activist. Never have been, never will be.”

Are Mormons Christians?

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe Mormons are Christians?

Strongly Agree – 18%
Agreeing Somewhat -21%
Disagreed Somewhat - 12%
Strongly Disagree – 17%

Source: The Barna Group

Ambassador to the Vatican

The Vatican isn’t happy with Barack Obama’s choices to serve as its US ambassador. The Holy See has apparently already turned down three candidates because of their support for abortion rights. One of them is Caroline Kennedy. The Vatican is also upset about Obama’s decision to lift a previous ban on embryonic stem cell research. The president travels to Italy in July and will meet with Pope Benedict XVI.

Most Important Purpose

A survey of self-described Christians. Would you agree that the most important purpose in your life is to “love God with all their heart, mind, strength and soul”?

Strongly Agree – 74%
Agreeing Somewhat -15%
Disagreed Somewhat - 7%
Strongly Disagree – 4%

Source: The Barna Group

Faith's Impact

A survey of self-described Christians. Are you contend that your religious faith has significantly impacted their life.

My faith had “greatly transformed” my life – 59%
My faith “has been helpful but has not greatly transformed” my life – 29%
My religious faith “has not made much of a difference” in who I am and how I live – 9%

Source: The Barna Group

Evil Spirits

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you a person can be under the influence of spiritual forces, such as demons or evil spirits?

Strongly Agree – 39%
Agreeing Somewhat -25%
Disagreed Somewhat - 10%
Strongly Disagree – 18%

Source: The Barna Group

Stolen Equipment Returned

WOAI-TV in San Antonio explains how a church got its stolen equipement back.

The Holy Spirit

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe the Holy Spirit is “a symbol of God’s power or presence but is not a living entity”?

Strongly Agree – 38%
Agreeing Somewhat -20%
Disagreed Somewhat - 9%
Strongly Disagree – 25%

Source: The Barna Group

No Gay Housing

Gay students will not get campus housing at Texas Christian University as originally planned. A new living learning area called the DiversCity Q community was supposed to open this fall. Eight students had signed up. TCU is associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Did Jesus Sin

A survey of self-described Christians. Do you believe Jesus sinned when He lived on earth?

Strongly Agree – 22%
Agreeing Somewhat -17%
Disagreed Somewhat - 9%
Strongly Disagree – 46%

Source: The Barna Group

The Bible vs Other Holy Books

A survey of self-described Christians. How does the Bible compares to other holy books? When faced with the statement that “the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truths”.

Strongly Agree – 19%
Agreeing Somewhat -22%
Disagreed Somewhat - 12%
Strongly Disagree – 28%

Source: The Barna Group

Belief About Satan

A survey of self-described Christians. Would you agree with the statement that Satan “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil" ?

Strongly Agree – 40%
Agree Somewhat - 19%
Disagree Strongly – 26%
Disagree Somewhat – 9%

Source: The Barna Group

Faith Groups Losing Gay Rights Fight

The Washington Post take a look at how some faith groups are losing their fight against gay rights.

Warren On Gay Marriage

Rick Warren spoke with Christianity Today magazine about recent media reports that he had changed his position on gay marriage:

In a Beliefnet interview.. Steve Waldman asked me about gay marriage. I said I believe marriage, that term, should be reserved for a man and a woman. I'm not saying same-sex couples don't love each other. I gave some examples of what I think shouldn't be considered to be marriage, like an older guy with a younger woman. Then [Waldman] said, "Are you saying that those are the same thing?" I said, "Oh sure." It made it sound like I was equating homosexuality with pedophilia and incest. I don't believe it, never have, and never would. I don't believe that, but because I made a commitment to not say anything about it, people just ran with it. They were looking for a new poster boy. There's a lot of hatred out there.

No More Christians

The Mosaic Church has hit the Crestview, Florida area with signs and commercials with the slogan No More Christians. A web with the same name promote a series of discussions planned at the church.

Christian But Not Conservative

CNN has a discussion of the growing number of Christians who are not politically conservative.

Obama Hosts Seder

Barack Obama will host a Seder tonight.It's believed to be the first time the traditional Passover meal has been celebrated at the White House.

Pop Winans Dies

The head of the Gospel singing Winans family has died in Nashville. Pop Winans was 74 years old, having suffered a heart attack and stroke in October. His children have won six Grammys and his last recording called Uncensored was nominated for a Grammy for best traditional gospel album in 2000.

Blessing of the Sun

NPR offers a look the Jewish "Blessing of the Sun".

Supreme Court Religious Affiliations

Roman Catholic: Chief Justice John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito

Jewish: Stephen Breyer, Ruth Badger Ginsburg

Protestant: John Paul Stevens

Episcopal: David Souter

Pastor Dies in Church

Pastor Rodney Bowling of Grace Point Baptist Church in the north Alabama town of Somerville was found dead inside his church yesterday. The 46-year-old apparently died of a heart attack. Bowling leaves behind three children.

Mags Dropped

The Navigators has decided to stop publication of its two magazines, Discipleship Journal and Pray! will be dropped in favor of developing a greater web presence.

Last year, Ignite Your Faith and CCM Magazine ceased publication. At the same time, Rick Warren has launched a magazine called the Purpose Driven Connection.

Is it Episcopal or Episcopalian?

You may have heard reporters refer to Episcopalian bishops and the Episcopalian Church. But here's how it should work. Episcopal is an adjective (She is an Episcopal priest). Episcopalian is a noun referring to a member of the Episcopal Church (She is an Episcopalian). An Episcopalian can be a minister, in the sense of ministering to others, and this can be either a lay or an ordained ministry. Priests are usually referred to as the Reverend So-and-So, not Reverend So-and-So. (And they're generally addressed as Father So-and-So, not Reverend that's like addressing a judge as Honorable.) Bishops are usually the Right Reverend So-and-So, and addressed as Bishop So-and-So. Bishops can be identified because they wear purple. Bishops are important in the Episcopal Church.

Disgraced Pastor Wants to Lead Again

Henry Lyons wants to lead the National Baptist Convention, USA again – despite the fact he was given more than five years in state prison for racketeering and grand theft. Lyon’s says he’s no longer the man he was a decade ago. The election for president of the denomination takes place in September. Current president William Shaw can’t run again. The only other declared candidate is Julius Scruggs who serves as pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Rick Warren Switch on Gay Marriage?

Some gay rights websites are suggesting that Rick Warren has switched his position on gay marriage after Warren appeared on CNN’s Larry King Live this week. The megachurch pastor told viewers, "I am not an anti-gay marriage activist. Never have been, never will be.."

10 Years Behind Bars for Praying

An Italian court hsa sentenced a pilot to 10 years in prison for praying instead of taking emergency steps to avoid a crash off the coast of Sicily that killed 16 people four years ago. 23 people survived. Chafik Gharby was flying the Tunisian bound airline when it developed problems. Investigators say it had a wrong part installed and Chafik could have glided the plane for a landing. Prosecutors claim he panicked and crashed the plane, praying when he should have been taking emergency measures. His voice on a recording can be heard asking from help from "Allah and Muhammad his prophet".

Focus Employee Indicted

A man who works in the Spanish broadcasting department of Focus on the Family is facing charges that he used the internet to arrange sex with a teenage girl. Juan Alberto Ovalle also narrates the Bible in Spanish on CDs for Trans World Radio. Police arrested him after he drove to meet the girl. She turned out to be an undercover officer.

Disgraced Leader Wants Comeback

Henry Lyons wants to lead the National Baptist Convention, USA again – despite the fact he was given more than five years in state prison for racketeering and grand theft. Lyon’s says he’s no longer the man he was a decade ago. The election for president of the denomination takes place in September. Current president William Shaw can’t run again. The only other declared candidate is Julius Scruggs who serves as pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church, in Huntsville, Alabama.

No war with Islam

"Let me say this as clearly as I can. The United States is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical."

A remark made by President Obama today in Turkey during his first visit to a Muslim-majority nation.

Mosques Point in Wrong Direction

About 200 mosques older in Islam's holiest city of Mecca point pilgrims in the wrong direct for prayers, according to the BBC. Mosques are supposed to indicate the direction of the most sacred Islamic site of an ancient cube-like building in Mecca's Grand Mosque called the Kaaba. The misleading Mosques in Mecca were spotted by people in high-rises.

One Year Ago.. Texas Polygamist Compound

More than 180 women and children were taken from The Yearn for Zion Ranch near Eldorado, Texas by Texas Child Protective Services one year ago. Jailed polygamous religious leader Warren Jeffs leads the breakaway Mormon sect. Reports from local media suggested the group had first refused to allow authorities on the compound. Police began a roadblock around the secluded retreat.

The End of Christian America

Newsweek offers this article on the fall of the number of self-identifying Christians in the US.

Jesus Sightings

A video of local newscasts about supposed sightings of Jesus and his mother in everyday objects.

Marriage Law Struck Down

Iowa’s high court says the state's same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. That makes Iowa the third state where marriage is legal. The Iowa Supreme Court ruling was unanimous. It upholds a lower court ruling that strikes the language limiting marriage to only between a man a woman. It will be at least several weeks before gay and lesbian couples can seek marriage licenses in Iowa because a request for a rehearing could be filed.

Housing Bubble

An economist for the International Monetary Fund found that during the last two housing booms, regions with high concentrations of evangelicals saw lower gains in home prices and less volatility than similar regions with fewer evangelical residents. Here's a charge showing the difference produced by the New York Times. Read the full story here.

A Survey of Pastors

More people from outside your church are asking for help.
Yes - 62%

You have more requests for help from church members.
Yes – 31%

Are some of your church members out of work?
Yes – 40%

Has your church has increased spending to help the needy.
Yes – 37%

You have recently given personally to people in need?
Yes – 27%

Source: LifeWay Research

Gingrich Becomes Catholic

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will be received into the Catholic Church at St. Joseph's Church in Washington this weekend.

Flood Victims' Faith

CNN offers this report on how faith is sustaining flood victims.

Judge: Under God OK

A Texas judge has dismissed a lawsuit asking that the words "under God" be taken out of the Texas pledge of allegiance recited each morning by public schoolchildren. David Croft claims it’s a violation of separation of church and state. He has three children who are enrolled at the Carrollton-Farmers School District.

The Robe

The Robe is out on DVD after a major restoration effort. The 1953 Biblical film was a critical and box office success. It chronicled what happened after Jesus’ crucifixion from the Roman point of view. It was the first film released CinemaScope. Based on a 1942 novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, the film featured Richard Burton as the Roman army officer charged with carrying out the crucifixion. He went on a search for the robe of Jesus and in the process became a devoteed Christian.

Paulk Dies

Earl Paulk has died in Atlanta. The megachurch pastor was in his 80's and had battled cancer for years. His Cathedral at Chapel Hill rose to a membership of 10,000 in the '90s but was later rocked by sex scandals. His son, D.E. Paulk is now leader of the church. For years the younger Paulk believed the elder was his uncle. But the biological connection beame public in 2007 after several women alleged they had affairs with Paulk. He was also accused of sexually abusing several children but denied the allegations.

Abortion Doc: Not Guilty

A Wichita jury has a found late-term abortion doctor not guilty of committing 19 counts of a misdemeanor stemming from his medical practice. Prosecutors accused George Tiller of failing to abide by a state law that requires an independent physician to consult on late-term abortions. But Tiller’s troubles are not over with just yet. The Kansas medical board says its investigating him over the same issues.

Obama Controversy at Notre Dame

Dobson's Rebel Son

A profile by the Denver Post of Ryan Dobson - James Dobson's son.

Does Satan Exist

Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church appeared on ABC's Nightline last night to face off on the question as to whether Satan exists or not. Here's a link to the show.

Evolution in Texas

The Texas State Board of Education has turned aside an effort to make public school teachers explain “weaknesses” in the theory of evolution during science class. The board deadlocked 7-to-7 on the proposal. The tie keeps in place a decision made by the board at the first of the year to do away with a rule that required the "strengths and weaknesses" of all scientific theories be taught.

Lesbian Ordination Stopped

A setback for gay rights supports in the Presbyterian Church, USA. The denomination has stopped the application for ordination of a lesbian deacon. The San Francisco presbytery had given Lisa Larges the green light. But a church commission overturned the decision. Larges has been turned down twice already because she is a lesbian.

Abortion Doc on Trial

Closing arguments are planned for tomorrow in the trial of a Kansas abortion doctor. George Tiller is accused of breaking a Kansas law requiring two physicians without legal or financial ties sign off on any late-term procedure. He's one of the few doctors in the country who perform abortions in the last trimester of pregnancy. Tiller took the stand yesterday and the defense rested today.

Fake Schuller Twitters

The 82-year-old founder of the Crystal Cathedral has an online imposter. Someone is pretending to be megachurch pastor Robert H. Schuller and already has 1000 Twitter followers. The company quickly suspended the account this week when the problem was brought to its attention. The posers posts indicated he or she knows a lot about Schuller’s background.

Schuller isn’t the first. A fake Stephen Colbert drew more than 70,000 followers.

Churches Hit by Recession

A CNN report on churches struggling with the recession.

Cleveland Church Closings

A CNN report on some Catholic faithful who are upset about plans to close churches on the west side of Cleveland.

Christian Book Expo

The Christian Book Expo drew a disappointing 1500 people at its first ever meeting in Dallas over the weekend.

In God We Still Trust

The St. Johns County School Board near Jacksonville, Florida is being sued by a group of parents over a song called In God We Still Trust. It was supposed to be included as part of a end-of-the-year school program but was cut when the complaints started. The parents was the school board to pay damages because – even though the children never sang the song in public - their kids had to learn the lyrics to it.

Amazing Race: Episode 6

On last night’s edition of The Amazing Race, the teams found themselves in the slums of India. Father and son Mel and Mike finish second. Two former fight attendants arrived last and were eliminated. The teams next head to Thailand.

Mel White is a one-time speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham who has now turned to gay-rights activism. He’s teamed with his son, Mike White who wrote the screen play for the films School of Rock and Nacho Libre.

Pastor Hands Out Shot Glasses

A Methodist pastor is making it a habit of handing out shot glasses at local bars. Glen Hanson of Cross Point United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa is already known for doing things a bit different. His congregation meets in a high school auditorium, candles are replaced by glow sticks on Christmas Eve and often his 140-pound dog on home visits. He handed out barf bags on Ash Wednesday to symbolize the need to cleanse ourselves. Hanson recently started advertising the church by passing out shot glasses at bars. Cross Point United Methodist Church is printed on the side.

Pastor Fined for Illustration

A pastor in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin got in trouble for an sermon illustration. John Putnam had a member fire a steel-tipped practice arrow across the front of the congregation at Pentecostals of Sheboygan County. One member stood to complain about it before the arrow was even fired. He was told to sit down and be quiet. When he complained again, Putnam asked the man to leave. Police gave the pastor and the man who shot the arrow several citations. Each will pay more than $100 in fines. Putnam was talking about spiritual armor: The helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit and the belt of truth.

Theft of Church Money

"Satan had a big part in the theft."

An Arlington, Washington woman quoted in a local newspaper who worked at the Arlington Free Methodist Church. She's charged with forging the pastor's name on more than 80 checks worth more than $73,000. She called a detective last year and confessed to stealing money from a former employer.

The New Calvinisim

TIME magazine takes a look at how Calvinism is influencing American Evangelicalism.

College Gets Court Victory Against College Group

It's OK for the University of California’s Hastings College of the Law to refuse to recognize the Christian Legal Society because the student group will not allow gay and lesbian members. That's the ruling of the 9th Circuit Appeals court, upholding a 2006 ruling by a San Francisco judge. The CLS has more than 160 chapters across the country at law schools.

Amazing Race: Episode 5

On the most recent episode of the CBS show Amazing Race, Mel and Mike had to deliver a Russian bride to her wedding and Mike had to strip down to his underwear before going for a 1.4 mile run with two local runners. They finished in 4th place.

Mel White is a one-time speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham who has now turned to gay-rights activism. He’s teamed with his son, Mike White who wrote the screen play for the films School of Rock and Nacho Libre.

Christians on American Idol

An M-TV story on Christian signers on American Idol.

A second article on reaction to first story.

Fast-Growing Methodist Church Drops Out

Witchata's GracePoint Community Church is breaking away from the United Methodist Church. The fast-growing 700-member congregation will meet this Sunday at a local high school. The Bishop of the Kansas-West Conference of the United Methodist Church says the conference would maintain its own GracePoint United Methodist Church. Bryson Butts resigned as GracePoint United Methodist pastor this past Sunday and says the new church has no beef with the United Methodist Conference. The church became known for attracting a young audience through use of secular music and sophisticated light and sound. There are even advertisements paid for by GracePoint that says Church Doesn't Suck.

Haggard on Divorce Court

He once lead one of America's largest Evangelical churches. Now Former megachurch pastor Ted Haggard and his wife will appear on the April 1st edition of the TV show Divorce Court. Judge Lynn Toler will interview the couple about how their marriage after it became public that he was having a sexual relationship with a Denver male escort. Producers aren't saying how much they are paying Haggard for the appearance.

One Year ago..Wright and Obama

One Year ago.. Barack Obama dropped Jeremiah Wright, from his African American Religious Leadership Committee after controversial remarks he made surfaced about Aids and 9/11. Obama said at the time that he was still a member Wright's church of but decided to distance himself from remarks the mega-church pastor.

Wright has suggested that the U.S. brought the 9/11 attacks on itself and accused the federal government of spreading the AIDS virus in the African-American community. Wright has since retired from the 8000-member Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Obama was married at Trinity and his three daughters were baptized there. He gave $22,500 to the church in 2006 but says he was unaware of Wright's remarks until 2007.

Inauguration Lawsuit Dismissed

A judge has thrown out a lawsuit filed to stop references to God at the presidential inauguration as unconstitutional. Atheist activist Michael Newdow and the American Humanist Association wanted to stop traditional prayer and references like "so help me God”. A request for an injunction was turned down just days before the inauguration. The decision could be appealed.

Johnson Lands at Midwestern

Jerry Johnson will become vice president of academic development at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He resigned as the president of Criswell College in Dallas last year because of disagreements with chancellor and First Baptist Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress along with the trustees.

Grassley Responds

Here is Senator Charles Grassley's reaction to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability giving its stamp of approval to Oral Roberts University and Joyce Meyer Ministries. Six Evangelical organizations including Meyer has come under congressional investigation.

Smith's Deny School Pushes Scientology

Will Smith and his wife opened a private school this year based on instructional methods developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. But Jada Pinkett Smith insists it’s not a Scientology school. Students are pushed to keep retaking tests until they score 100%.

The New Village Leadership Academy has 60 students and hopes to expand. She’s also been tapped to star in a new series on TNT called HawthoRNe. The couple have two children, ages eight and ten.

Battling Bus Ads

An atheists' group and a church are going head-to-head – on city buses in Madison, Wisconsin. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is spending more than $2000 signs that will go inside 50 buses. Pilgrims Covenant Church is buying space on the outside of nearly a dozen buses for about $5000.

The atheist signs urge riders to give up religion with quotes like this from Gone With the Wind which says, "As my ancestors are free from slavery, I am free from the slavery of religion."

The church ad offer Psalm 14:1: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."

ORU & Joyce Meyer

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability is giving its stamp of approval to Oral Roberts University and Joyce Meyer Ministries. The ministries received the accreditation after recently coming under fire for their financial practices.

Joyce Meyer Ministries is one of six Evangelical organizations under investigation by Senator Charles Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee. Democrats have supported the probe as well. Others under review included Without Walls International Church, Eddie Long Ministries, Kenneth Copeland Ministries and Creflo Dollar.

GOP Chair on Abortion Furor

Republican Chairman Michael Steele says he is pro-life and opposes abortion. Steele trying to quiet complaints about an article in GQ magazine that quoted him as saying abortion is "an individual choice." He explains the article quote as simply his way of explaining that his mom, who gave him up for adoption, had the option of getting an abortion or giving birth to him. Steele is a Roman Catholic who served as Maryland’s lieutenant governor.

They Said It.. Victoria Jackson

"My motivation is gone, because [Obama] will punish me if I'm successful. That's how you start communism, is just take -- Cuba! Obama wants to be Castro."

Former Saturday Night Live performer and outspoken Evangelical Victoria Jackson in an interview with Fox News

Jesus and the Chicken Business?

Fortune Magazine says prayer may be the poultry industry's secret ingredient.

Abortion Excommunication

The Catholic Church in Brazil is at odds with the country’s health professionals and many in the religious community. The church excommunicated a doctor who performed an abortion on a 9-year-old. The girl was pregnant with twins after being raped by her stepfather. The abortion was performed during her 4th month of pregnancy. Archbishop Don Jose Cardoso Sobrinho also excommunicated the girl’s mother and the medical team involved in the procedure. What has many in the community upset is that the stepfather was not excommunicated.

Great sex: God's way

The Cullman City Hall in northern Alabama is getting complaints about signs along rural highways put by a local church. The message: Great sex: God's way. They were put up by Daystar Church pastor Jerry Lawson. The Church of God-affiliated congregation is going through a month-long series on the subject.

Local evangelist Roland Belew believes the campaign is inappropriate. The Atlanta Journal Constitution as saying, "Talking about sex ain't gonna get nobody to heaven."

Details on Pastor Shooting

Fred Winters tried to run from his attacker after they exchanged words, according to investigators. They say Terry Sedlacek shot Winters in the heart and he bled to death in front of his congregation at the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois’. Sedlacek faces a first-degree murder charge. He’s in serious condition at a St. Louis hospital after suffering a self-inflicted stab wound to the throat. While investigators are getting a clearer picture of what happened, they still aren’t sure what motivated the shooting though a note on a calendar indicated he planned the attack. Sedlacek had enough ammunition to kill 30 people. Winters had two children and served as First Baptist’s pastor for more than 20 years.

Your Brain and Religion

Researchers say there’s special place in the brain for religion. Jordan Grafman of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says his team noted the blood flow of subjects while being questioned volunteers about their religious beliefs. Details are in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Survey: Fewer Christians

The number of Americans who don't believe in religion is rising.

Grieving Church Gives Thanks

Mark Jones of First Baptist Church in Maryville thanks well-wishers for their messages in the wake of a deadly shooting at the church.

Shooter Had Mental Problems

We’re finding out more about the man who police say shot and killed the pastor of an Illinois baptist church. Authorities haven't given his name but indicate he developed emotional problems after contracting Lyme disease. The man is in the hospital, recovering from injuries he received after shooting past Fred Winters at Maryville’s First Baptist Church.

Another Korn member becomes a Christian

A second member of the metal band Korn says he has become a Christian. Brian Head Welch left Korn in 2005 after becoming a Christian.

Now Bassist Reginald Arvizu (known as Fieldy) is set to release a book that chronicles his journey from drug addiction to Christ. In Got the Life: My Journey of Addiction, Faith, Recovery and Korn, Arvizu says he stopped taking drugs when his father told him his dying wish was for his son to find God. He’s working on a new album with Korn and his own project called Stillwell.

Religion in America

Here’s the finding of a new survey of religion in America, set to be released today:

• The percentage. of people who call themselves in some way Christian has dropped more than 11% in a generation.

• The number of Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990 (from 8% to 15%)

• The only religious groups with more adherents than the unaffiliated are Catholics and Baptists.

• There are fewer Catholics in New England and fewer Baptists in the South

• The number of Baptists fell from 19% to about 16%.

• The number of Methodists is down to 5%. It was 8% in 1990.

• Muslims have doubled from 3% to 6%.

• The percentage of Catholics in the US is about the same as 1990 (now 25%)

Source: American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS)

Missionary Plane Missing

An Alabama missionary pilot, his wife and five others including two sick children are feared dead after his plane went down in bad weather in Venezuela. Bob Norton’s father died in a similar plane crash nearly three decades ago while serving in Mexico. Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Institute stopped looking for the plane after 72 hours went by and no crash site was found in the dense jungle. Norton works with Gospel Ministries International and was on his way too have the plane inspected when he was asked to take two sick children to a medical center. More information

Amazing Race: Episode 4

Tonight's CBS show Amazing Race took the teams to the cold of Siberia. One team is made up of Mel and his son Mike. Mel White is a one-time speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham who has now turned to gay-rights activism. He’s teamed with his son, Mike White who wrote the screen play for the films School of Rock and Nacho Libre.

The White's started episode four in first place. During this show, teams had to stack large woodpiles or construct shutters for windows. The father/son duo kept their usual happy-go-lucky way despite having problems with their woodpile and accidentally knock it down. They decide to switch to the windows. But after making them, they can't find the house that needs them.

In the next leg of the race, one team member must ride a bobsled down the hill in less than 4 minutes while keeping track of certain letters along the way. The letters are then used to unscramble the name of a famous Russian playwright.

Despite their problems, Mel and Mike end up finishing in sixth place and avoid elimination.

Church Shooting News Conference

The Illinois State Police hold a press conference after a pastor is killed during a service at a Maryville, Illinois, church.

Pastor Killed During Service

The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois was gunned down in the pulpit during this morning's early service. When the attacker’s gunned jammed, two parishioners tackled him. Pastor Fred Winters did not survive the attack but the parishioners only suffered minor knife wounds. The unidentified gunman is in serious condition. The church is located just east of St. Louis. Here's video from KMOV-TV.

Anonymous Donation

Some left a check for $3,255 at Dallas' Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. According to the Dallas Morning News, a note signed by “Michael” said the gift was to atone for past crimes. The writer lists 14 crimes including stealing a car and shop lifting. No one at the church knows anybody by the name on the check. The pastor believes the donation may be in response to a 12-step program.

Texas Baptists Struggle for $

Some Texas Baptists may tap their emergency reserve fund. The Baptist General Convention of Texas saw income drop 12% in January and is paving the way to get to the extra money if the trend continues. Staff and budgets have already been cut. The group of about 5500 congregations is also battling against the more conservative Southern Baptists of Texas Convention for members.

Snoop Dog Goes N.O.I.

Rapper Snoop Dogg has joined Louis s Farrakhan's Nation of Islam. He attended the radical group's annual Saviors’ Day event in Chicago. Farrakhan has a history of making anit-Jewish and Anit-American comments.

Prof Calls Student "Fascist Bastard"

Jonathan Lopez says his speech professor called him a "fascist bastard" after Lopez read two Bible verses about marriage during a presentation offering his views on God and the miracles he believed he had experienced in his life. Lopez is now suing Los Angeles City College and John Matteson, who refused to give Lopez a grade. Instead, Matteson told Lopez he ought to "ask God what your grade is." The suit claims Lopez had to put up with ridicule the rest of the semester. However, Lopez did receive an “A’ for the class even though his religion speech never received a grade.

Kathy Ireland

“(My) best friend is my Rock, Anchor, Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ… All things are possible with God.”

Former supermodel and now outspoken Christian Kathy Ireland as quoted by Christian Today (Australia). She has a new book coming out in April called Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity.

Economy Hits Christian Media

• Salem Communications has cut 10% of its jobs and 5% off salaries. Salem runs about 100 Christians stations and has seen its stock price drop 74% this past year.
• Moody Radio with more than 700 outlets has moved to 80% talk.
• The nation’s largest Christian TV network, TBN, has had an uncertain number of lay offs. The network has debuted a dozen new shows recently - an unusually high number.
• James Dobson’s Focus on the Family has slashed 30% of its workforce in the last five years – that about 450 jobs.
• Megachurches with radio ministries has gone from 44% in 2000 to 24% in 2008.
• Megachurches with TV ministries has gone from 38% in 2000 to 23% in 2008.