| Site Map | Contacts | Links | Newsletter | |
News:
Religious
Note: Due to the archiving policies of the various news Websites some links on this page may no longer be valid. All links will take you away from the IBSS Site - use your browser's "back" button to return to this page.
December 2004
December 7
Power center
driven by religion to reshape nation
Home School Legal Defense Association has taken on the appearance of a political
party in its own right, with an evangelical Christian mission to shape the
American culture and change the face of government, the news media and international
affairs (Akron Beacon Journal, Oh.)
Using
the Bible to support the wrong cause
Today's Christians who oppose homosexuality are akin to generations of similar
Christians who found in the Bible strong arguments to support slavery, scorn
Jews, demean women and, for good measure, condemn liquor (Steve Gushee,
Palm Beach Post, Fla.)
Giving
the law a religious perspective
The Rev. Jerry Falwell's Liberty University is part of a movement around
the nation that brings a religious perspective to the law (The New York
Times)
10
questions for Billy Graham
How he's feeling, how many crusades he has left in him, what he thinks of
politics, and other issues (Time)
A Modest
Step Toward Unity
Richard John Neuhaus on the Catholic bishops' decision to join Christian
Churches Together.
Interview by Rob Moll.
Lesbian Methodist Minister Defrocked.
The
Virgin Birth? Come on!
Both Newsweek and Time have Jesus on their covers, and neither article quotes
an evangelical scholar in its attempt to narrate how Christians concocted
the story of the birth of Jesus.
Conservative
Christians protest movie on Kinsey
Conservative Christian groups across the country are protesting a film about
the life of researcher Alfred C. Kinsey, calling it a Hollywood whitewash
of the man they hold largely responsible for a revolution and a panoply
of related ills, from high divorce rates to AIDS and child abuse (The
Washington Post)
Killing
with Kindness
Why is the church against euthanasia in instances where people are in terrible
pain? Answered by David P. Gushee.
Pop Love for
a War-Torn World
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is classic U2, with a prescription for healing
the world. By Scott Calhoun
Jim
Carrey: 'Life is too beautiful'
"I'm a Buddhist, I'm a Muslim, I'm a Christian. I'm whatever you want
me to be … it all comes down to the same thing" (60 Minutes).
November 2004
November 21
Reaching
the Light
A review of On Broken Legs: A Shattered Life, a Search for God, a Miracle
That Met Me in a Cave in Assisi. Reviewed by Elissa Elliott.
Supreme
Court considers case of conversion and death penalty
All eyes are on the Supreme Court this week, at least indirectly, and it's
not even June. There's Rehnquist's cancer, internet rumors
that Bush is considering Thomas as chief justice, debate on the influence
Sen. Arlen Specter might have over nominations, speculation on whether Alberto
Gonzalez is now out of the running … and even an actual court case—the
federal government's request
that the Supreme Court take up the case of Oregon's assisted suicide law. But
yesterday, the justices considered another interesting case that has something
to do with religion: Brown
v. Payton. Weblog summarized
this case back in May: It has to do with a California prosecutor's telling
a jury not to consider murderer William Payton's conversion to Christianity
when it sentenced him.
A home school smear
The Akron (Oh.) Beacon Journal has been running a series on home
schooling that started
out interesting. The theme is that there's little
hard data on home schooling, whether you're talking about its growth,
academic success, or other issues. But it quickly took some bad turns. "Some
parents use laws as easy way to give up on education," said the
headline for an article on truancy. Uh-oh. "Racists
can use home schools to train youths," said another. Yikes! Today,
it gets even worse: "Home
schoolers may be no safer in their homes."
Dobson
shifts power to focus on the politics
The child psychologist and influential voice of conservative moral values
had a lot riding on the election of 2004. (The Denver Post)
Falwell
to form 'Faith' coalition
Mathew Staver, president of the Orlando-based Liberty Counsel, will be the
vice chairman. The Rev. Jonathan Falwell, Mr. Falwell's second-oldest son,
will be executive director. Tim LaHaye — co-author of the best-selling
apocalyptic "Left Behind" fiction series — will be the board
chairman. (The Washington Times)
The Chinese
Church's Delicate Dance
A conversation with the head of the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement.
By Mark Galli.
Lost
Tribe Found?
Jewish group in India seeks return to Israel. By S. David.
New
Bible translation returns to Hebrew roots
Biblical scholar Robert Alter's major new English translation of the first
five books of the Hebrew Bible -- alternately called the Five Books of Moses,
the Torah or Pentateuch -- has some critics manning the barricades while
others are applauding his efforts to return the work to its original Hebrew
meanings and majestic repetitions. (Reuters)
The
Da Vinci codswallop
World's best-selling novel got its key facts wrong. (The Mirror,
U.K.)
Couple
arrested after church workers fear child sacrifice
A Farmington woman who allegedly said she wanted to "sacrifice"
at least one of her children in a local church on Wednesday is scheduled
to face child endangerment charges in court today, along with her boyfriend
(The Union Leader, Manchester, N.H.)
Virgin Mary Sandwich Auction Draws Cheesy Spoofs.
November 8
The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, 10 Years Later
Historian Mark Noll's The
Scandal of the Evangelical Mind has arguably shaped the evangelical
world (or at least its institutions) more than any other book published
in the last decade. In the October issue of First Things, Noll looks at
what
has changed and what remains in his critique: "The scandal of the
evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind."
(First Things has devoted much
space to discussing the book over
the years.)
Values
vote a powerful new force
A powerful political creature was born - or born again - on Tuesday: the
values voter (The Denver Post). Also Evangelical
Christians credited in Bush win and "Feeding
a monster who has the party by its tail.
Kerry loses
his faith
Catholic Kerry lost this week because he lost the Catholic vote (Paul Kengor,
The American Spectator).
Separation
of Church and Store
God bless Russell Shorto: In this week's New York Times Magazine cover story,
"Faith
at Work," you can tell that he's really, really trying to present
a fair, understanding, even sympathetic portrait of marketplace ministry.
Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Back
to the Basics
Christian-Muslim violence requires a 'new' missions strategy: Forgiveness
and love. By Obed Minchakpu in Jos.
Modern
China rethinks Confucianism
The once-reviled teachings of the ancient Chinese sage and statesman Confucius
have made a comeback and are being taught to some five million students
across the country (The Straits Times, Singapore).
Can This
Institution Be Saved?
A curious alliance of helping professionals is working to rebuild marriage
in a culture of divorce. By Tim Stafford.
Overhaul for
religious teaching
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority says pupils should study other
faiths alongside Christianity to help foster understanding and respect (BBC).
Living with
Fundamentalists
Spirit and Flesh documents life in a Baptist church. Reviewed by
Cindy Crosby.
October 2004
October 24
Pat
Robertson takes back "word from the Lord" on election
By now, no doubt you've seen the news about Pat Robertson's Tuesday
interview on CNN's Paula Zahn Now, wherein he claimed that President
Bush told him there would be no casualties in the Iraq war.
Failed
apocalyptic prophecy by U.S. Millerites had historic impact, book claims
In his Borderland Religion, Simon Fraser University professor Jack Little
argues a failed apocalyptic prophecy by the radical and powerful U.S.-based
Millerite movement was a watershed moment in Canada's rejection of the fire-and-brimstone
religious culture of the U.S. identity (National Post, Canada).
Former TBN
Employee Alleges Gay Tryst With Paul Crouch
TBN boss paid $425,000 to silence claims, but accuser now wants $10 million.
Report Rebukes
Episcopalians for Disunity but Declines Sanctions
U.S. church in limbo as conservative dissidents mull their options. By Kevin
Eckstrom and Robert Nowell in London, Religion News Service.
Is Tony Blair Converting to Catholicism?
This story sounds vaguely familiar: A leading national politician disagrees
with Roman Catholic teachings, but still attends Catholic Mass. The press
goes nuts wondering if he'll take Communion, or if he'll be barred the elements.
Church leaders and the politician's staff seem to differ significantly on
the facts.
The Emergent
Mystique
The 'emerging church' movement has generated a lot of excitement but only
a handful of congregations. Is it the wave of the future or a passing fancy?
By Andy Crouch.
T.D.
Jakes lets loose
With his film about child abuse, the preacher takes his message nationwide
(The Boston Globe).
Da Vinci
Dissenters
Four books try to break, crack, or decode the deception.
Hurt by Success
Christian bookstores hit hard by competition from Wal-Mart. By Rob Moll.
Hallowing
Halloween
Why Christians should embrace the "devilish" holiday with gusto—and
laughter.
October 10
Wind of Terror,
Wind of Glory
We cannot know God's majesty without his terrible holiness. By Daniel Tomberlin
It's Not
About Stem Cells
Why we must clarify the debate over harvesting embryos. A Christianity
Today editorial
The Ecstatic
Heresy
Seeking a superficial unity, some denominational leaders opt for feelings
over facts. By Robert Sanders
Spain Wants to Be Free of Catholic Church
Summarizing the country's mood, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero,
the new Socialist prime minister, said the other day that Spaniards wanted
more freedom, less dogma and a greater separation of church and state. "They
want more sports, less religion,'' he said.
Preacher
Jakes' film tackles abuse
Bishop T.D. Jakes isn't easily intimidated. He is, after all, a best-selling
author of 29 books, a Grammy-winning gospel singer, a nationally renowned
preacher and the subject of a 2001 Time magazine cover story that asked:
``Is This Man The Next Billy Graham?''(Associated Press)
New
Pax show is religion, O'Reilly style
In a program that its creator describes as "O'Reilly meets religion,"
Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists and even animal rights activists verbally
duke it out over who is right about God and God's intentions. The new Pax
TV show is "Faith Under Fire," created by Lee Strobel. It debuts
Saturday night. (The Hartford Courant, Conn.) Also see www.FaithUnderFire.com.
Da
Vinci Code author is accused of plagiarism
The author of a thriller that has sold more than 12 million copies is being
accused of plagiarising two books published more than 20 years ago. (Times,
London)
Preacher
who produces 'miracle babies' wanted by Kenyan police
An evangelical preacher who claims to help infertile couples in his congregation
have "miracle babies" but is alleged to be at the centre of a
child-trafficking racket could try to claim political asylum in Britain.
(The Guardian, UK)
'Miraculous'
Christ washes up in Texas Rio Grande
A fiberglass statue of Christ that washed up on a sandbar in the Rio Grande
three weeks ago is attracting scores of devout pilgrims to a police department
lost-and-found and being hailed as a miracle. (Reuters)
Living
goddess makes rare outing
A seven-year-old girl revered by Hindus and Buddhists as a living goddess
has had a rare festive excursion from the house where she is usually confined
in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. (BBC)
Bible
understood differently in two new Quran translations
English-speaking Muslims, and non-Muslims who want to explore Islam's holy
book, can cheer the arrival of two worthy translations. They differ, however,
on passages about the Bible (Associated Press)
Scientists
Debunk Mediums' Claims to Spirit World. Sept. 24, 2004
For centuries, their seemingly uncanny ability to discern private facts
about strangers have bolstered the claims of spiritualist mediums to be
able to contact the dead. Nonsense, according to a new and rigorous scientific
test in Britain which has concluded that most mediums simply use a series
of relatively simple psychological tricks to fool people.
Life
After Death?
Western religions that believe in the one God traditionally teach that after
the present life, individuals will exist eternally in resurrected bodies.
Eastern religions believe the soul is embodied in either human or animal
forms in numerous past and future lives. Now comes Alan F. Segal of Barnard
College in New York with the latest if not the last word on the Jewish,
Christian and Muslim concepts: Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife
in Western Religion (Associated Press)
Who really wrote
the Bible?
The solid faith of Ashkenaz Hasidim in the 12th and 13th centuries did not
keep them from reaching some bold conclusions on the writing style and authorship
of Judaism's holiest texts (Ha'aretz, Israel)
September 2004
September 13
'Termites
to National Security'
Nationwide campaign launched against Chinese house churches. By Tony Carnes.
Despite
Catholic Church Support, Prop. 71 Opponents Still $12 Million Behind in
Funding.
Compiled by Rob Moll.
Group
pushes evangelical vote
Focus on Family begins a national registration drive (Rocky Mountain
News).
The
green cardinal
In his new book, The Minding of Planet Earth, Cahal Daly argues that caring
for the Earth is integral to our Christian vocation. He talks to Sean McDonagh
about sustaining the planet, global warming—and population control
(The Tablet, UK).
The search
for the Holy Grail continues
This summer The Holy Grail has been discovered by millions on different
beaches across the globe. This mysterious object has been buried, not under
the flagstones of Rosslyn Chapel, nor at Glastonbury nor even in the vault
of the Valencia Cathedral, but in the pages of The Da Vinci Code,
now recognised as the best-selling novel in American history. (The Scotsman,
UK).
The New York Times gets on the religious schools beat
The New York Times has published two excellent articles on Christian higher
education this week. The first, a Times
Magazine profile of Biola University, is a slice-of-life-ish
examination of how the neoevangelical rejection of fundamentalist isolationism—something
that saw its largest battles in Billy Graham era following World War II—is
playing itself out today. The cover kicker gets it wrong: "Fast Times
at Fundamentalist U."
Shrinking
population threatens an ancient faith
Zoroastrians debate inviting outsiders in (The Boston Globe).
Can
We Believe in Both Science and Religion?
PBS special featuring Michael Shermer, Nancy Murphy, and Muzaffar Iqbal.
Christian
History Corner: Think TV
A PBS special personalizes the questions of God, morality, miracles, and
the afterlife in the lives of C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud. By David Neff.
Exhibit
shows Bibles as signs of the changing times
The Huntington Library collection spans 1,000 years, chronicling the book's
evolution from a tome for the elite to a worldwide bestseller (Los Angeles
Times).
'The
End of Faith': Against toleration
It's not often that I see my florid strain of atheism expressed in any document
this side of the Seine, but ''The End of Faith'' articulates the dangers
and absurdities of organized religion so fiercely and so fearlessly that
I felt relieved as I read it, vindicated, almost personally understood (Natalie
Angier, The New York Times Book Review).
'Hellhouse!'
pokes fun at fundamentalists' horror shows
Gruesome scenes in real hell houses are intended to shock adolescents into
believing that Jesus is their only escape from the fiery wages of sin. The
folks in Hollywood say they're using the drama to scoff at a literal hell
and at ministers who try to scare the hell out of children.
August 2004
August 31
Forgetting
God
By Philip Yancey. Why decadence drives out discipline.
They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Ad Hominem Attacks.
Joe Stowell
announces resignation as president of Moody Bible Institute
After 18 years at the post, Joseph Stowell says he's stepping down as president
of Moody Bible Institute, which also operates a book publishing company,
a radio network, and other ministries.
A Crumbling
Institution
By David P. Gushee. How social revolutions cracked the pillars of marriage.
Mel
Gibson's Film Now on Video
The Passion of The Christ comes to your living room—but without
the hubbub and media frenzy that surrounded its theater release six months
ago. By Mark Moring.
Olympic Symbols Have Sinister Origins.
Burial Ordered for Man Who Fails to Resurrect.
DNA Will Test Claims of 13 "Immaculate Conceptions"
August 23
Christian
History Corner: Revisiting the Pagan Olympic Games
New scholarship on the ancient Olympics reminds Christians why Emperor Theodosius
outlawed the event so many centuries ago. By Steven Gertz.
Anti-conversion
Reprieve
Sri Lanka Christians cheer high court ruling on controversial bill. By Manpreet
Singh.
In
crackdown, China shuts Buddhist site and seizes Catholic priests
The two unrelated incidents are the latest examples of what appears to be
a government crackdown against some religious. (The New York Times). Also
China
Detains Eight Priests and a Living Buddha -Groups.
Nigeria: Thousands
still displaced three months after religious clashes
Nearly 30,000 people fled from their homes during the May riots in Kano
(UN IRIN).
What
God Hath Not Joined
Why marriage was designed for male and female. By Edith M. Humphrey.
Police
use bible to beat crime
Police in a rural area of Romania are sending criminals to church in an
attempt to drive down crime figures. Officers in the Satu Mare region also
use the bible to "put the fear of God" into suspects (Daily
Times, Pakistan).
'Passion' will
be rekindled on DVD
DVD sales are expected to boost Gibson's personal profits above $400 million
(The Philadelphia Inquirer).
Faith in video games
Religious game makers seek success without violence (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram,
Tex.).
Cell phone
users are finding God
Once merely a useful tool for keeping in touch on the go, the mobile
phone is fast finding a new niche as an instrument of spiritual enlightenment
(Wired News).
This World
Really Is Our Home
We're not just passing through, says theologian Michael Wittmer, author
of Heaven Is a Place on Earth.
By Ann Byle.
The Middle
East and the West: The Crusades
NPR's Mike Shuster begins a special six-part series on the long and turbulent
history of Western involvement in the Middle East with a look at the Christian
Crusades (All Things Considered, NPR).
August 17
DNA
research and Mormon scholars changing basic beliefs
Plant geneticist Simon Southerton was a Mormon bishop in Brisbane, Australia
when he woke up the morning of Aug. 3, 1998 to the shattering conclusion
that his knowledge of science made it impossible for him to believe any
longer in the Book of Mormon. Two years later he started writing Losing
a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA and the Mormon Church, published
by Signature Books and due in stores next month. By Patty Henetz, Associated
Press SALT LAKE CITY.
'Evangelical
Christianity Has Been Hijacked':
An Interview with Tony Campolo.
Police
to probe pastor's Islam outburst
Police today launched an investigation into comments by a Norwich religious
leader branding Islam "an evil religion" (Evening News,
Norwich, England).
When My Son
Was Arrested for Murder
Finding faith under unthinkable circumstances. An excerpt from When I
Lay My Isaac Down, by Carol Kent.
Christian
Athletes to Watch in the Olympics
Sports Spectrum magazine has their eye on the believers competing in Athens
this year. Interview by Rob Moll.
7 Habits
of Racially Mixed Churches
How to achieve ethnic diversity—and die (to self) trying. Reviewed
by Douglas R. Sharp.
Battle of
the true faiths
It's Islam vs. Christianity at ye olde Speakers Corner (Newsweek International).
The
silent (Christian) majority
James Dobson on Bush, Kerry, Thune, gay marriage and the impact of Christians
on the 2004 election (Hugh Hewitt, The Weekly Standard).
Pregnant
by Jesus?
They're called "miracle babies" and for some childless couples
in Britain, they're a dream come true. But doctors and Church of England
officials are worried the babies aren't miracles at all, but either a shortcut
adoption process or a baby-trafficking scheme (BBC).
'No
fraud' in weeping Virgin Mary hoax
A suburban Brisbane community centre did not commit fraud or gain financially
from a weeping Virgin Mary statue hoax, the Catholic Church has found (AAP,
Australia).
Jesus
credit card raises a few eyebrows
A new credit card featuring the Calvary's three empty crosses begs the question:
What's in God's wallet? (KCRG, Iowa City).
It's
rock with redemption
Christian fest offers kids secular sounds, spiritual meaning (The Denver
Post).
The social
history of the afterlife
From heavenly choirs to the circles of Hell, from sitting shiva to waiting
for resurrection, the peoples of the book have evolved their ideas of the
afterlife as they traveled through history. A conversation with Alan Segal,
author of Life After Death : A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion
(Talk of the Nation, NPR).
August 8
U.S.
Appeals Court: Town council can't pray in Jesus' name
A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously
upheld
a ruling against "sectarian" invocations at the Great
Falls (S.C.) town council meetings.
Translating
values into votes, Republicans seek parish directories
Martin J. Gillespie, Director of Catholic Outreach at the RNC, made
the request earlier this year (National Catholic Reporter).
A Steady
Christian Influence
Has the nation finally abandoned its Judeo-Christian heritage, or is there
still hope? By Leith Anderson.
Democrats' senior advisor for religious outreach quits amid "under God" controversy.
US House calls
Darfur 'genocide'
Genocide is being committed in Sudan's Darfur region, the US House of
Representatives says in a resolution.
Former missionary
returns to the Philippines
Former New Tribes missionary Gracia
Burnham, who was held
hostage with her husband for more than a year by Islamic militants in
the southern Philippines, is returning to the country to
testify against some of her former kidnappers.
Peru's
Second-Class Citizens
Christian legal activists fight to protect women and girls. By Deann Alford.
Bill Cosby
Was (Mostly) Right—Part 2
Why is church influence among blacks wide but not deep?
When
Bible study is controversial
Student Bible clubs are said to be growing in popularity (CBS Evening
News).
PBS
chooses Homeschooling
PBS has teamed up with leading home schooling publication Homeschooling
Parent Magazine to promote PBS' on-air and online educational content (Broadcasting
and Cable).
Spanish
sect leader says he is the real pope
Papal pretender "Gregorio XVII" is leader of a self-styled
church in Spain who says God crowned him after Pope Paul VI's 1978 death,
that Satan controls the Vatican and that the devil will crucify him at the
start of an apocalyptic end of an era (Reuters)
Scripture
Candy delivers message
A Birmingham candy company is hoping to spread the word of God one piece
of candy at a time (Associated Press)
Reality
show moves us as it exploits Amish
Within the contrivance, the series manages to be disarming, touching,
even moving. For young viewers unfamiliar with the Amish, it will be an
eye-opener (The Denver Post)
Stephen
Baldwin plans ministry
Actor Stephen Baldwin, a veteran star of more than 60 films including
"Bio-Dome" and "The Usual Suspects," announced Friday
he planned to start a religious ministry (Zap2It).
Churches
buying 'Passion' DVD in bulk
Churches are being offered bulk discounts on The Passion of the Christ
DVD in hopes that the second-biggest movie of 2004 will top DVD sales charts
(USA Today).
NEW CHRISTIAN TV SHOW STARS LEE
STROBEL (AUTHOR OF THE CASE FOR CHRIST, AND, THE CASE FOR FAITH).
Faith Under Fire is a brand new hour-long talk/debate show that takes an
unflinching look at the provocative issues of religion, spirituality and
morality in the fast-paced, face-off format of "Hardball" or "The
O'Reilly Factor."
The Dick
Staub Interview: Faith and the Newest Rock & Roll Rebellion
Some bands are rejecting the Christian label for their music and instead
singing about Christ to the masses, says Mark Joseph.
Interview
with inspirational Joni Eareckson Tada
At 17, a diving accident left her quadriplegic, too paralyzed to even
act on suicidal urges. And then, a miracle. She's finds faith in God that's
done so much more than help her survive. And now, she sees her tragedy as
a blessing (Larry King Live, CNN).
Books
& Culture's Book of the Week: China's Spiritual Hunger
The lessons of Falun Gong. Reviewed by Joy Lo Cheung.
Once-atheist
parents find relief in religion
Nine-year-olds have endless questions, big and small. One that Cecilia
Zhang asked her mother was: "Do you believe in God?'' (The Globe
and Mail, Toronto).
When
spirituality goes awry: students in cults
Adolescents are objects of recruitment for religious cults. Identifying
new religious movements, cults, and dissenting religious groups, understanding
their practices, and discovering reasons for their attractiveness to some
students are helpful to the school counselor. Suggestions are offered as
to how to identify which cults are destructive, and how professional school
counselors can assist students involved with such group (Professional
School Counseling, via Religion News Blog).
July 2004
July 25
Promise Keepers Coach Has a New Team, Aiming to Unite Christians and Messianic Jews.
Reclaiming
Occupied Territory
The Great Commission and the cultural commission are not in competition.
By Charles Colson with Anne Morse.
Baylor's
Sloan Keeps His Job—for Now
Regents take no vote to remove president, but reaffirm Vision 2012. By Deann
Alford and Timothy C. Morgan in Waco, Texas.
These religious Times
The Times has been busy on the religion beat lately. Be sure to check
out yesterday's front-page story on evangelical
singles, which prominently features Camerin Courtney, an editor with
our sister publications Christian
Singles Today and Today's
Christian Woman. This weekend also saw Times columnist Nicholas
Kristof return to the religion beat with "Jesus and jihad." His
bottom line: Americans should be more critical of religious intolerance.
Reality
show turns Amish into TV stars
Television is not part of the traditional Amish world. But the Amish are
now part of television, like it or not (Associated Press).
The ties
that bind can form the noose
Leaving an abusive marriage is difficult for any victim, but counselors
and victims say the stakes for Amish and Mennonite women are often even
higher (Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, Pa.).
Scientology's
town
As Scientologists launch unprecedented expansion, downtown Clearwater's
identity is at stake (St. Petersburg Times, Fla.).
How
Disney bypassed God to preach the gospel of dreams coming true
Entrepreneur who became icon of family values shied away from religious
imagery, and none of his company's theme parks contains a church (The
Guardian, London).
Christian
History Corner: All of Christian History in 6 Hours
This audio tour de force is strong meat for a mature Christian audience.
By Chris Armstrong.
July 18
Former Labor Secretary Predicts Religious War in America.
Federal
Marriage Amendment Doesn't Even Make It to a Senate Vote
Religious activist groups respond. Plus: Clive Calver resigns as World Relief
president, and other stories from online sources around the world. Compiled
by Ted Olsen.
Separation
of Ministry and Politics
In order to influence public policy successfully, Focus on the Family must
quickly learn how to remove politicking from its ministry core. By Rob Moll.
'New'
faith comes a'knocking
Terryl Givens says Mormonism is poised to become the first new-world
religion since Islam (The Age, Melbourne, Australia).
Student,
university settle f-word case
The University of Utah agreed Wednesday to let students opt out of activities
that conflict with their religious beliefs, settling a lawsuit brought by
a Mormon drama student who refused to recite lines that contained the f-word
and took the Lord's name in vain (Associated Press).
Sick
Cambodians Healed by 'Miracle' Cow? July 8, 2004
Thousands of ill Cambodians are flocking to the northern village of Phum
Trapeang Chum to be licked by a mystical cow named Preah, who — according
to its owner — is curing their complaints.
Pledging
to Fight
Atheist says battle over 'under God' has just begun. By John W. Kennedy.
Turning the tables
on Nigeria's e-mail conmen
Scambaiter fights back against those who send out the notorious 419
e-mails (BBC).
Caped crusader
He's written Spider-Man and Superman, but Mark Millar's own heroes are
Tony Benn and Jesus Christ (Sunday Herald, Glasgow, Scotland).
Now New Zealand
becomes Narnia
First it was Middle Earth, now New Zealand is turning into Narnia (PA,
U.K.)
Liberals
join conservatives' scholarly attacks on the best-selling `Da Vinci Code'
Even the Jesus Seminar says Dan Brown's claims are all fiction (Associated
Press).
Library of Date Setters of The End of the World!!!
July 10
'Womb Walking' Ultrasound, Stats Prompt U.K. Abortion Rethink.
Staying
on Course
Southern Baptists reaffirm their conservative positions. By Adelle M. Banks,
RNS, in Indianapolis.
Vatican
budget in red, but church offerings up
The Holy See reported on Wednesday its third budget deficit in as many
years with restoration works at the Vatican taking their toll on 2003 accounts
despite a small increase in global church offerings (Reuters).
What John
Edwards Believes
John Kerry's Methodist running mate oversees his church's urban ministries,
but can he win evangelicals' votes? Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Bush Wants
Church Support, Opponents Cry Foul
Plus: Taliban kills Christian in Afghanistan, court rejects judge's ruling
in lesbian custody case, and more articles from online sources around the
world. Compiled by Rob Moll.
Q&A:
James Dobson
The chairman of Focus on the Family speaks about the need for the proposed
Federal Marriage Amendment. Interview by Stan Guthrie.
Discreet
and Dynamic
Why, with no apparent resources, Chinese churches thrive. By Philip Yancey.
C.S. Lewis,
the Sneaky Pagan
The author of A Field Guide to Narnia says Lewis wove pre-Christian
ideas into a story for a post-Christian culture. Interview by Rob Moll.
Saving
Strangers
The journey of one Somali Bantu family in the largest group resettlement
of African refugees in U.S. history. Photo essay by Denise McGill.
Fools'
Gold
Christians lured into buying 'rare' coins. By Rob Moll.
Books
& Culture Corner: Tending the Garden
Evangelicals and the environment. By John Wilson.
Book
club bullies
Fundamentalists want to intimidate into silence all those who don't
share their interpretation of a text (Giles Fraser, The Guardian, London).
God's
Number Is Up
Among a heap of books claiming that science proves God's existence emerges
one that computes a probability of 67 percent.
June 2004
June 20
Supreme
Shocker—'Under God' Stays Because of a Technicality
Supreme Court says Michael Newdow doesn't have authority to speak for his
daughter. Plus: Reactions from conservative Christian advocacy organizations.
Compiled by Ted Olsen. For more reactions see http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/124/21.0.html.
Southern
Baptists reject resolution on schools
A resolution calling on members to abandon public schools was declined
by a committee of the Southern Baptist Convention on Wednesday -- the same
day church "messengers" voted to support a federal marriage amendment.
(The Indianapolis Star).
SBC Annual Meeting Ends: Summary of Approved and Rejected Resolutions.
Talk
of witches at Vatican Inquisition conference
Talk of trials, burned witches and forbidden books echoed in the Vatican
on Tuesday as Pope John Paul asked forgiveness for the Inquisition, in which
the Church tortured and killed people branded as heretics (Reuters).
USA
Today for Christians
Christian Times Today attempts long shot amid soured business deals.
By Rob Moll
How Christian
Times Traded Its Good Name—Twice
Kingdom Ventures deal is the second attempt to take Christian Times national.
By Rob Moll
Do Americans
Want a Religious Government, or Just a Spiritual One?
The link between the Pledge decision and Time's cover package on religion
and the presidential campaign. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Speaking
in Code
A roundup of the many anti-Da Vinci Code books from Christian publishers.
Compiled by Ted Olsen.
A
Christian Harry Potter?
Shadowmancer, Britain's hit fantasy novel, conjures darkness so the light
will shine brighter. Reviewed by Greg Taylor.
The Dick
Staub Interview: G.P. Taylor, Dracula's Former Vicar
The author of Shadowmancer talks about his early interest in the
occult, and his later transformation into a clergyman.
IVF-prayer study
raises doubts
Journal withdraws study involving psychic researcher under house arrest
from Web site.
June 13
Remembering
Ronald Reagan
What Billy Graham, Jim Dobson, Pope John Paul II, and others are saying
about the death of the former president—and what he said about evangelicals.
Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Ronald
Reagan's Faith, Not Just Policies, Ended Communism
The author of God and Ronald Reagan discusses the spiritual life
of America's 40th president. Interview by Rob Moll.
The Cruel
Edges of the World
There are some places that bring the distant biblical text closer to our
lives. By Andy Crouch.
The Evil
in Us
Prisoner torture in Iraq exposes the ordinary face of human depravity. A
Christianity Today editorial.
Christians
preach Bible-inspired diets
A batch of Bible-based eating plansare flooding bookstores and health food
stores (Associated Press).
World
Journalism Institute Changes Its Focus
"Biblical objectivity" replaced with mainstream objectivity in
training of future Christian journalists. By Rob Moll.
Reversing
Sloppy Thinking
Thinking Against the Grain asks what it means to think like a Christian.
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
The Dick
Staub Interview: Tom Wright's Theology for Everyone
The author of the Christian Origins and the Question of God
series is also writing a theology series for the masses.
ABC
doctor chronicles his faith journey
Timothy Johnson began reflecting on his faith as he approached his 65th
birthday a few years ago. He thought back to his years in the seminary and
what he has learned in the four decades since. The result is written in
Johnson's new book, "Finding God in the Questions" (The Sacramento
Bee, Ca.) This is a very interesting book.
May 2004
May 30
Bush Calls
for 'Culture Change'
In interview, President says new era of responsibility should replace 'feel-good.'
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt.
Sudan's
Biblical History
Sudan's ongoing civil war isn't the only reason Christians should be familiar
with the region. Interview by Rob Moll.
Calif.
lawmakers stage 'domestic revolt'
State lawmakers staged a "domestic revolt" Monday, some donning
kitchen aprons and scarlet "M's" to protest a pastor who characterized
female legislators with young children at home as sinners (Associated
Press).
Fascinated
with The Passion
Gibson film draws big Muslim crowds. By Deann Alford.
'Saved!' skewers teen movie
conventions
Mandy Moore stars in this tale of a Christian high school (MSNBC).
Log on for salvation
If people won't come to church, the church will have to come to them—or,
at least, to their computers (Newsweek).
Online
journal offers forum for Catholic views
Australia's Catholics awoke yesterday to a new online journal dedicated
to restoring liberal debate to the church. The journal plans to open up
to debate issues suppressed by the church's official leadership (The
Age, Melbourne, Australia).
Give
'em that new-time religion
Before celebrities flocked to Kabbalah, there was Scientology
(USA Today).
New theory suggests
people are attracted to religion for 16 reasons
People are not drawn to religion just because of a fear of death or
any other single reason, according to a new comprehensive, psychological
theory of religion (Press release, Ohio State University).
EHarmony.com patents matchmaking formula | Can the elusive art of matchmaking be reduced to equations and databases? (Associated Press).
The Dick
Staub Interview: Finding God in the Questions
ABC News Medical Editor, Dr. Timothy Johnson, decided to rethink his faith,
and found God by asking questions.
May 23
Why the
'Lost Gospels' Lost Out
Recent gadfly theories about church council conspiracies that manipulated
the New Testament into existence are bad—really bad—history. By
Ben Witherington III.
Bush
speaks out on Iraq abuse
At Christian college, President says U.S. should show the world its 'good
heart' (The Washington Post)
On
war and Christianity
The war in Iraq is putting our Christianity to its toughest test (George
Plagenz, Williamson County Review Appeal, Franklin, Tenn.)
Showdown
at the Communion rail
When bishops threaten to deny the sacrament, they're hurting the church
(Andrew Sullivan, Time).
Surprise!
Most say change the pledge
Somewhat to my surprise, most of those responding to this week's Burning
Question want "under God" taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance
(David Horsey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer).
School-withdrawal
call raises concerns among local Baptists
Some local Baptist pastors have expressed opposition to a proposed Southern
Baptist Convention resolution that calls for removing all children of Baptists
from what it labeled "godless" public schools (The Allen American,
Tex.)
Newsweek
catches up to Left Behind
Plus: New religious violence in Nigeria, congressional Catholics on communion,
Gwen Shamblin's offices raided, and other stories from online sources around
the world. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Culture clash
An Islam expert details her struggles with Christianity (Newsweek).
Ship
of Fools site rocked by rowdy parishioners
Organizers of the world's first virtual church have been forced to make
emergency adjustments after rowdy cyber parishioners shouted profanities
from the pews (The Daily Post, Liverpool, England).
Redeeming
Conflict
Boundaries Face to Face focuses on conversations for building the right
walls. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
The Dick
Staub Interview: TV's Spiritual Directors, Buffy and Angel
As Angel enters the TV afterlife, the author of What Would Buffy
Do? explores one of television's more spiritual shows.
Books
& Culture's Book of the Week: Your God Is Too Small
An ironic skeptic scolds believers for domesticating the deity. Reviewed
by Jeremy Lott.
Learning
from Our Kids
Fresh insights and conversational style makes Sacred Parenting ideal reading.
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
Biblical
or mythical?
Lots of Bible myths are mistaken for gospel truth: We think there's stuff
in the Good Book that simply isn't there (The Dallas Morning News).
May 16
Rounding
Up the Few Christian Voices on the Iraq Prison Scandal
Sojourners says Rumsfeld should go, World says he should stay,
and Christian Peacemaker Teams says there's a bigger story untold. Compiled
by Ted Olsen.
Jim Dobson's
New Political Organization
Plus: Christian organizations blame porn for abuse at Abu Ghraib. Compiled
by Ted Olsen.
Bishop
Bans Pro-choice Voters from Communion
Votes may be considered sin if cast for politicians who support abortions.
By Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service.
Indian
Churches Hail the Defeat of Hindu-Nationalist Government
"Vote consciously" campaign urged Christian voters to elect secular
political parties. By Anto Akkara ENI, with CT staff.
Double-entry
Accountability
Two financial watchdogs are better than one. A Christianity Today editorial.
Christianity
Today, Sister Magazines Win 32 EPA Awards
Profile of Tony Campolo earns first in Personality Article from the Evangelical
Press Association. By Rob Moll.
The Dick
Staub Interview: The Ascetic American Dream
The author of The Good Life: Genuine Christianity for the Middle Class
talks about the wealth and the poverty of the American middle class.
The Gospel,
Literally
A break-through film makes the Word visible. Reviewed by Ben Witherington
III.
Christianity
Today Book Awards 2004
We honor 22 titles that bring understanding to people, events, and ideas
that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission.
Man of
Contradictions
Martin Luther was a "God-obsessed seeker of certainty and assurance."
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
May 9
When Mother's
Day Is Hard
Taking solace in Scripture's difficult and unsentimental image of motherhood.
By Jenell Williams Paris.
'Frontline'
explores Bush's faith, its role in U.S. politics
Now, with a "born-again" Christian in the White House, many people
are focusing on the role of faith in governing a democracy. (Herald-Leader,
Lexington, Kentucky).
America's
Evangelicals
What does it mean to be an evangelical? Is George W. Bush an evangelical?
Here are the views of Wheaton College historian Mark Noll; Richard Cizik
of the National Association of Evangelicals; Steve Waldman, editor-in-chief
of Beliefnet; and Amy Black and Alan Jacobs, professors at Wheaton College.
(Frontline, PBS).
Catholic
candidates' faith on trial
The question of how Catholic politicians should balance their faith's demands
and their public responsibilities has taken on new life this year with the
presidential candidacy of Democrat John Kerry, a Catholic who backs abortion
rights, and a pivotal Senate race in Colorado that includes three Catholic
candidates. (Denver Post).
Catholic
Life Group to Spend $500,000 Denouncing Kerry-friendly Bishops
Plus more articles from online sources around the world. Compiled by Rob
Moll.
Is the
National Day of Prayer Too Political?
Plus: Babies born for stem cell use, faith-based prisons, Frank Schaeffer
on the military, censoring films, and more articles from online sources
around the world. Compiled by Rob Moll.
Blessed
Are the Lukewarm
Religion is okay with the courts, so long as it doesn't mean anything. A
Christianity Today editorial.
Orthodox
Church split with Greece
The spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians has suspended relations
with the head of Greece's Orthodox Church -- a move that could lead to severed
ties between the two churches. (Turks.US).
Proposed
SBC resolution calls for abandoning public schools
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) will consider a resolution next month
urging parents to pull their children out of public schools and educate
them either by home schooling or sending them to Christian private schools.
(Raleigh Biblical Recorder, NC).
Buffy's
got the muscle to inspire our spiritual side
Time and again Buffy had to sacrifice her own desires to save humanity and
the planet. And that is what Jesus Christ wants us to do, too, Kuykendall
told the teens. (Salt Lake Tribune).
Hollywood
riled up over ClearPlay $70 DVD player can filter movie content
A new DVD player —slim, black, looking much like all the rest —is
just starting to show up on Wal-Mart's shelves. But this one has Hollywood
spinning in anger. The $70 player from a company called ClearPlay has built-in
''filters'' (USA Today).
Amazing
Sin, How Deep We're Bound
Finding the courage to trust in grace. By Mark R. McMinn.
America's
Christians launch assault on The Da Vinci Code
The staggering success of The Da Vinci Code, the quasi-historical thriller
which claims that Jesus was a mere mortal and Christianity a sexist conspiracy
to exclude women from positions of power, has spread panic among the clergy
who fear that people will literally take what they read as Gospel. (Telegraph,
UK).
Scholarship
or heresy?
They call it the Jesus Seminar on the Road. Others might call it a heresy-fest
or even blasphemy-palooza. Robert Funk, a highly controversial Bible scholar,
and Bishop John Shelby Spong, the even more controversial former Episcopal
leader of New Jersey, came by Grace Episcopal Church yesterday to gently,
and not so gently, tear down the fundamental stories of the Christian faith.
(White Plains Journal News, New York).
Optional
Gospels Pagels: Gnostic Gospel of Thomas is 'compelling'
Elaine Pagels, a religion professor and author of "Beyond Belief,"
rides a crest of interest in "lost," noncanonical gospels (The
Oregonian).
The
21 gospels
Twenty-one and counting. That's how many gospels, or written accounts of
Jesus' life and sayings, that Bible scholars can count so far (The Oregonian).
Prescription
for health: Forgive freely
In late life, people fare best when they shed grudges and hurts of the past,
says U-M researcher (Ann Arbor News, Michigan).
May 2
A
timely look at how faith informs Bush presidency
George W. Bush may be the most openly religious president in memory, yet
Americans have been neither privy to his personal journey on the road to
Damascus nor fully aware of the political implications of the scales falling
from his eyes. (Boston Globe).
A Call
to Respect Evangelicals Rises from U.S. News and The New York
Times
Jeff Sheler returns to his old magazine, and Nicholas Kristof returns to
old subject matter. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Doubting
the Doomsayers
Thank God not everything they say is true. By Philip Yancey.
Couple
Charged with $5 Million Fraud Appealing to Christian Investors
Plus: Combating anti-Semitism in Europe, sharia law in Canada Compiled by
Rob Moll.
Gospel pirates
Illegal downloading as a faith-based enterprise (Editorial, Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette).
Ministers'
guide on teaching religion
Atheism and other secular philosophies can be taught to children aged
seven and up - if schools decide it is "appropriate", according
to the first national religious education guidelines (The Journal,
Newcastle, England).
Dick Staub
Interview: Jerry Bridges Is Still Pursuing Holiness
After 25 years, The Pursuit of Holiness is a classic.
Christian
History Corner—Mel Gibson's Next Act: "The Man of the Passion"?
Thousands want Mel to make his next movie about a famous medieval friar,
St. Francis of Assisi. By Chris Armstrong. See l
Books
& Culture
Corner: Celebrating Faith in Writing
A dispatch from Calvin College's biennial event. By John Wilson.
The Passing of a Christian Warrior
Dr. Gleason
Archer, 1916 - 2004. On April 27, longtime Trinity
Evangelical Divinity School professor, Dr. Gleason Archer, went to be
with the Lord. He was one of the great men raised up by God in the past
century to defend the truthfulness of the Bible.
April 2004
April 25
America's
evangelicals: Survey analysis
It's impossible to measure religious experience, but it is possible to ask
people about their beliefs and practices, and we did that in our national
survey (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly).
Dobson
emphatically endorses pro-family Republican in Penn. Senate primary
Three-term congressman Toomey challenging 'moderate' incumbent Specter (Agape
Press).
The Dick
Staub Interview: Exegeting U2
Get Up Off Your Knees preaches U2 from Boy to All that
You Can't Leave Behind.
'Rapture'
rebuts end-time 'Left Behind' theology
Barbara R. Rossing's "The Rapture Exposed" convincingly debunks
the methodology of "end times" philosophy and shows why all this
is more than just a theological spat in our war-torn world (The Journal
Gazettte, Ft. Wayne, Ind.).
Signs
and wonders
In The Miracle Detective, a journalist goes on the trail of mystic apparitions
(The Washington Post).
Movie
Review: Bonhoeffer
This well-done documentary, with only a few minor blips, adequately captures
the life—and death—of German theologian and Nazi resister Dietrich
Bonhoeffer. Review by Collin Hansen.
April 11
What Makes
This Week Holy?
Jewish and Christian celebrations this week aren't just springtime rituals.
By Timothy George.
Holy Weeklies
After The Passion
Time does the atonement, and The New Yorker breaks the bone box. Compiled
by Ted Olsen.
Christian
History Corner: Why does Easter's date wander?
And why the Eastern Orthodox Church is nearly two weeks behind schedule.
By Farrell Brown.
Jesus
and Paul: Looking at a Journalistic Approach to Christianity's Beginnings
A full review of ABC's Jesus and Paul: The Word and the Witness By Darrell
L. Bock.
Kerry's
communion controversy
It is unclear where Sen. John Kerry will take communion this Easter Sunday,
amid questions of how enthusiastically Catholic leadership will respond
to the pro-choice Democratic nominee (CBS News).
Jehovah's
Witnesses join religions facing child-abuse cases
Richard N. Ostling is a national religion reporter for the Associated Press
NASHVILLE - It's an all-volunteer organization with little money. It mustered
only two dozen attendees at an inaugural national meeting two weeks ago.
But the group, called silentlambs, has gained visibility in its campaign
to change the abuse policies of Jehovah's Witnesses.
The
road to understanding for Christians, Jews
As we Christians and Jews celebrate Passover and Easter this year we might
take a moment to pray that understanding among Christians and Jews continues
to grow, so that generations to come shall not be enslaved by hostility
and ignorance and instead find new life in friendship and understanding
(Robert Leikind and Philip A. Cunningham, The Boston Globe).
'God
bless atheism'
It is only in dialogue with others that our faith is tested, our ideas made
explicit, our errors corrected (E. J. Dionne Jr, The Washington Post).
April 4
Kerry's
Catholicism, Bible quoting are now center of campaign
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has cranked up the religion
talk this week, criticizing President Bush on biblical grounds and giving
a lengthy interview with Time
magazine on his Catholic beliefs. See also A
Test of Kerry's Faith.
Bush signs Unborn Victims of Violence Act
The president's first bill signing ceremony of the year was for the Unborn
Victims of Violence Act. "Any time an expectant mother is a victim
of violence, two lives are in the balance, each deserving protection, and
each deserving justice," President Bush said (text
| audio
| video).
Backing
Israel for different reasons
Most evangelical Christians support the state of Israel, but not always
for the same reasons (The Washington Post).
Wheaton
College denies it knew of abusive cult.
Wheaton College officials deny knowing about any abuse committed by a former
graduate student against several other former students who say they were
members of a physically abusive cult controlled by the older student, according
to a statement released by the school (Chicago Sun-Times).
'The
Mystery of Jesus'
Liam Neeson narrates new CNN documentary on life of Christ (CNN).
Peter
Jennings Goes Back to the Bible
The ABC news anchor talks about Monday's three-hour special, Jesus and Paul:
The Word and the Witness. Interview by Darrell Bock.
Christian
History Corner: How Will It All End?
Left Behind is neither the first nor the last word on "last things."
By Steven Gertz.
Rock,
roll & religion.
PS150 center brings skateboarding, concerts and Christian beliefs to Iosco
County's youth (The Bay City Times, Mi.).
She hath
made a disturbance.
By daring to preach and teach, Anne Hutchinson posed the first great threat
to Puritan government in the New World (The Christian Science Monitor).
March 2004
March 28
One nation,
enriched by biblical wisdom
Understanding what the phrase "one nation under God" might mean
is not proselytizing; it's citizenship (David Brooks, The New York Times).
Atheist
Dad in 'Under God' Case Literally Applauded, But Likely to Lose
Supreme Court justices will probably overturn ruling, but maybe without
addressing Pledge issues. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Pope
declares feeding tube removal immoral
Pope John Paul II said Saturday the removal of feeding tubes from people
in vegetative states was immoral, and that no judgment on their quality
of life could justify such "euthanasia by omission" (Associated
Press).
Court case
poses challenge to Scientology tax break
A trial is to begin in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning to determine whether
a Jewish couple can deduct the cost of religious education for their five
children, a tax benefit they say the federal government has granted to members
of just one religion, the Church of Scientology (The New York Times).
Suit
pits church, former member
Scientology seeks $10 million for breach of contract (San Francisco Chronicle).
Lost in
America
Arab Christians in the U.S. have a rich heritage and a shaky future. By
Elesha Coffman.
A Copt
at College
An Egyptian Christian talks about college and church in America.
Muslims
reject Carey's 'anti-Islam' speech
In a speech at the Gregorian University in Rome last night, Lord Carey of
Clifton said that Islam was inflexible and authoritarian, and Islamic countries
were backward and underachieving (The Times, London).
An
inspired strategy
Is religion a tonic for kids? You better believe it, say teens and scholars
(The Washington Post).
Students'
tale of cult 'evil'
The fuming families of three Bay State students are considering legal action
against Wheaton College, claiming the school failed to protect their children
from an ``evil'' cult leader who they say lured them into an isolated vortex
of ritualistic torture (Boston Herald).
New
Testament translated to sign language
After 23 years of work by some 60 people, a ministry group for the deaf
has finished translating the entire New Testament into American Sign Language
(Associated Press).
The
smart money is on God, says odds-maker
In The Probability of God: A Simple Calculation That Proves the Ultimate
Truth, Stephen Unwin uses an actual mathematical theorem to determine the
probability that there is a God (The Salt Lake Tribune).
Dr.
Seuss — theologian?
James Kemp's favorite theological work? Horton Hatches the Egg. (Religion
News Service).
The Dick
Staub Interview: Steve Wilkens Loves Bad Christians and Pagans
The author of Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans
believes Christians can learn a lot from skeptics and non-Christians.
Books
& Culture's Books of the Week: Mistakes Were Made
Four of the Seven Deadly Sins, as seen from a contemporary vantage point.
Reviewed by Abram Van Engen.
March 21
Four Southern
Baptist Aid Workers Killed in Iraq
and other stories from online sources around the world. Compiled by Ted
Olsen.
Coming
Attractions
What the success of The Passion of The Christ may mean for future films.
Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Black
Theology Revisited
Two authors argue that this strain of liberation theology is as relevant
as ever. Reviewed by F. Burton Nelson.
Scholarship
Wars
Supreme Court says states can deny public funds to some religious students.
By Sheryl Henderson Blunt in Washington, with CT staff reports.
Vatican
condemns fertility treatments
The Vatican issued a broad condemnation Tuesday of fertility treatments
such as in-vitro fertilization, calling the destruction of embryos in the
process a "massacre of the innocents" (Associated Press).
'Da Vinci'
called heavy lifter
Dan Brown, the author of last year's best-selling "The Da Vinci Code,"
is nothing but a plagiarist, charges the author of two novels that are strikingly
similar to Brown's (New York Post).
Cultural
icons and alternative religions
Recent books on religion and spirituality (The Washington Post).
The Dick
Staub Interview: Transforming Culture into God's Image
Gregory Wolfe, author of Intruding Upon the Timeless, has opted out of the
culture wars in order to build a Christian culture for others to imitate.
March 14
Bush
highlights record in talk to evangelical Christians.
President Bush told evangelical Christians what they wanted to hear Thursday,
ticking off highlights of his "compassionate conservative" agenda,
from halting late-term abortions to banning gay marriage. (USA Today).
The
New York Times Examines a Tech School for Conservative Politics
Patrick Henry College is still small and unaccredited, but is becoming increasingly
prominent in Washington. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Status
report: Faith-based initiative breaks ten-figure mark
Despite Congress's refusal to guarantee faith-based organizations can compete
for federal funds, President Bush's faith-based initiative has shows results
through executive branch efforts, according to a Washington Post article
today.
Study
challenges benefits of US virginity crusade
A policy of abstinence-only education for American teenagers, endorsed
by Church groups and the White House, has almost no effect on the prevalence
of transmitted diseases (STD), according to a new study. (AFP).
Vatican
appoints its first female theologians
The Roman Catholic Church has quietly taken a step forward for women's equality,
naming the first female theologians as Vatican consultants, and promptly
denied the appointments had anything to do with their gender (Reuters).
His
dark classroom materials
The leader of the Church of England has called for one of the most powerful
atheist tracts in modern literature to be used as part of pupils' religious
education (The Western Mail, Wales).
House
votes, 391-22, to raise broadcasters' fines for indecency
Saying much of the public is fed up with indecent television and radio programming,
members of the House voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to increase penalties
on broadcasters and performers who violate federal standards. (New York
Times).
An
edgy show about God
'Joan of Arcadia' becomes unlikely hit (CNN).
Forget
Your Bliss
The success of The Purpose-Driven Life reveals a cultural opportunity.
A Christianity Today editorial.
The Dick
Staub Interview: Heidi Neumark Transfigures the Bronx for some Breathing
Space
After spending 20 years as pastor of a church in the Bronx, Heidi Neumark
realized that sometimes people just need some room to breathe.
Christian
History Corner: Rediscovering the Language Jesus Spoke
Millions of Americans have spent two hours listening to the characters in
Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ speaking in an exotic, unfamiliar
tongue. Yet not all find Aramaic so alien. By Steven Gertz.
March 7
What's
Up With the Ugly Baby?
Everyone's asking about the Passion scene where Satan is carrying
a hideous infant. By Mark Moring.
Relationships,
Not Programs
Taking a church from dry bones to spiritual vitality. Reviewed by Cindy
Crosby.
A clash over
values in Australia
When Prime Minister John Howard recently said that parents were moving children
out of the public school system because it was "too politically correct
and too values-neutral," he stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy
- not unlike a similar debate that has long brewed in the United States
(The Christian Science Monitor).
Cry,
the Beloved Continent
Don't let AIDS steal African children's future. By Philip Yancey.
Burma's
Almost Forgotten
Christians find themselves battered by the world's longest civil war and
a brutally repressive regime. By Benedict Rogers.
Books
& Culture's
Book of the Week: Life, Work, and the Mommy Wars
A book about real choices. Reviewed by Randi Sider-Rose.
February 2004
February 29
Behind
the Scenes of The Passion
Day 1: How I ended up being a surprise "consultant" on this remarkable
film. By Holly McClure.
Misfires
in the Tolerance Wars
Separating church and state now means separating belief and action. By Ted
Olsen.
Supreme
Court Clouds Church-State Rules
Plus: Didja hear Mel Gibson made a movie about Jesus? And many, many other
stories from online sources around the world. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Hindu
Extremes
Congressmen appalled at religious persecution of Christians, Muslims. By
Joshua Newton in Ahmedabad and Mubai.
Macedonian
President, a Former Methodist Lay Minister, Dies in Plane Crash
Boris Trajkovski promoted peace in a country divided by Orthodox Christian
and Muslim distrust. By Rob Moll.
What's
your professor's religion? Should it matter?
The complaint sounds familiar: Why does a university whose student body
is overwhelmingly Mormon have so few LDS professors? (The Salt Lake Tribune).
The
Da Vinci con
What seems increasingly clear is that ''The Da Vinci Code,'' like ''Holy
Blood, Holy Grail,'' is based on a notorious hoax (Laura Miller, The New
York Times Book Review).
Remembering
Carl Henry, Inventor of Evangelicalism
No one was more pivotal to the emerging movement than Carl F. H.Henry. By
Timothy George.
Christian
History Corner: Just a Closer Walk … with the Historical Jesus
Mel Gibson's movie raises again the question: How much can we know historically
about Jesus' life and times? By Chris Armstrong.
February 22
Good
Question: Operation Evil Power
If Christ has truly defeated the powers of Satan on the Cross (Col. 2:15),
why do the powers of evil effectively operate in this world? Answered by
Richard B. Hays.
Is a Religious
Civil War Beginning in Iraq?
American religious group ambushed as Al Qaeda reportedly tries to ignite
intra-Muslim fighting. Compiled by Ted Olsen.
China
Arrests Dozens of Prominent Christians
At least 50 detained in fresh crackdown on house churches, reportedly promoted
by new video and book releases.
By Timothy C. Morgan with David Neff in Washington, D.C.
The Dick
Staub Interview: China's Christian Syndrome
David Aikman, author of Jesus in Beijing, says in 20 years Christians
could have a major impact on China, and that could change the world.
Children
to study atheism at school
Falling church numbers prompt radical syllabus reform (The Observer, London).
Little
consensus on marriage amendment
Even authors disagree on the meaning of its text (The Washington Post).
Scientists recommends
bedtime prayers
A German scientist says people who suffer from bad nightmares should say
their prayers before going to bed (Ananova).
Gibson
reworks 'Passion' to mute anti-semitism
The blood pours more freely than in any Jesus film in history, but the final
cut of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" takes some care
to distance Jewish people from centuries-old anti-Semitic charges of deicide
(The Plain Dealer, Cleveland).
Deconstructing
'Da Vinci'
"The Da Vinci Code," the best-selling novel that asserts as fact
that Jesus Christ had a daughter as well as a wife, has provoked fierce
opposition from Protestants and Catholics alike (The Washington Times).
Lincoln
a believer, but also a doubter
Abraham Lincoln was a deeply spiritual man who never embraced organized
religion (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
Rewriting
the Bible: A heretic's handbook
A review of Killing the Buddha by Peter Manseau and Jeff Sharlet (The Denver
Post).
The next
testament
If the Bible were being compiled for the first time right now, what would
we put in it? Making the case for a NEW New Revised Standard Version (Cullen
Murphy, The Atlantic Monthly).
February 15
Newsweek asks, "Who
killed Jesus?"
Newsweek managing editor Jon
Meacham is an award-winning reporter. But he's neither a theologian
nor a historian, so one may wish that he "showed his work" a bit
more in this week's cover story, "Who
Really Killed Jesus?" (It's a subject U.S.
News & World Report put on its cover four years ago.) It's clear
that he did quite a bit of research, but some of his statements certainly
raise the question, "Says who?" This especially comes into play
when Meacham sets himself up as a better recorder of events than four well-known
reporters: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Dick
Staub Interview: The Gospel According to Tupac Shakur
Why do kids relate so well to hip-hop artists Eminem or Tupac? And what
can a preacher learn from these modern-day prophets?
A Law
That Shouldn't Be Cloned
New Jersey legalizes human cloning for research. By Mark Stricherz in Washington.
Pilot's
Evangelistic Efforts Freak Out Passengers, Country
Plus: Far too many stories on Passion, along with some on crime (but none
on crimes of passion). Compiled by Ted Olsen.
French
Assembly votes to ban religious symbols in schools
The move underscores the broad public support for the French secular ideal
but is certain to deepen resentment among France's Muslim population (The
New York Times).
Three
wise men may have been neither wise nor men
The traditional infant Nativity play scene could be in for a drastic rewrite
after the Church of England indulged in some academic gender-swapping over
the three Magi at its General Synod in London this week (Reuters).
Gospel
Gem
How a dying jewelry tycoon shares the pearl of great price with Panama's
elite. By James A. Beverley
New Kids
on the Blog
Compiled by Ted Olsen.
In search
of St. Valentine
Who is the man named Valentine who gave us the biggest heart day of the
year? Good luck finding the correct answer (The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.).
February 8
Is the
National Prayer Breakfast unbiblical?
Addressing about three thousand attendees at the National Prayer Breakfast
yesterday, President Bush directed his praise to an
unlikely object. "All of us believe in the power of prayer. And
for a lot of people here in Washington, a prayer has been answered with
three words: Coach Joe Gibbs," he said. He went
on to praise U.S.
troops in Iraq for promoting
religious tolerance.
Context
muddled remarks, Warner says
Rams quarterback Kurt Warner has attempted to clarify and apologize for
remarks he made Sunday in which he suggested that his faith played a part
in his benching last season (St. Louis Post-Dispatch).
A
crossroad for the Catholic Church
What "issues" will frame the election to choose a successor to
Pope John Paul II? Chances are they're not what you might think (George
Weigel, The Washington Post).
Books
& Culture's Book of the Week: The Doom of Choice
Fate, free will, and moral responsibility in Tolkien. Reviewed by David
O'Hara.
Magnificence
in Wreckage
This series of essays finds hope among New York City lives. Reviewed by
Cindy Crosby.
In God's country
Thanks be to the American atheist: A review of Bryan F. Le Beau's The Atheist:
Madalyn Murray O'Hair (Tim Cavanaugh, Reason).
'The
Da Vinci Code' unscrambled
The blockbuster thriller has millions taking theology, art and history.
Yet many are unsure what's fact and what's fiction. We asked the experts
for their reactions and their explanations (Chicago Tribune)
Purpose
driven
Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Church is the best book on entrepreneurship,
business and investment that I've read in some time (Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com).
The Dick
Staub Interview: Craig Detweiler Finds Faith in Film
The co-author of A Matrix of Meanings talks about spirituality on screen.
Christian
History Corner: The Blood-and-Fire Mission of the Salvation Army
Where did this tuba-playing, kettle-wielding social force come from, and
what's it all about? By Chris Armstrong
Film Forum: Does Saved! Condemn Christian High Schools?
February 1
Time
Probes Azusa Pacific University as Christian College Archetype
Article is no news but good news for California school. Compiled by Ted
Olsen.
At the
Crossroads
Evangelicals have become major players in American culture, and that may
be their biggest problem. By Martin E. Marty.
My Enemy,
Myself
What brings evangelicals together is also what pulls us apart. By Telford
Work.
Intolerance
spans the religious divide
Lack of religious devotion should not be a basis for a smear. But neither
should religious belief—and the truth is that the intolerance of the
religious right can be fully matched by that of the secular left. (Cathy
Young, The Boston Globe).
School
board reinstates student suspended for saying "God bless"
The top story in St. Louis today is that James Lord has been reinstated
as the closed-circuit television reader of the daily bulletin at Dupo High
School in nearby Dupo, Illinois. Lord's crime? Signing off his December
17 broadcast with "Have a safe and happy holiday, and God bless."
Aramaic,
language of Jesus, lives on in Cyprus
A Maronite village, isolated by the island's division, struggles to carry
on the tongue (The Christian Science Monitor).
Making
Disciples by Sacred Story
Biblical storytelling conveys the realities of our faith better than almost
any other form of communication. By Walter Wangerin Jr.
Books
& Culture's
Book of the Week: A Rose Among Thorns
A new novel by the author of Father Elijah illumines the spiritual consequences
of our simplest decisions.
Reviewed by Albert Louis Zambone.
The
radiant dish
A dish? A chalice? A casket? Or just a flying saucer? Everyone has a theory
about the Holy Grail, and Richard Barber's book explores them all. Nicholas
Shakespeare salutes the "thorough, sane and sceptical" approach
of what Noel Malcolm calls a "valuable and fascinating book" (The
Daily Telegraph, London).
Show
me heaven
As more and more people come forward with accounts of near-death experiences,
new research is about to examine the out of body experience to see whether
mind and body really do separate at the point of death (BBC).
January 2004
January 25
Baptized
in Fire
A new book on Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizes his spiritual transformation.
Reviewed by John Wilson.
Joyce
Meyer Responds to Critics, Shifts Income Source
Amid cancellation and watchdog's call for IRS investigation, evangelist
defends finances. By Corrie Cutrer, in St. Louis.
Missing
Jewish Ways
Lauren Winner's latest book explores how 11 aspects of Judaism can enrich
Christian practice. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
Discovering
Unity
J.I. Packer and Thomas Oden are bullish on evangelical futures. By David
Neff.
Heartless
marriage plans
The whole idea of encouraging poor people to get married and stay married
through classes and counseling sessions ignores the main reason that stable
wedlock is rare in inner cities: the epidemics of joblessness and incarceration
that have stripped those communities of what social scientists call "marriageable"
men (Editorial, The New York Times).
Salvation
Army receives a gift of $1.5 billion
Joan B. Kroc, the wife of the builder of the McDonald's restaurant chain,
left the charity the money in her will when she died last fall (The New
York Times).
Seminary
functions as a spiritual United Nations
A small evangelical campus in Pasadena draws a large contingent of scholars
from around the world (Los Angeles Times).
Christian
History Corner: When God—or Allah—Is in the Details
What do Islamic "sharia" law and the colonial Massachusetts' Puritan
experiment have in common? By Steven Gertz.
January 18
Religion and Politics in this year's election.
Kelley
story gets new scrutiny
USA Today is examining whether former reporter Jack Kelley, who resigned
last week, plagiarized parts of a Washington Post article five years ago
(The Washington Post).
Go Figure
Stats on God's existence, home schooling, and belief in God. Compiled by
Ted Olsen.
Only Half of
Protestant Pastors Hold Biblical Worldview
A respected Christian pollster says only half of Protestant pastors nationwide
hold a biblical worldview. According to the newest study by the Barna Research
Group (BRG), only 51 percent of ministers, representing a random cross-section
of Protestant churches, have a biblical view on six core beliefs (the accuracy
of biblical teaching, the sinless nature of Jesus, the literal existence
of Satan, the omnipotence and omniscience of God, salvation by grace alone
and the personal responsibility to evangelize).
Winning
Them Softly
Evangelicals try to reach Mormons with respect—and hard science. By
John W. Kennedy. See View the video about the Mormons online at http://www.mormonchallenge.com/
Simply
Good Writing
The Best Christian Writing 2004 is an eclectic sampling from the spectrum
of Christianity. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
Is this the
headquarters of a growing media empire?
How a loophole in federal regulations turned this Wadsworth residence into
the headquarters of 12 TV stations, and counting (Akron Beacon Journal,
Oh.).
A Theoblogical
Revolution
Billy Graham's vision goes from print to online, then back again. By Ted
Olsen.
"The
Bible Alone"? Not for John Calvin!
When we seek answers to churchly and societal issues in the Bible alone,
citing the Reformation principle of sola scriptura, we are actually contradicting
the Reformers. By Chris Armstrong.
January 11
'Allegory'
Job 'Favorite Book in the New Testament,' Says Howard Dean
Presidential candidate having some trouble talking about religion. Compiled
by Ted Olsen.
Dean Changes
Tack on Religion Comments
Doesn't ask WWJD, he says, but he did think about religion when signing
civil unions bill as governor. Compiled by Ted Olsen
No, Really!
People Actually Believe This Religion Stuff, Says NYT's Kristof. Really!
Plus: A very good NYT piece on the Episcopal Church rift, Orthodox Christmas,
religion in prison, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Compiled by Ted Olsen.
Star Christian
Reporter Quits USA Today After Investigation
and many other stories from online sources around the world. Compiled by
Ted Olsen.
Definition of 'Jew' confronts Israel Thousands of Ethiopian Jews who were pressured to convert to Christianity are waiting to move to Israel (The Christian Science Monitor). See http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0109/p06s01-wome.html
Kidnappers
Release Two Christian Relief Volunteers in Colombia
Ransom demand paid for evangelical lawyer and businessman. By David Miller,
Compass Direct.
Christian
History Corner: Top Ten Stories of 2003 … with a Church History Twist
Here is our review of "the Christian history that made the stories
that made the news." By Chris Armstrong.
The Most-Read
Articles of 2003
Christianity Today's online readers were interested in Buffy the Vampire
Slayer, the best Christian places to work, and Bono's anti-AIDS crusade.
Why
not one Bible for all?
The ESV may have the potential to become the universal choice (Associated
Press).
January 4
Top Ten
News Stories, 2003
The events, people, and ideas of the past year that CT's news editors believe
have shaped, or will significantly shape, evangelical life, thought, or
mission.
The
year in religion: Combat & conflict
Opposition to war, and fight over Ten Commandments are among top stories
(Religion News Service).
Books
& Culture Corner: A Few Coming Attractions from 2004
Plus: What to buy with those gift cards, and some of the books in my to-read
stacks. By John Wilson.
Putting
God back in politics
As the Democratic candidates for president attend religious services for
the holidays, their celebrations may be tempered by an uncomfortable fact:
churchgoing Americans tend to vote Republican (Jim Wallis, The New York
Times).
Vietnam's
'Appalling' Persecution
Activists want Washington to confront Communist leaders for torturing and
killing Christians.
By Timothy R. Callahan in Washington.
Finding their
purpose
They've come by planes, buses and caravans from every direction in the United
States and abroad to find their particular place in God's mission for the
world (The News-Gazette, Champaign, Ill.).
Mission work
on display
In a scene resembling a college job fair, about 300 mission agencies and
seminars have taken over facilities at the Intramural Physical Education
Building, the Armory and Huff Hall on the University of Illinois campus
(The News-Gazette, Champaign, Ill.)
The rise
of the American megachurch
In an era when small and medium-sized churches of almost every faith are
losing members, megachurches continue to grow - last year by 4 percent.
Their success is due in part to the ushering in of a new business-savvy
approach to religion. But more important, experts say, these churches are
thriving because of what's being ushered out (The Christian Science Monitor).
Flocks
growing at religious colleges
While many religion-oriented universities are respected, some of the more
conservative schools or their founders have unorthodox, controversial reputations
(Palm Beach Post).
Quest
for spirituality has many looking within
In a world where pagers and cell phones keep people on call and the laptop
extends the workplace even into the bedroom, the quest for inner peace has
rarely been so difficult or so critical, observers say (The Plain Dealer,
Cleveland).
Christian
History Corner: Resolutions Worth Keeping
The origins of new years' resolutions, and one famous list.
Film Forum:
Christian Critics Recommend Year's Most Overlooked Films
Christian critics highlight this year's unseen treasures.