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Making Tiaras a Habit: Nuns in a Beauty Pageant — Good Idea?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:29 -0700

I'll watch any pageant, or any show about pageants but this one? I'm not sure. An Italian priest is organizing an online beauty pageant for nuns called "Miss Sister 2008." The aim of the contest is to fight the stereotype that all nuns are old and homely. The priest behind the plan says, "Nuns are a bit excluded, they are a bit marginalized in ecclesiastical life. This will be an occasion to make their contribution more visible."And the answer to the big question I know was on the tip of your tongue is this: "We are not going to parade nuns in bathing suits." He continues, "But being ugly is not a requirement for becoming a nun. External beauty is gift from God, and we mustn't hide it." Visitors to the website hosting the online pageant are supposed to vote for the nun "they consider a model." The effort, said to have been inspired by suggestions from nuns, has drawn criticism from the association of Catholic teachers saying, "It's an initiative that belittles the role of nuns who have dedicated themselves to God." The idea of showcasing nuns' beauty as a means of "making their contribution more visible," is an interesting concept. Is it an inspired way of bringing the life of a nun into modern times, or missing the point of being a nun altogether?Source

Making Tiaras a Habit: Nuns in a Beauty Pageant — Good Idea?

Inspired! It shows that nuns can be modern and pretty, a good way to motivate more.

Missing the point! A nun's work is not her looks, a contest should judge what she's done.

I see both sides, but it seems pretty harmless.

Other. I'll parade my opinion in the comments.

Few Immigrants Self-Deport, Bishop Says Jesus Wouldn't Raid

CitizenSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:00:02 -0700

The federal "self-deportation" pilot program ends today with a scant handful of illegal immigrants volunteering to return home. The three-week program gave illegal immigrants facing court orders 90 days to plan their departure rather than face being arrested, detained, and deported. The program was well-publicized, but in the first week only six signed up.

Immigrant advocates cite few incentives and no consideration for immigrants' ties to family in the US for the reason it was so unpopular. Given the failure of the program, they're worried now that it will be used as a reason to step up the raids since the ICE made an effort to enforce the law in a gentler way.

One religious figure is playing the WWJD game with immigration raids. To see what he has to say,

Should Houses of Worship Keep Out of Political Matters?

LibertySugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:38 -0700

Americans have reconsidered their faith in the mixing religion and politics. A majority of Americans now say churches and other houses of worship should keep out of politics and not express their views on day-to-day social and political matters. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed by Pew Research Center said that Churches should butt out, the highest level since the poll began in 1996.The shift is most apparent among conservatives. In 2004, 30 percent of conservatives said that churches should stay away from politics, compared to 50 percent today. And among white evangelicals, 36 percent want religious groups to stay out of politics, up from 16 percent in 2004. Considering both candidates sat down to chat with Reverend Warren during last weekend's forum at the Saddleback Church, I would guess that Barack Obama and John McCain do not oppose religious groups getting involved in politics. What about you: should churches keep quiet about politics? Source

Should Houses of Worship Keep Out of Political Matters?

Hell Yes. Religious groups should not use their influence to further a political agenda.

Heavens No! Voters have a right to know where their leaders of faith stand on the issues.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Women-Only Beach in Egypt Allows Modesty and Tanlines

CitizenSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:00:42 -0700

Long Muslim scarves and lots of clothes worn on the beach can make a woman feel like a fish out of water. One resort in Egypt is making it safe to dive in. Called "La Femme," its women-only status means that women can swim, breast feed, and lounge in bikinis safe from the prying eyes of men.

Given the guidelines of the growing conservatism in the mostly Muslim country, more and more women opt to follow the strict Muslim guidelines of covering their heads and skin. This beach is one of the only ways they can frolic and still be fiercely religious. One woman in her 60s basking in the sun says, "Sometimes I turn around and look behind to make sure there are no men. And, thank God, there aren't any. It is 'haram' (forbidden in Islam) to strut around in front of men in a swimsuit. It is an excellent idea to have a beach reserved for women only."

To see how they guard the women,

Divine Intervention: 1 in 2 Say Prayer Saves the Dying. Do You?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:44:20 -0700

Paging Dr. God? More than half of adults in the US put more faith in the divine than in a doctor's care — 57 percent said God's intervention could save a dying family member even if their doctor had declared treatment futile. Researchers say this data should spur doctors into being prepared "to deal with families who are waiting for a miracle."Oddly, the strong show of faith over doctoring may be a result of leaps in medical care. The author of the study says that advances in trauma treatment has allowed more patients to survive past the scene of an accident, living longer and allowing more time for hope and prayer. He says, hospital trauma specialists "are much more heavily engaged in the death process," and that he frequently meets people who think God will save their dying loved one. It's a tricky balance, mediating a miracle. He says, "you have to respect that," while still showing the medical facts that may ultimate prove otherwise.With prayer even being credited with softening gas prices, where do you stand? Source

Divine Intervention: 1 in 2 Say Prayer Saves the Dying. Do You?

Of course prayer works. Faith is most important in times of trial and miracles happen.

Prayer could help the patient, but it's probably the biggest comfort to the one praying.

Faith can't trump science and fact. Doctors are the only ones who can save lives.

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

US Christian Group Leaves Airport After Biblical Standoff

CitizenSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:06:08 -0700

US Christian Group Leaves Airport After Biblical Standoff A group of US Christians who had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese customs officials left the airport Monday after a 26-hour standoff, saying they realized officials would not change their stance. Members of Vision Beyond Borders had previously said they would not leave the airport until the communist authorities returned the 315 Bibles, taken from their checked luggage. The Chinese law forbids bringing religious products into the communist nation for more than personal use.

Man Wins Lottery — and His Church Shuns Huge Donation

CitizenSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:30:31 -0700

The chances of winning the lottery rely on a lot of prayer and the immutable laws of statistics, but one such lucky soul bagged a jackpot, and couldn't even give the winnings away. A Florida Lottery jackpot winner took home more than 6 million in cash and was hoping to follow his religion’s tithe commandment — offering 10 percent of his winnings to his church. Unfortunately, his church wanted no part of this money and refused to say exactly why they turned down the $600,000 donation, though many churches don't approve of the lottery or gambling in general.

Other churches, who caught wind of the story were amazed. “I’m against the lottery, but if one of my members won. . . . I wish and hope he would give 10 percent to the church,” said Pastor Dr. Lorenzo Hall of the El-Beth Divine Holiness Church. “We are in the process now of building a youth center, and you would be surprised at the people that can be helped with $600,000.” Hall adds he wouldn't ask where a donation came from and would welcome the lucky-lotto-man's donation anytime.

When it comes to giving back, does it matter where the dough comes from?

Nepal Searching For New Girl to Serve as Goddess Incarnated

LibertySugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:00:29 -0700

Nepal is on the hunt for a new Kumari, a prepubescent girl worshiped as a virginal living goddess by Nepali Hindus and Buddhists who consider her an embodiment of the goddess of strength. Nepal's astrologists are analyzing horoscopes of girls belonging to the Buddhist Shakya clan, looking for the next Kumari.

The religious authorities want to make their selection before the annual Dasain Hindu festival in October, because if they wait too long, the current Kumari (who is 11) may begin menstruating before next year's festival. The goddess inhabits the girl's body until she menstruates, and it is considered unlucky if the virgin starts menstruating while serving as Kumari.

The Kumari job requirements include: perfect eyes, teeth, hair, and flawless skin free of even a small scratch. The girl, who can be as young as three-years-old, leaves her family and receives an allowance from the government. During religious festivals she wears red and gold costumes and is carried on a wooden chariot through the capital city. Some in Nepal say the tradition must be abolished to protect the children.

Source

US Judge Upholds Separation of Church and Science

LibertySugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:35 -0700

The University of California can deny credit for high school courses that emphasize religious teachings over historic or scientific explanations, according to a federal judge. Yesterday's ruling upheld UC admission standards that do not recognize curriculum that declares the Bible infallible or that rejects evolution. The losing Christian schools and students will appeal the decision. Here are each side's positions:

The High Schools:

Denying credit is an attempt to secularize private religious schools.
It also violates freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

University of California:

The rejected material omits crucial topics in science and history.
UC is applying blanket admission standards without regard to religion.
UC has approved inclusive textbooks like Biology: God's Living Creation.

Course texts rejected include Biology for Christian Schools, whose first page says, "If (scientific) conclusions contradict the Word of God, the conclusions are wrong," and text published by Bob Jones University that, "instructs that the Bible is the unerring source for analysis of historical events." The UC attorney says, "We evaluate the courses to see whether they prepare these kids to come to college at UC."

Is it an attempt to secularize private religious schools? Whose side are you on?

Source

Crackdown on Tickling: Will Rules For Priests Stop Abuse?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:00:21 -0700

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has released the most comprehensive list of rules to date addressing behavior between priests and children. Among other changes is the requirement of those who have contact with kids to get background checks. Victim advocates support the new rules but realize they're not a panacea. Specific rules also address conduct and communication through touch.

On the list of appropriate touches: side hugs, pats on the head, holding hands during prayers. Inappropriate moves include bear hugs, kissing, lap-sitting, and tickling. The sexual abuse scandals have haunted the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI has been including apology outreach as part of nearly every official trip, from Boston to Australia. The new rules are similar to those teachers already have to abide by, with rising teacher/student scandals causing states to crackdown as well. Should religious figures be considered in the same realm as secular adult/child relationships? Will outlining what's appropriate stop abuse, or is it just a bunch of words?Source

Crackdown on Tickling: Will Rules For Priests Stop Abuse?

It's a move in the right direction. Applying standards and enforcing them will really help.

If the rules don't stop abuse, at least it gets the topic in the open and removes secrecy.

A list of rules on paper will not fix anything. The problem is too deeply rooted.

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

West Virginia Offers Licenses For Those Who Fear the "Beast"

CitizenSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:20:35 -0700

West Virginia Offers Licenses For Those Who Fear the "Beast" West Virginia started Friday keeping driver's license photos out of a computer database for members of a small religious group who believe digital storage is a "mark of the beast" that evokes biblical prophecy. State DMV Commissioner Joseph Cicchirillo said the group of about 50 or 60 Christians, who are not affiliated with a particular church, contacted the agency two or three years ago to object to their pictures "being on a database that can be exchanged throughout the world or hacked into."

Courtroom: Flight Attendant Says Osteen's Wife Pushed Co-Worker

CitizenSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:25:01 -0700

Courts: Flight Attendant Says Osteen's Wife Pushed Co-Worker The wife of renowned evangelical pastor Joel Osteen got physical when her demands that a small spill on her seat be cleaned up were not immediately met, a flight attendant testified Thursday at a civil trial over the incident. Brown is suing Victoria Osteen, alleging that she threw her against a bathroom door and elbowed her in the left breast before the start of a 2005 flight to Vail, CO.

Union Trades Labor Day For Muslim Holiday at Tyson Factory

LibertySugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:00:45 -0700

Union workers at a Tennessee Tyson Food poultry factory will not get paid to barbecue chicken this Labor Day. A new five-year contract makes a paid holiday substitution, trading Labor Day for the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr. Instead of marking the end of summer, the employees will mark the end of Ramadan.

The Tennessee plant has 700 Muslim workers, out of 1,200 total. Tyson says the switch has nothing to do with religion, but is instead a contractual agreement (which only applies to union members) reached because the majority of the workers asked for it. Union leaders and supportive employees think it makes sense to accommodate the Muslim workers, too.

Other workers lament the loss of an "American holiday," and it appears that they are not alone. Some in the community are calling for a boycott of all Tyson products, arguing that immigrants need to adapt to the American way of life.

Should Tyson keep Labor Day no matter what, give employees an option to choose between the two holidays, or simply meet the contractual desires of the majority of workers, who are ready to give up Labor Day?

Source

Messiah or the Antichrist? McCain Ad Targets Evangelicals

LibertySugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:45:59 -0700

Have you seen McCain's ad "The One" that got rolled out last week? I found it comical, but I might not be the desired audience. Some think "The One" aspires to make conservative evangelical Christians, not the biggest McCain backers, fearful that Obama is the Antichrist, or at least the prelude to Christ's evil-spreading opponent.

Get Flash to see this player.

Recent McCain ads parallel statements made by influential Evangelicals, including Hal Linsey who has connected Obama to the Antichrist saying: "He [the Antichrist] will probably also stand in some European capital, addressing the people of the world and telling them that he is the one that they have been waiting for. And he can expect as wildly enthusiastic a greeting as Obama got in Berlin. The Bible calls that leader the Antichrist. And it seems apparent that the world is now ready to make his acquaintance."

While some analyze or rebuff the Moses/Jesus-Obama analogy, perhaps the whole comparison is simply a red herring for non-Evangelicals ignorant of the powerful Antichrist undertones. Could this ad subtly influence the otherwise skeptical demographic to vote for McCain, instead of staying home?

Sikh Student Wins Right to Wear Bangle in UK School

LibertySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:00:08 -0700

After nine months of being barred from school for violating the no jewelry rule, the UK's High Court ruled that the Welsh and Punjabi Sikh teenager had a right to wear her religious bangle to school. The court said that the school unlawfully discriminated against Sarika Singh by not letting her wear her Kara (bangle), an essential symbol of the Sikh faith, different from other jewelery. Sarika is the school's only Sikh pupil.

An almost constant clash churns between school rules and religious expression. This is how other notable school and religious symbol cases have been decided in the UK:

In 2007, the High Court ruled that a girl suffered no discrimination when asked to remove her purity ring, which signifies her belief against premarital sex.
Also last year, a school told a Catholic pupil that she could not wear a crucifix on a chain due to safety concerns, but that she could wear it as a pin.
In 2006, a religious high school declared that non-Muslim girls had to wear headscarves while at school.

For more examples and pictures of the bangled pupil celebrating,

French Jews and Muslims Vow to Stop Conflict by Baking

LibertySugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:00:40 -0700

In Paris a group of Jewish and Muslim French women get together to bake pastries and not talk about politics in the Middle East. They call themselves Les Bâtisseuses de Paix, or Peace Builders, and they hope to prevent the spread of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to France, where 5 million Muslims and 600,000 Jews live.

The International Herald Tribune profiled the group, whose members say they don't want the problems in the Middle East to ruin their relationships with their neighbors. The women will travel to New York to meet their transatlantic counterparts this fall.

French Jewish and Muslim community leaders alike praise their "courageous work" with one Islamic TV show host saying that their "tenderness and maternal sentiment" make them "the best agents for stopping conflict." But some aren't all that impressed. To see why,

Germany to Give Citizenship Test, Are You In or Are You Out?

LibertySugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:00:37 -0700

Yesterday the German government approved a plan to begin testing would-be citizens on German customs and history, as a condition of citizenship. Critics say the questions and language of the multiple choice test are too difficult. It has also caused a stir among Germany's religious communities. The word Holocaust is not mentioned anywhere on the history-oriented exam, and the Muslim community takes issue with the ideological nature of the questions.

Jewish leaders in Germany are puzzled that Judaism was not mentioned as one of four possible answers to the question: "Which religion exerted the most influence on German and European culture?" In fact some of the questions include references to Christian holidays, raising the question: Should assimilation tests be limited to civic knowledge, rather than "cultural" knowledge that could be exclusive?

Have a crack at some sample questions from the test, and see if you deserve a big plate of wiener schnitzel.

Source

Holy Campaign, Batman! Which Candidate Is the Godliest?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:45:55 -0700

John McCain's having a little contest over on his website letting us vote on his new campaign poster. The finalists are up now, check out the top 10 designs submitted by supporters. Fun! But the buzz around the Internet today is over the giant head in the clouds, shining almighty heaven motif of choice #1. Talking Points Memo posted it saying, "it's lucky for McCain that Barack Obama is the one with a hubris problem. Otherwise, this McCain poster in support of his campaign to be elected God might raise some eyebrows. . . ." I giggled.

Speaking of Obama's (perceived! By comedians!) Jesus-complex, last night on The Daily Show, in the segment following Obama's semester abroad, titled "Obama Quest: The Legend Begins, Continues" Jon Stewart mentioned a little side trip Obama had to make to Bethlehem. It seems a certain manger from a very early point in his past needed visiting . . . watch and see.

Holy Campaign, Batman! Which Candidate Is the Godliest?

McCain. That's a poster for a Sunday School wall if I ever saw one. Hear the angels?

Obama! Come on. Born in a manger. I don't know what other proof we need he's holy.

Sorry. I'm too busy building my Ron Paul shrine to trifle with your crazy fake-God poll.

Other. I'll tell you all about how silly this is in the comments.

Congressman Targets Islamic Subway Ads — Train Wreck?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:45:30 -0700

The Islamic faith may be getting a ticket to ride — the New York City subways that is. A series of ads selling Islam are planned to hit cars in September — unless one US congressman has his way. Rep. King (R-NY) says advertising for Allah is fine — but he thinks the people sponsoring the messages unacceptable.The 1,000 posters set to grace the subway's 6,200 cars are sponsored by the Islamic Circle of North America and showcase Q&A style headlines like, "Head Scarf?" or "Prophet Muhammad?" followed by "You deserve to know." One cleric promoting the campaign said:
The idea is to evoke certain thoughts in the mindset of the person who is looking at the ads and get them to a point where they can reflect upon certain words that one could define as hot words or key words that get thrown around a lot but are not necessarily defined in the most proper context.

Why would Rep. King have a problem with that? It's not the ad, it's the money behind it. One of the backers is Siraj Wahhaj, imam of a Brooklyn mosque. Though he was the first Muslim to lead a prayer before the House of Representatives, he was also a character witness for convicted 1993 World Trade Center bombing mastermind Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman.King (also a ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee) says, "he is a known Islamic extremist, and you would be giving him credibility and stature through a known government facility." King is asking the MTA to can the campaign. Should they?Source

Congressman Targets Islamic Subway Ads — Train Wreck?

Total train wreck. It's free speech — the ads are acceptable regardless of the backers.

Right on track. King's raising a salient point — running the ads validates the backers.

Other. I'll give you my roundtrip in the comments.

Pope Apologizes for Clergy Sexual Abuse

CitizenSugar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:50:05 -0700

Pope Apologizes for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Pope Benedict XVI apologized Saturday for the sexual abuse of children by Australia's Roman Catholic clergy, keeping up efforts begun in the United States to publicly atone for what he called evil acts by priests. The apology did not satisfy representatives of the victims. They said it must be backed by Vatican orders to Australian bishops to stop alleged efforts to cover up the extent of the problem and block attempts to win compensation. The Pope also said today that a "spiritual desert" is spreading throughout the world.

Ever Wonder If Amish Girls Are Expected to Forgive Rape?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:45:29 -0700

Think the Amish are gentle, peace-loving folk? Or haven't you given the faith much thought since Amish in the City? If your experience with this quiet faith stops with Witness, here's another look.

Torah Bontrager escaped her Amish community at 15 after coming close to committing suicide. Now, at 27, the Columbia grad is speaking out about common misconceptions about the Amish and her escape.

In an interview with author Tim Ferriss, she lists the pros and cons of her Amish childhood. Here are some high- (and low-) lights:

Pros of Growing Up Amish

The emphasis on the solidarity of the extended family unit
The emphasis on being hospitable to strangers, helping those in need, whether Amish or “English” (anyone who’s not Amish is “English")
Building your own houses, growing your own food, sewing your own clothes

Cons of Growing Up Amish

The rape, incest, and other sexual abuse that run rampant in the community
Physical and verbal abuse in the name of discipline
Women (and children) have no rights

For people with a peaceful, forgive-and-forget creed, I wondered how so much violence could be possible. To find out how,

Pope Condemns Consumerism, and Earth Scarred, Squandered

CitizenSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:57:34 -0700

Internet porn, greenhouse gases, and shopping could be the new scourge of the Earth. Pope Benedict addressed a huge gathering of young people in Sydney, Australia, today and said that that they were inheriting a planet whose natural gifts have been "scarred" and "squandered" to fuel insatiable consumption.

His latest environmental plea to save the planet for the young, was aimed at about 150,000 of those youth in Sydney after a "Pope on a boat" ride through the harbor. The sentiment maybe delivered to the right audience: Australia is one of the world's highest per capita greenhouse emitters stemming from coal-fired power stations, combined with the worst drought the country has seen in 100 years and an endangered river system that feeds the nation's food belt.

The Pope's words did not stop at the physical pollution of belching coal — the world is facing a spiritual pollution of sex, drugs, and shopping sprees as well. He said:

Our world has grown weary of greed, exploitation and division, of the tedium of false idols and piecemeal responses, and the pain of false promises.

TV and the internet were top on the list of sins. To see what he may have been aiming directly at Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,

Dalai Lama Defends Islam As Peaceful Religion

CitizenSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:10:46 -0700

Dalai Lama Defends Islam As Peaceful Religion
The Dalai Lama said Sunday that "it's totally wrong, unfair" to call Islam a violent religion. The Tibetan spiritual leader, appearing at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, offered a defense of Islam in response to a question about the rise of violent religious fundamentalism. He added that he has made a point of reaching out to Muslims since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Iowa Flooding and Polygamy Cause Debate Within Religions

CitizenSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:07 -0700

What do the recent floods in the Midwest, and the attention garnered over the FLDS polygamy case have in common? It might not be obvious on the surface, but they're both instances where headlines are having a big impact on religion. First, the floods:

One grocery-store owner in Iowa, who is a devout Muslim, saw his business of six years washed away along with hundreds of others in the severe flooding last month. But whereas other businesses are signing up to receive federal loans at low interest, he cannot; it is forbidden in the Quran for any believer to pay interest. The store owner claims he will need $18,000 to replenish his stock, a sum he does not have, yet his faith has not faltered: “With all of our losses here, even the loss of a six year effort, I still feel we were blessed.”

In Utah, a somewhat different religious struggle is taking place between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the more renegade Fundamentalist groups, most of whom practice polygamy. To see what's causing the debate,

Barack Obama is Jesus Christ, George W. Bush the Devil?

LibertySugar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:00:35 -0700

Barack Obama and George W. Bush share one thing in common: they produce strong reactions. Filmmaker Spike Lee has recently likened Obama to Jesus Christ, while over at John McCain's camp they've released a statement that suggests showing McCain with George W. Bush is enough to constitute an attack ad.

Spike, confident that Obama will win, uses the Jesus imagery to suggest that after Obama becomes president we will no longer use BC and AD to chronicle time, but BO and AO. Spike explained:

"When that happens, it will change everything . . .You'll have to measure time by "Before Obama" and "After Obama." It's an exciting time to be alive now."

Meanwhile, the George W. Bush embrace of McCain in Obama's new energy ad, used to show the two Republicans' similarity on energy, has made the devil out of President Bush. The ad goes on to debunk distortions included in McCain's ad on energy. To see the latest Obama ad

Front Page: G-8 on Energy, Climate, and Africa, Women Bishops Allowed, Free Gas For Life

CitizenSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:56:55 -0700

G-8 on Energy, Climate, and Africa:
Amid protests, the leaders of the G-8 economic powers acknowledged today that rising food and oil prices will affect world growth, but they're optimistic that the global economy will snap back. Calling on petroleum suppliers to boost production, they expressed their "strong concern" over commodity prices. Then the G-8 confirmed a goal to cut global greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2050, with additional goals for developing countries. Divisions came during a meeting with African leaders over the situation in Zimbabwe, with the US and Britain proposing an arms embargo and the African leaders promoting a power-sharing agreement.

Women Bishops Allowed:
The governing body of the Anglican Church in Britain voted yesterday to approve the appointment of women as bishops in the church. It's a step that could risk a schism in the church while still battling the most serious threat to its unity over allowing gay clergy members. The vote in favor of women came 16 years after similar debate to approve the ordination of women as ministers within the British church.
Free Gas For Life:
The Florida Lottery has instituted an attractive second place prize in response to climbing oil prices — free gas for life. Players consider the prize more attractive than the cash grand prize. With the average price over $4 a gallon, one Floridian said we've hit a tipping point where, "gas has become more precious than cash now."

New Tablet Suggests Christ Wasn't Alone in Resurrection

CitizenSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:02:28 -0700

A three-foot tall tablet tells the story, in Hebrew, of a messiah who will rise from the dead after three days. That sounds familiar, right? Well, the messiah mentioned, isn't Jesus. David Jeselsohn, an antiquities expert innocently purchased what looked like an ancient stone with centuries old Hebrew script — until one day a friend visited. This friend just happened to be an Israeli scholar who read the stone and came to the conclusion that the stone may hold another important key to the history of Christianity.

The stone, which was discovered nearly a decade ago, seems to point to a commander in Herod’s army named Simon who was believed to have been resurrected three days after being slain — suggesting that the story of his death and resurrection was not unique to Jesus Christ, but part of a recognized Jewish tradition at the time.

A professor of Talmudic culture says the tablet is causing a stir. To see how,

Front Page: Worst Afghanistan Toll, Cell Phone Law, Obama to Expand Faith-Based Programs

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:05:03 -0700

Worst Afghanistan Toll:
June was the deadliest for foreign troops in Afghanistan since the 2001 fall of the Taliban, and it was the second month in a row where the toll exceeded that in Iraq. At least 45 foreign troops were killed compared with 31 soldier deaths in Iraq. The casualty rate is thought to be tied to the Taliban's aim for headline-grabbing attacks that will promote their growing strength. Almost half of the 122 foreign soldiers who have died in Afghanistan during 2008 were killed in June, most by roadside bombs.

Cell Phone Law:
California's hands-free cell phone law goes into effect today. Offenders not using a hands-free headset while driving will be subject to a $20 fine for a first offense, and $50 for subsequent offenses. The law does not outlaw texting while driving, leading some to think the claims of safety are relative. Meanwhile, Sioux Falls, SD, has been named the safest driving city in the US.
Obama to Expand Faith-Based Programs:
Barack Obama is announcing plans to expand funding for President Bush's faith-based programs, pointing more Federal social service dollars to religious groups — and he'll announce that he will support some ability to hire and fire based on faith. The plan will be unveiled during remarks at the Eastside Community Ministry in Ohio. Obama is expected to say, ''the challenges we face today. . . are simply too big for government to solve alone. We need all hands on deck.''

Source

Dutch Anti-Islam Politician Won't Be Charged

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:55:24 -0700

Dutch Anti-Islam Politician Won't Be Charged
Dutch legislator Geert Wilders will not be prosecuted for inciting hatred of Muslims with his film denouncing the Quran, prosecutor said Monday. Prosecutor said his film Fitna, or "Ordeal" in Arabic, and statements Wilders wrote in Dutch newspapers were hurtful and insulting but not criminal. The film juxtaposed Quranic verses against a background of violent film clips and images of terrorism by Islamic radicals. It aroused protests around the Muslim world after it was released on the Internet in March.

Ever Wondered Why Jehovah's Witnesses Don't Vote?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:00:55 -0700

I'm not so much a sportsy-follower and admit that I didn't know that Serena Williams is a Jehovah's Witness until she started talking about Barack Obama in this Slate piece, but I'm glad she did — this is fascinating stuff. Do you know why Jehovah's Witnesses tend not to vote? Passages like John 17:14 where Jesus says of those who follow him: "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." This other-worldliness is what Jehovah's Witnesses have interpreted as a directive to remain above terrestrial concerns like the election and neutral in all political matters.

Though voting isn't completely prohibited it's cautioned against — the Watchtower, the official publication of the Jehovah's Witnesses has suggested that whether to stop into the voting booth was one of personal conscience. Not limited to voting, Witnesses also don't serve in the military, pledge allegiance to the flag, or run for office.

The cautioning against politics does work — only 13 percent are registered to vote, and though they're the biggest religious group that opts out of voting, there are others, like the Amish and the Rastafarians (though even their attitudes have altered the last few years.) Is God a big reason to stay vote-free? In the US about 2 percent of people who don't register to vote cite religion as the reason.

Source

Muslim Travelers May Avoid Sniffer Dog Checks Citing Religion

CitizenSugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:00:51 -0700

Transportation police in the UK might be losing a safety tool: Muslim passengers are objecting to the use of danger-sniffing dogs, saying that the practice is against Islam. According to the religion, dogs are considered to be spiritually “unclean."

Though the animals may be able to touch passengers’ luggage as a more acceptable alternative, the ban may hinder the effectiveness of dogs who've been trained to identify terrorists. Though a police spokesman said sniffer dogs would still be used regardless of faith, but handlers will be vigilant of “cultural sensitivities.” The chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission disagrees that the measure is enough, saying that even dogs touching baggage would be an issue for a Muslim preparing to pray. He stressed the importance of finding a method to allow dogs to check passengers without physical contact.

Are machines an alternative? Perhaps not. In a trial following the 2005 London bombings, some Muslim women said the use of a body scanner was also unacceptable because it was the equivalent of being forced to strip. Should religious beliefs trump safety practices? Where should the line be?

Source

Bush Praises Faith-Based Groups For Helping Needy

CitizenSugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:55:53 -0700

Bush Praises Faith-Based Groups For Helping Needy
President Bush said Saturday that religious charities, partly financed with federal money, have helped reduce homelessness, found jobs for former inmates and helped combat malaria and HIV/AIDS overseas. Bush used his weekly radio address to trumpet the "remarkable difference these groups have made over the past eight years." Bush said: "Through their partnerships with the government, these organizations have helped reduce the number of chronically homeless by nearly 12 percent — getting more than 20,000 Americans off the streets. [And] They have helped match nearly 90,000 children of prisoners with adult mentors."

Should Religion Be Kept Under Wraps at Military Academies?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:45:14 -0700

Competing trends in faith — evangelism and atheism — are creating a water and oil slick at US military academies. Nine midshipmen at the Naval Academy (not my favorite midshipman) recently petitioned the ACLU to have them require the school to abolish daily prayer at the attendance-mandatory lunches, a move based on a similar case at the Virginia Military Institute.One recent West Point graduate said the common emphasis on religion leads some to feel like "God" is a prerequisite for "General some day." He says:
Nowhere does it say that you have to be a good Christian officer or Jewish officer or Muslim officer: You need to be an officer dedicated to the Constitution of the United States. They tell us as an officer you have to put everything aside, all your personal stuff. But religion is the one thing they encourage you to wear on your sleeve.

The head chaplain at West Point says:
No one is pushing them to believe. [Prayer] is something we have done in the military for centuries. It is not designed to make people religious. The majority of people here are people of faith, and a prayer asks God’s blessing on a gathering and on the food.

With commanding officers feeling free to express faith in speeches and lessons — of which one law professor says, “you always have to be aware of the authority you have within your rank and uniform and the coercive potential of that authority,” — and the emphasis on group cohesion and belonging, should religion feature in service education? Can cadets and midshipmen feel free to practice faith (or not) despite the practices of authority figures and peers?Source

Should Religion Be Kept Under Wraps at Military Academies?

All should be allowed to express whatever their beliefs (or not) regardless of authority.

Religion should not be emphasized. It creates unnecessary tension and division.

Faith is an important part of service for many, and prayers are just part of the tradition.

Other. I'll let you know what I believe in the comments.

Poll: McCain Trounces Obama Among White Evangelicals

CitizenSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:10:35 -0700

Poll: McCain Trounces Obama Among White Evangelicals
Despite the lack of enthusiasm for his candidacy among some Christian conservative activists, Sen. John McCain so far is performing well among rank and file evangelical voters. A Washington Post-ABC News poll released this week found McCain collecting about 68 percent of the white evangelical vote, compared to Barack Obama's 22 percent. That number is very similar to level of support President Bush received in June 2004.

Tom Hanks/ Prof. Robert Langdon Not Welcomed in Church

LibertySugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:30:21 -0700

Tom Hanks is a persona non grata in all of the churches of the Vatican and Rome. The Vatican has banned the filming of Angels and Demons, Dan Brown's sequel to The Da Vinci Code because it is "an offense against God."

The head of the Vatican's Prefecture For Economic Affairs said:

[The stories] turned the Gospels upside down to poison the faith. It would be unacceptable to transform churches into film sets so that his blasphemous novels can be made into mendacious films in the name of business.

The Church did not even read the script, as the name Dan Brown was enough to merit a ban. In The Da Vinci Code, Brown suggests that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children, and Angels and Demons paints a picture of corrupt leadership in the Catholic Church.

I'm still trying to decide whether viewers are sophisticated enough to distinguish between fiction and accepted theology. Still, while modern moviegoers may wish the Catholic Church lightened up for the sake of art and entertainment, it's hard to imagine the Church freely giving its stamp of approval. Would it not lend credibility to the theology created by Dan Brown? Do you approve of the Church's disapproval?

Source

Catholic Bishops Condemn Embryonic Stem Cell Research

CitizenSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:58:11 -0700

Catholic Bishops Condemn Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The AP reports: "America's Roman Catholic bishops say in a new document that embryonic stem cell research carries grave moral risks. The bishops approved the statement overwhelmingly at their national meeting Friday in Orlando. The bishops said no greater good can come from using then discarding the embryos, which they consider innocent human life."

Bill Maher Puts New Movie "Religulous" in the Offering Plate

CitizenSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:00:14 -0700

Bill Maher isn't what you'd call a God-fearing man — far from it. He makes no secret that he's a rationalist and an atheist, and thinks all organized religions are a bunch of bunk. The comedian is trying his hand at preaching without the choir in his new documentary, Religulous, directed by Borat director Larry Charles.

He says the movie aims to answer these questions:

What do you believe, why do you believe it, and why do you need to believe it? Can we be good without God? Is religion a calling or a mental illness? Were Jesus, Moses and Mohammed prophets and visionaries, or crackpot nut cases who today would be put away? Is religion an obsessive-compulsive disorder?

The doc features visits to Jerusalem and the Vatican with interviews including Jews for Jesus, Muslims, polygamists, Satanists, Hasidic Scholars and even Rael of the Raelian Movement (the UFO folks). Check out the trailer. The movie comes out October 3 — do you think this movie is sent from heaven, or hasn't got a prayer?

To see Bill talk to Larry King about the movie and his views on religion — including his assertion that we don't need a person of faith in the White House, but rather a "person of doubt,"

Annulment Based on Bride's Fake Virginity Outrages French

LibertySugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:51 -0700

A court's decision to annul a marriage because the bride lied about being a virgin has the French worried that their secular values are under siege by religious immigrants.

The case involved a Muslim couple. Under their strict religious tradition, a woman must prove virginity on her wedding night. The court ruled that since the couple was Muslim, virginity was a prerequisite to the marriage. Thus, her misrepresentation of the requirement made the marriage invalid.

Women's rights activists say that the ruling treats women as a defected good in a commercial transaction. In addition, France's champions of secularism, who have worked to resist the religious influence of some 5 million Muslims that help make up France's population of 64 million, are outraged.

Their interpretation of secularism often leans towards forced secularism. To see how,

Was Obama Right to Leave Wright's Church?

LibertySugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:00:56 -0700

Barack Obama has left Chicago's Trinity Unity Church of Christ after 20 years, on a weekend dominated with news of a Florida and Michigan deal and the Puerto Rico primary. Addressing his resignation, Obama said:
It's clear that now that I'm a candidate for president, every time something is said in the church by anyone associated with Trinity, including guest pastors, the remarks will imputed to me even if they totally conflict with my long-held views, statements and principles. I have no idea how it will impact my presidential campaign but I know it was the right thing to do for me and my family.

The sermons and later expressed opinions of Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright have been a consistent political problem for Obama for the past few months. Sexist, and anti-Hillary Clinton, comments made by a visiting priest have brought the church back into the spotlight. While some may lament the fact that politics caused Obama to leave a church that he's been a member of for 20 years, others may take Obama at his word that he made the decision based on what he thought was better for his family. The timing of his resignation may give Obama a prayer for avoiding a massive refocus on the controversial church. Are you happy to see that Barack left the controversial church?Source

Was Obama Right to Leave Wright's Church?

Hallelujah! This has been a distraction from crucial issues and Obama's message.

About time! But, his longtime association is still worrisome.

No way! This makes him like every other politician.

Sad. He should stand up for his church.

I'm neutral. Obama should do whatever he feels is best for his spirituality and family.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Marine Removed From Duty For Handing Out Bible Coins. Fair?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:00:49 -0700

A US Marine in Iraq has been removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint, the military said Thursday.A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja have complained that the Marine was giving the coins, printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point in Falluja — they claimed that US troops were acting as Christian missionaries. US military regulations prohibit religious proselytizing.Col. James L. Welsh, chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West said, "this has our full attention. We deeply value our relationship with the local citizens and share their concerns over this serious incident."One of the coins is stamped with the words "Where will you spend eternity?" The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse from John 3:16 that reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."A Coalition spokesman said, "regulations prohibit members of the coalition force from proselytizing any religion, faith, or practices. Our troops are trained on those guidelines before they deploy." A military statement said "appropriate action" will be taken if the reports are true. What action would be appropriate?Another article tells the story of how tough it is to be a military chaplain in wartime — it's clear that religion is important to soldiers serving. Was handing out the coin, proselytizing? Was being removed from duty, fair?
Source

Marine Removed From Duty For Handing Out Bible Coins. Fair?

Of course! That's the rule, handing out the coins was clearly a missionary act.

It's a gray area. If he wasn't trying to persuade people, he was just showing his faith.

No. He shouldn't have been removed from duty for allegedly handing out a coin.

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.