http://www.citizensugar.com/ Breaking News, Together. en http://www.citizensugar.com/2559034 <p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2559011?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/02b08ec576ed3d91_83885282.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" width="320" height="214"></a></span>If the US is really one nation under God, maybe its fancy new Capitol Visitor Center should honor the country's religious heritage. That's what South Carolina's Republican Senator Jim DeMint thinks, and <a href="http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/12/02/demint-capitol-visitor-center-fails-to-honor-faith/" target="_blank">he has issued a statement to express his disappointment</a> with the facility that opened yesterday. He stated:<br /> <blockquote> The current CVC displays are left-leaning and in some cases distort our true history. Exhibits portray the federal government as the fulfillment of human ambition and the answer to all of society’s problems. This is a clear departure from acknowledging that Americans’ rights "are endowed by their Creator" and stem from "a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence." Instead, the CVC’s most prominent display proclaims faith not in God, but in government. Visitors will enter reading a large engraving that states, "We have built no temple but the Capitol. We consult no common oracle but the Constitution." This is an intentional misrepresentation of our nation’s real history, and an offensive refusal to honor America's God-given blessing.</p></blockquote> <p>Planners ignored Sen. DeMint's request to feature the words "In God We Trust" and the Pledge of Allegiance at the center. Absent references to religious heritage, does the Capitol Visitor Center misrepresent America for the sake of political correctness, or is it appropriate that religious references stay outside the new building? </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-80381 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2559011?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83885282.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-60545 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2559011?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83885306.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-91326 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2559011?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83885353.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-9034 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2559011?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83885398.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-3102 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2559011?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83886156.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2559034#comment Congressional Visitor Center Headline Religion Washington DC World of Faith Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:00:01 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2559034 http://www.citizensugar.com/2538518 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/60aaf003ade0b4fe_Rabbi.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="240" width="320"></span>While Americans give thanks tomorrow, Israel's top rabbis have <a href="http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404824005&amp;pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull" target="_blank">called for mass prayer rallies across Israel</a> to help end the global financial crisis. Jewish religious institutions have been hit hard by the economic downturn, as fundraising efforts in the US and Europe have proved futile. </p> <p>This past summer, religious leaders in the US <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1757166" >held gas station-side prayer vigils</a> in an attempt to reduce pain at the pump. Considering gas prices <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12400801/" target="_blank">have dropped to 2004 levels</a>, those who pray for solutions may be onto something.</p> <p>With the US government prepared to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2533766" >spend as much as $7.4 trillion</a> on the financial mess to no obvious avail, perhaps it's time to start pursuing cheaper options. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2538518#comment Economy Headline Religion World of Faith Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:54 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2538518 http://www.citizensugar.com/2497780 <p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/efeab47e5751bbe1_George-W-Bush.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="314"></a></span>Speaking at the UN Culture of Peace gathering, President Bush <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4AC75Y20081113" target="_blank">emphasized how religious freedom is crucial to a flourishing society</a>. Bush maintained that freedom to worship as you want is "God's gift to every man, woman, and child." </p> <p>Bush cited the US as an example of how to promote religious freedom:<br /> <blockquote>Our nation has helped defend the religious liberty of others, from liberating the concentration camps of Europe to protecting Muslims in places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We're not afraid to stand with religious dissidents and believers who practice their faith even where it is unwelcome.</p></blockquote> <p>At the meeting billed as an "interfaith" dialogue, the president of Pakistan also spoke out against hate speech, saying: "The imaginary fear of Islam has been rising. This is exactly what the terrorists had hoped to provoke. Those in the West who accept this are falling into the trap of the terrorists."</p> <p>As this was most likely Bush's last appearance at the UN, do you think he went out with the right message? </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-93765 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83675939.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-73157 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83675966.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-55024 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83676155.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-29625 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83676298.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-55129 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83676635.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2497780#comment George W Bush Headline Islam Pakistan Religion United Nations World of Faith Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:30:35 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2497780 http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209 <p>"Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness's sake." That's <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/12/godless.holiday.ap/index.html" target="_blank">the message about to be proclaimed on the side of Washington, DC buses</a> this holiday season. Firing the first shot in what could shape up to be a hard-fought War on Christmas, the American Humanists Association is ready to claim a little holiday turf from traditional religions.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/235d28e0799fd4e5_72852782.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="136" width="550"></span><br /> Following in the footsteps of its British counterparts <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2393698" >who put atheist ads on London buses</a>, the humanist group hopes the American version will bring some holiday cheer to atheists and agnostics feeling left out during the holiday season. The American Family Association, which wants to keep Christ in Christmas, thinks it's a "stupid ad." To find out what the group had to say the merit of the ad's message, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209#comment Headline Religion Washington DC World of Faith Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:30:06 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209 http://www.citizensugar.com/2490641 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/b1fa628337214e4e_Pro-life.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="210" width="320"></span>Without many of their own in national office, the <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2008/11/11/D94CVQD00_anti_abortion_outlook/index.html?" target="_blank">prolife movement plans to relocate</a> to grassroots activism and street- and abortion clinic-side protests. Beginning Jan. 21, the day after Barack Obama is sworn in, groups will hold a three-day protest in Washington, DC.</p> <p>Speaking about prochoice gains in Congress and the defeat of various state-ballot measures that would limit abortion, Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, said "The hardline, divisive tactics they've used have been resoundingly rejected. . . . I'd hope some of the folks on the right, if their goal is to reduce the need for abortions, would link arms with us."</p> <p>But not all those dedicated to the prolife movement are ready to join hands with their previous adversaries. Sean O'Malley, the cardinal-archbishop of Boston, and longtime civil rights activist, <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/11/11/omalley_heartened_worried_by_election/?page=1" target="_blank">is concerned about Obama's record on abortion</a>. To see what strong words he had for Planned Parenthood at the opening of the US Conference of Bishops, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2490641">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2490641#comment Abortion Barack Obama Religion World of Faith Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:30:00 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2490641 http://www.citizensugar.com/2442311 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/44_2008/361185d67e21bb71_6187-000459.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="222" width="320"></span>With <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2419771" >last week's news</a> that Missouri sixth-graders had organized "Hit a Jew Day," it appears a new generation of children are being exposed to hateful attitudes towards the traditionally targeted minority. </p> <p>The total number of religiously motivated hate crimes dropped in 2007, yet the number of crimes directed against a people because of their Jewish religion increased from 2006. </p> <p>Of the 1,477 <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-10-28-hate-crimes_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip" target="_blank">crimes perpetrated against victims because of their religion</a> in 2007, 68 percent of them were against Jews. Comparatively, only nine percent of those crimes were perpetrated against Muslims. </p> <p>Crimes based on race still make up the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-10-27-hatecrimes_N.htm" target="_blank">biggest proportion of hate crimes</a>. While it's promising that overall religious tolerance is growing, let's hope more Americans avoid violence based on hate.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2442311#comment Hate Crimes Headline Jews Religion World of Faith Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:00:58 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2442311 http://www.citizensugar.com/2425930 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/44_2008/86899cf9d3bff8c6_83293923.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="241"></span>At a meeting to discuss social threats to Muslims in Malaysia, a <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/malaysia/3250905/Malaysia-bans-women-from-wearing-mens-clothes-and-lesbian-sexual-relations.html" href=” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatw%C4%81”>fatwa</a> — scholarly opinion on Islamic law — was issued that <a target="_blank">forbids women to act like men</a>. According to the ruling, women should not cut their hair short nor walk, talk, or otherwise act like men.</p> <p>The fatwa, however, is not legally binding so it's not illegal to act masculine, just immoral. The chairman of the National Fatwa Council said these women were denying their femininity and violating human nature. To explain the ruling, he said:<br /> <blockquote>It is unacceptable to see women who love the male lifestyle including dressing in the clothes men wear. . . It becomes clearer when they start to have sex with someone of the same gender.</p></blockquote> <p>While lesbian sex is not illegal either, sodomy is an offense that is punctuated with a 20-year sentence. But in a country like Malaysia, where Islam is the official religion, a fatwa can hold as much power as the law, and many lawyers believe this is a push to put lesbianism on the other side of it.</p> <p>Considering masculinity and femininity is a spectrum — defined by culture — I do wonder how far this can go. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2425930#comment Fatwas Homosexuality Islam Malaysia World of Faith Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:00:15 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2425930 http://www.citizensugar.com/2426925 <p>Matthew 25 Network, a Christian political action committee, has <a href="http://www.matthew25.org/quotes.htm" target="_blank">endorsed Barack Obama</a> and Joe Biden, explaining that faith is the center of Obama's hope. Now the group is airing Obama's discussion of faith as an ad <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/More_Obama_Christian_radio.html?showall" target="_blank">on Christian radio stations</a>.<br /> <center><object width="425" height="344"><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FMeYGa8Fd0I&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FMeYGa8Fd0I&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></p> <p>Matthew 25 is made up of Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, and Evangelical Christians, and its mission statement holds:<br /> <blockquote>While no elected official will be without flaw, we come together as individuals to support candidates for public office who share the values of the Matthew 25 Network: promoting life with dignity, caring for the least of these, strengthening and supporting families, stewardship of God’s Creation, working for peace and justice at home and abroad, and promoting the common good.</p></blockquote> <p>Are you happy to see a religious case made for candidates, or would you rather private faith be left out of the equation altogether?</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2426925#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Matthew 25 Network Political Action Committee Religion World of Faith Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:00:32 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2426925 http://www.citizensugar.com/2419771 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/3443eceecd3d2bc0_57466004.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="273"></span>Four students at a St. Louis area school are <a href="http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081024/D940P7G00.html" target="_blank">facing punishment</a> after allegedly participating in "Hit a Jew Day." Apparently part of an unofficial "Spirit Week" the sixth graders started innocently with "Hug a Friend Day," and it progressed through "Hit a Tall Person Day" to the decidedly less silly "Hit a Jew Day." </p> <p>School officials think fewer than 10 of the school's 35 Jewish students were actually hit. The perpetrators of the spirit gone wrong are <a href="http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7710955&amp;version=1&amp;locale=EN-US&amp;layoutCode=VSTY&amp;pageId=3.2.1" target="_blank">facing suspension</a> and could be required to go to counseling. A school spokesman says, "There is a mix of sadness and outrage. The concern is a lot of kids knew about it and they didn't take action or say anything." The Anti-Defamation League says the incident is more than just bullying and are meeting with school officials today.</p> <p>Is this school hijinks gone awry with kids who don't know the true meaning? Or something much more dangerous?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2419771#comment education Headline Jews World of Faith Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:30:59 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2419771 http://www.citizensugar.com/2392366 <p>If a DVD titled <b>Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West</b> has fallen out of your newspaper, it's not because print media has given up on people reading. You can thank, or blame, the Clarion Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to exposing the "threat of radical Islam," which has <a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2008/10/17/smearcasting_how_islamophobes_spread_fear_bigotry" target="_blank">placed the DVDs in ad sections of swing-state newspapers</a>.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/index.php" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/4db90b73be7cdf22_Picture_2.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="173" width="550"></a></span></p> <p><b>Obsession</b> is a documentary that <a href="http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/trailer1.php" target="_blank">compares Islam to Nazism</a>, citing similarities in hate speech, paranoia, and us-against-them mentality. Very few newspapers have refused the DVD and its accompanying ad revenue. Those that have placed it in their pages — like the <b>New York Times</b> — have justified it by saying that it would violate sponsors’ right to free speech if they were to reject it. </p> <p>While the Clarion Fund takes credit for distributing the DVD, it does not admit to paying for it. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), saying the Clarion Fund has tried to influence the presidential election and violated its status as a tax-exempt nonprofit. </p> <p>On air at <b>Democracy Now!</b>, Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesperson for CAIR, questioned the Clarion Fund's motives. To see what he had to say, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2392366">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2392366#comment Democracy Now Freedom of Religion Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press Islamophobia World of Faith Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:30:33 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2392366 http://www.citizensugar.com/2393698 <p>London buses will soon find themselves adorned with signs saying "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." The <a href="http://www.humanism.org.uk/site/cms/" target="_blank">British Humanist Association</a> came up with the idea, with the plan of raising £5,500 ($9,325) and accepting a matching gift from famous atheist Richard Dawkins. But so far, the non-god-fearing group has already raised £20,300 ($34,420).<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/43_2008/6e36f3fc7374ccaa_God-billboards.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="141" width="550"></span><br /> Dawkins has <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7681914.stm" target="_blank">said of the campaign</a>:<br /> <blockquote> Religion is accustomed to getting a free ride — automatic tax breaks, unearned respect and the right not to be offended, the right to brainwash children. . . . This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think — and thinking is anathema to religion.</p></blockquote> <p>While some religious people are upset with the campaign, the Methodist Church has welcomed the dialogue. To see why the billboards don't make them nervous, and for some background on religious billboards in the US, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2393698">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2393698#comment Headline Religion Richard Dawkins United Kingdom World of Faith Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2393698 http://www.citizensugar.com/2390171 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/08cdd357fcacca62_small-CAL2009.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="223" width="223"></span>Ding-dong! And that's in the metaphorical and literal sense, I suppose. A whole calendar of Mormon missionaries shirtless? Yes — though the hotness of the bell-ringing men depicted has landed its creator in some hot water with his alma mater, Brigham Young University. </p> <p>Chad Hardy graduated from BYU and created the calendar called "Men on a Mission" aimed at shaking up the boring or cookie-cutter stereotype of the LDS lads. After selling more than 11,000 copies featuring the missionaries in shirtless beefcake poses, last month Hardy <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5grb8ubXOEwH2BCS_cgu_sn-WI4PAD93UB8NG0" target="_blank">received a letter</a> saying that there had been a nonacademic hold placed on his degree. He'd been excommunicated from the church, and that "If in the future you are reinstated as a member of the church in good standing, you are invited to contact my office regarding your possible eligibility for the awarding of a degree." He plans to fight the decision "tooth and nail." </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-98565 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2390103?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/chris1.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-65524 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2390103?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/cj1.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-74590 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2390103?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/cody1.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-54542 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2390103?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/eric1.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-66762 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2390103?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/43_2008/james1.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p>Reasons for the excommunication include the calendar as well as failure to pay tithing and other religious obligations. The 2009 version is <a href="http://www.mormonsexposed.com/" target="_blank">on sale now</a>. The controversy is all well and good, but want to see the missionaries sans shirts? Then without further ado, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2390171">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2390171#comment BYU Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Courts Mormons Political Products World of Faith Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:00:40 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2390171 http://www.citizensugar.com/2386086 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/8e60eada283b9cf9_Islam-in-China.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="280"></span>China, an officially atheist government, closely controls the five recognized religions — Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Taoism, and Buddhism. China keeps an especially close look at the northwestern Xinjiang region, where Islamic and separatist ties are strong. This weekend's <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/world/asia/19xinjiang.html?ref=world" target="_blank">New York Times took a look</a> into how a rising China wants to blunt the rise of Islam. </p> <p>Some restrictions include:</p> <ul> <li> Sermons at Friday Prayer cannot be longer than a half-hour.</li> <li>Prayer in public, outside the mosque, is forbidden.</li> <li>Many residents can only worship in mosques located in their cities.</li> <li>Government workers and Communist Party members cannot attend services.</li> <li>Non-official versions of the Koran are illegal.</li> <li>Only special government school may teach Arabic.</li> <li>Students and government workers must eat during Ramadan.</li> </ul> <p>China seems more concerned with freedom from religion, than freedom of religion.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2386086#comment China Headline Islam Muslim Religion World of Faith Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:00:53 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2386086 http://www.citizensugar.com/2370197 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/200305827-001.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="320" width="213"></span>Ernie Chambers, A Nebraskan State Senator has <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i2jb6VPJX4XBa5yiEEIuPjrcZmFwD93R41PO0" target="_blank">been issued a setback</a> in his lawsuit against God. That's right. God. He says the Lord Almighty has made threats against him and his electorate in Omaha and is responsible for "widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth's inhabitants." His setback however, hasn't come in the form of a lightning bolt or a plague of frogs but rather from the court itself. It turns out that the judge has thrown out the suit because no home address could be furnished.</p> <p>The lawsuit, Senator Chambers says, was filed to make the point that all persons should be able to have access to the courts regardless of wealth. Regardless of the reason, Douglas County District Court Judge Marlon Polk was steadfast: "Given that this court finds that there can never be service effectuated on the named defendant this action will be dismissed with prejudice." Not being dismayed by the law . . . or reason (?) Chambers believes he has a hole in this ruling: "The court itself acknowledges the existence of God. A consequence of that acknowledgment is a recognition of God's omniscience. Since God knows everything, God has notice of this lawsuit."</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2370197#comment Courts Headline World of Faith Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:00:55 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2370197 http://www.citizensugar.com/2348534 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/41_2008/83235646.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="214" width="320"></span>Thousands of people appeared in St. Peter’s Square yesterday to watch as Pope Benedict XVI gave the Roman Church <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g6uChQtK4eDhxWFVE5JzL-XHovNQD93P0OS00" target="_blank">four new saints</a>, one of who was of particular importance to Indian Catholics. Sister Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception, is the first Indian woman to achieve sainthood. Her nomination is seen as a comfort to those who have recently suffered at the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/holy-war-strikes-india-955502.html" target="_blank">hands of Hindu violence</a> in India.</p> <p>The three other saints are: Gaetano Errico, a Neapolitan priest who created an order of missionaries in the 19th century, Sister Maria Bernarda who dedicated her life as a nun in Ecuador and Colombia and Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran, another woman who aided the sick and poor in Ecuador. Mother Teresa was beatified in 2003, and though she's usually associated with India, she was Albanian.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2348534#comment Catholic Church Headline India Pope Benedict XVI World of Faith Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:00:56 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2348534 http://www.citizensugar.com/2324448 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2324448"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2324448',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2324448');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Illuminated-Book-New-Testament/dp/919766944X" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/41_2008/Picture_1_2.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="312"></a></span>Though the story might always start, "in the beginning," the Bible has taken a whole host of formats from iPod ready to graphic novel, but this <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1237470" target="_blank">latest incarnation</a> called <b>Bible Illuminated: The Book</b> takes the Bible and smashes in a bit of <b>People</b> and a little bit of <b>Vogue</b> and reimagines it as an avant-garde coffee-table book of photo essays to tell the story of Jesus for an Angelina Age (yep, she's in there.)</p> <p>What's behind the new slick format? One professor of religious studies explains it like this: "In general, Bible publishers have always been creative, but now they are scrambling to meet a culture where people are moving away from print reading. In a visually literate, advertising-skeptical age — how do you grab people's attention? Mixing the biblical text with Angelina Jolie doesn't surprise me."</p> <p>Sales of Bibles rise during times of war and economic crisis, (uh, check and check) so the new version may be an instant best-seller and might lure new readers in. The dean emeritus at the Nida Institute For Biblical Scholarship says, "We are living in the age of increased secularization and distance from traditional religion. It's about new points of entry in a modern world that is not ready to open its doors and windows to the traditional word." </p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2324448" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>New Bible Modernizes the Word With Angelina: Heavenly Idea?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Of course! As long as it tells the story, what's wrong with modern images?</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No way. It's one step closer to total commodatization. Jesus is fine without Angelina. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll give you my good word in the comments. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2324448" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2324448#comment Art Bibles Citizen Poll culture World of Faith Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:45:22 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2324448 http://www.citizensugar.com/2179756 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83093951.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="280"></span>These pictures of kids in Gaza celebrating the end of Ramadan stopped me in my tracks this morning. The celebration, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the 30-day period of daylight abstinence from food and drink observed by Muslims. It's a three-day "festival of the fast-breaking," a joyous time to visit friends and relatives and to give to those in need ensuring that everyone will have a holiday meal — <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7635677.stm" target="_blank">especially important this year</a> as more and more feel financial woes.</p> <p>The kids in these pictures are clearly having a great time, celebrating the end of the fast, but the guns. Oh, the guns give more than a little pause. While yes, kids have played cops and robbers since the beginning of time (give or take) the adult way these children handle the weapons suggests the real cost of their turbulent environment. A study showed that a crushing <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/08/060801183448.htm" target="_blank">98 percent of children</a> in Gaza have experienced or witnessed war trauma. Most children, who number almost half of the residents of Gaza, have been tear-gassed, had their homes searched, or seen shootings and explosions. No wonder they seem so at home with their arsenal. </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-60253 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#e54c4c'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2179725?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83093117.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-75428 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#e54c4c'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2179725?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83093131.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-57213 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#e54c4c'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2179725?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83093882.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-27456 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#e54c4c'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2179725?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83093900.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-20089 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#e54c4c'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2179725?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83093989.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p>It makes me want to replace those guns with some Basboosa (a traditional post-Ramadan dessert made with semolina and yogurt, soaked in a rose water syrup.) That would certainly be sweeter. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2179756#comment children Gaza Headline Ramadan World of Faith Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:00:04 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2179756 http://www.citizensugar.com/2128362 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83060956.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="202" width="320"></span> <ul> <li><b>Bush Implores Congress:</b><br /> Speaking this morning at the White House, President Bush <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/09/30/special/b055045D45.DTL&amp;type=politics" target="_blank">said</a> that the economic damage will be "painful and lasting" if a bailout bill is not passed by Congress. The House is not scheduled to meet again until Thursday but lawmakers are <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ioHc80xKMiATnqCpK0cDKJzk_nPQD93H0V300" target="_blank">looking for a new deal</a> following the failure of the bill yesterday and the worst <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/business/30markets.html?ref=us" target="_blank">single-day drop</a> of the stock market in 20 years.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/Tuesday.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="179" width="240"></span> <li><b>Pirate Shoot-Out:</b><br /> Somali pirates who seized a Ukrainian ship for a $20 million ransom last week have been involved in a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7643561.stm" target="_blank">shoot-out at sea</a> among themselves. The pirates dispute the report saying, "This is propaganda being spread by some people who are not aware of our situation. We are united in punishing those who abuse Somali waters." A spokesman for the Seafarers' Association warned negotiators to pull back so the pirates can cool off.</li> <li><b>More Than 140 Dead in Temple Stampede:</b><br /> At least 147 have died and 55 injured at a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-us-india-stampede.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">stampede at an Indian temple</a> as the faithful gathered for one of the year's most important religious festivals. With witnesses saying that the crowd was trying to pass through too narrow of a passage in the climb, another says, "People were falling over one another. Many ran but were trampled under the feet of thousands." A similar situation happened at a Hindu temple last month.</li> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2128362#comment Congress Economy Front Page George W Bush India Pirates Somalia World of Faith Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:55:38 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2128362 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2120449 <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/29/vatican-installs-solar-pa_n_130391.html" target="_blank">Vatican Installs Solar Panels on Roof</a> The first solar panels were installed Monday on top of the papal audience hall at Vatican City. Workers began putting photovoltaic cells on the roof of the hall to convert sunlight into electricity. In sunny Rome, engineers say the cells will produce enough electricity to illuminate, heat, or cool the hall.</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2120449#comment aside Eco The Daily Planet Vatican World of Faith Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:40:22 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2120449 http://www.citizensugar.com/2095539 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/39_2008/51721360.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="255"></span>The line between church and state became a little more blurry when six of the 17 chaplains for the Virginia State Police <a href="http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/452028.aspx" target="_blank">resigned over new restrictions</a> on prayer. In an effort to comply with the concept of a government free of church recognition, the chaplains were asked to offer only non-denominational services for public events and ceremonies.</p> <p>According to one chaplain, he believed that this meant that using the name Jesus Christ was forbidden — a claim that a police spokesperson denies: “There was no written directive nor were chaplains specifically told in their meetings with the executive staff and colonel that they could not use ‘Jesus Christ’ in their prayer.” Even though the police issued this statement, many on the force still believed this violated their conscience. Says one chaplain, "There were several of us who felt that because of our convictions about what the Bible says, we couldn't agree to go along with a generic prayer policy."</p> <p>To see what's being done about it, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2095539">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2095539#comment Headline Police World of Faith Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:00:56 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2095539 http://www.citizensugar.com/2040261 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/38_2008/80789112.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="256"></span>If you're on your couch right now recovering from last night and wondering whether you should hit church or give your thanks over a Sunday brunch Bloody Mary instead, your prayers have been answered. The Phyrst Church in State College, PA, part of Penn State’s Christian Student Fellowship, is <a href="http://www.wjactv.com/news/17505745/detail.html" target="_blank">taking their message</a> to the Phyrst Bar to preach the word. That's right. Church in a bar.</p> <p>“We’re taking it to them, just like Jesus did in his time,” said Buzz Roberts, a minister with CSF. Seconding this is a Penn State student: “It’s about hearing a message and getting to congregate.” The relationship between God and alcohol didn’t start out on calm seas, however. The CSF contacted several area bars and few were keen to allow religious services to be held inside their establishments, until they reached the Phyrst Bar. “All I wanted was an hour on Sunday nights to share the word and they were cool with it,” said Pastor Kingshipp, also of the CSF.</p> <p>The services are relaxed, offering a sermon, singing, and even a shot of Stoli. So far nearly 50 students and locals attend, and the church hopes the good times will continue to roll. What do you think? Is this a perfect shake-up of fellowship and the word, or does it stir you up?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2040261#comment Alcohol Headline Pennsylvania World of Faith Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:00:13 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2040261 http://www.citizensugar.com/2036651 <p>Negative attitudes toward Muslims and Jews are mounting Europe. A <a href="http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=262" target="_blank">new survey found</a> negative views among 46 percent of Spanish, 36 percent of Poles, 34 percent of Russians, 25 percent of Germans, and 20 percent of French. Britain is the only surveyed European country where anti-Semitic views did not rise, as only nine percent rate Jews unfavorably. In the US, seven percent of Americans have negative views toward Jews.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/80684341.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="328" width="550"></span><br /> As for unfavorable attitudes toward Muslims, 52 percent in Spain, 50 percent in Germany, 46 percent in Poland and 38 percent in France hold negative views. In Britain the rate is 25 percent, and in the US it is 23 percent. </p> <p>Not too long ago we heard <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1863196" >stories about European extremists</a> ready to capitalize on this hostility. This summer, German authorities uncovered a neo-Nazi children's summer camp, and the French have been investigating Paris clothing shops selling anti-Semitic T-shirts. </p> <p>Is there a difference between latent unfavorable opinions, and dangerous hatred?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2036651#comment Europe Headline Islam Jews Muslim World of Faith Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:30:14 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2036651 http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2021490 <a href="/slideshow/2021490?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/38_2008/53138561.xlarge_0.jpg" alt="Evolution Is Just a Theory: Top 10 List of Famous Creationists" title="Evolution Is Just a Theory: Top 10 List of Famous Creationists" class="image xlarge inline left" /></a>Creationism is, pardon the expression, creating quite a stir this election. With 66 percent of the US believing that the world is <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/the-big-question-why-is-creationism-on-the-rise-and-does-it-have-a-place-in-education-927035.html">less than 10,000 years old</a>, and 16 percent of biology teachers being creationists, a vice presidential candidate who's been linked to the c-word, and even Obama rolling out <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/15/obama-rolls-out-faith-bas_n_126555.html">faith-based merchandise</a>, the issue of belief is big. One UK preacher <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7613403.stm">says of the growth</a>, "Science does not have to be taught in conflict with faith or religion. I believe the current debate over creationism versus evolution is beginning to draw more and people over to our side of the argument . . . evolution is a world-view that leads to futility. It's no wonder people are dissatisfied with it." Check out who else makes the list of high-profile creationists who agree with him.<div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2021490?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2021490#comment Creationism Evolution Lists Slideshow World of Faith Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2021490 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2021404 <p><a href="http://wonkette.com/402766/florida-awash-in-various-provocative-campaign-signs" target="_blank">Florida Awash In Various Provocative Campaign Signs</a> Competing with the sprinklers? One Floridian says, “This has been in my yard for over a month, except for the occasional picture taking by someone driving by, the neighbors seem to be ignoring my Obama Jesus,” he writes sadly. Is his message all wet?</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2021404#comment 2008 Presidential Election aside Barack Obama Lighten Up World of Faith Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:07:59 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2021404 http://www.citizensugar.com/2019132 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/38_2008/skd285266sdc.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="320" width="320"></span>The age-old question, "WWJD?" might have a hand in people's perception of the war on terror — or at least how information is gathered. A new poll shows that 57 percent of Southern evangelicals <a href="http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/southern-evange.html" target="_blank">believe that torture is justified</a> as a means of gaining important information from suspected terrorists. The tune changes however when presented with the Golden Rule. </p> <p>When asked first to consider this statement: "the US government should not use methods against our enemies that we would not want used on American soldiers," the percent of respondents who said torture was rarely or never justified rose from 38 percent to 52 percent. </p> <p>A spokesman for the research said of the shift, "Presenting people with this argument and identifying with the golden rule really does engage a different part of people's psyche and a part of their heart, their soul, and really does shift their views on torture." </p> <p>To see the "why" behind the shift, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2019132">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2019132#comment Citizen Poll Citizen vs The Pollsters Evangelicals Poll Torture World of Faith Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:00:46 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2019132 http://www.citizensugar.com/2013596 <p>An unprecedented conflict has erupted between Muslim workers and management at JBS Swift &amp; Co.'s Colorado meat packing factory, regarding <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gux1PsPkRR7lposNk1KasOg65UTgD9354Q3O0" target="_blank">when employees can pray</a> in observance to Ramadan. Over 200 workers walked out during a shift, since management would not give them an official sunset break for prayer. As a result, the company fired half of them.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/37_2008/82754574.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="368" width="550"></span><br /> The union plans to file suit, but hopes the employees will get their jobs back without a court-battle. Right now, many that still have jobs have offered financial help to those who got fired. Sounds like the Swift plant has a different approach to Ramadan than the Tyson plant in Tennessee that agreed to give union workers <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1842359" >the end of Ramadan off instead of Labor Day</a>. </p> <p>Meanwhile in Denmark, a municipal committee in Odense decided to call for principals and parents to <a href="http://islamineurope.blogspot.com/2008/09/odense-against-students-fasting.html" target="_blank">stop children who are fasting</a> for Ramadan. City officials say it's not so much politics or religion that prompted the push against fasting, but concerns over student health and ability to lean while hungry. </p> <p>How should employers and teachers accommodate those observing Ramadan?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2013596#comment children Colorado Denmark Headline Islam Muslim Ramadan World of Faith Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:01:01 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2013596 http://www.citizensugar.com/1958018 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/37_2008/79108603_2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="370" width="270"></span>Conservative pastors aren't waiting for the IRS to pick a fight— they're taking the fight to the IRS by asserting their self-declared constitutional <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/07/AR2008090702460_pf.html" target="_blank">right to endorse candidates</a> from the pulpit. </p> <p>The Alliance Defense Fund, which calls itself the antithesis of the ACLU, has organized "Pulpit Freedom Sunday." On September 28, recruited religious leaders will give political sermons, endorsing or opposing politicians by name and in violation of their nonprofit status. The ADF hopes the IRS will then drag the clergy into federal court, presenting a chance to challenge on First Amendment grounds the tax-collectors' rule against political endorsements by tax-exempt houses of worship.</p> <p>A different set of Christian and Jewish leaders have asked the IRS to step in before the ADF's plan to tell believers how to vote can happen. Two pastors in Ohio have asked pastors to use the weekend before the challenge to preach about the value of church-state separation. </p> <p>Would you rather see freedom of speech or separation of church and state win this legal battle?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1958018#comment Alliance Defense Fund Freedom of Speech Headline IRS World of Faith Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1958018 http://www.citizensugar.com/1953089 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/37_2008/72060797_0.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="320" width="227"></span>With the housing situation the way it is and homeowners throwing in all kinds of perks to entice buyers this almost fits in — almost. The Blumberg Family Relocation fund is <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D932MNMG0&amp;show_article=1&amp;catnum=0" target="_blank">offering Jewish families up to $50,000</a> to come live in Dothan, Alabama — a mostly Christian town that calls itself the Peanut Capital of the World. </p> <p>While the numbers of Jews living in the South has risen overall, they're concentrated mostly in the bigger cities. Small towns like Dothan are seeing an ever dwindling population of the chosen people. One member of the local temple says, "A lot of the older people have died, and not many of the younger ones have stayed. We are dying." The program aims to, according to its sponsor, "find young people that we could use in our religious school, our Sunday school and help in the way of trying to create more of a family-type atmosphere in our temple."</p> <p>The cash payment isn't the first time this has been attempted. To see who else tried, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1953089">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1953089#comment Alabama Headline Jews World of Faith Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:00:54 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1953089 http://www.citizensugar.com/1952878 <p>The Church of Scientology and seven of its leaders will <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL820153620080908?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=worldNews&amp;rpc=22&amp;sp=true" target="_blank">soon face trial in France</a> for fraud and illegally practicing as pharmacists. French law classifies the Church of Scientology as a strictly commercial organization, and the government conducts surveillance of its operations.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/37_2008/53096728.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="379" width="550"></span><br /> The alleged victim in the case is a woman who signed up for a free Scientology personality test in 1998. She went on to pay 140,000 francs ($30,292) for "purification packages" that included books, an electrometer said to measure her mental state, and church-prescribed drugs. The Church argues that she has since been reimbursed. </p> <p>The case reignites the debate about <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1113551" >whether freedom of religion should extend to Scientology</a>. The outcome of the trial may mean that France bans Scientology altogether. While the French government should protect its citizens from illegal and coercive methods used to attract and retain members of a religion, I think there may be some ready to accuse other religions of "organized fraud." </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1952878#comment France Freedom of Religion Headline Scientology World of Faith Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:45:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1952878 http://www.citizensugar.com/1950038 <p>While it's never won awards for being kinder and gentler entertainment (though it does have two Emmys) now <b>South Park</b> is on the run in Russia. Prosecutors are <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/story//nm/20080908/en_nm/russia_southpark_dc" target="_blank">looking to ban the "extremist" cartoon</a> after viewer complaints. Filing suit against the network showing the cartoon, the spokesman says, "<b>South Park</b> is just one of many cartoons that need to be banned from open broadcast . . . as it insults the feelings of religious believers and incites religious and national hatred."</p> <p><center><object width="425" height="344"><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/idR_Jz6Zp6M&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/idR_Jz6Zp6M&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></p> <p>The episode in question? The 1999 episode called "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" that shows the cast singing Christmas Carols. The spokesman goes on to say, "It's one thing if they are on cable TV and viewers pay money and make a conscious choice. But young children should not be able to turn on the TV after school and watch this. They need to be defended." </p> <p>In 2006, Russia passed a law extending the definition of extremism to include "the abasement of national dignity" and "inciting religious and national hatred." Does <b>South Park</b> do this — or is it all in good fun?</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1950038#comment culture Freedom of Speech Headline Russia South Park World of Faith Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:30:38 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1950038 http://www.citizensugar.com/1943943 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/36_2008/73057438.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="200"></span>The war on terror might be about to get much, much hotter. Dwindling resources and diminishing weaponry are causing Muslim extremists to <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/national/islam-group-urges-forest-fire-jihad-20080906-4b53.html?page=-1" target="_blank">call upon their numbers</a> to start a “forest jihad” in Australia. According to one website extremists have to “start forest fires," claiming “scholars have justified chopping down and burning infidels’ forests when they do the same to our lands.” The website continues, "Imagine if, after all the losses caused by such an event, a jihadist organization were to claim responsibility for the forest fires. You can hardly begin to imagine the level of fear that would take hold of people in the United States, in Europe, in Russia and in Australia."</p> <p>Anyone who has been watching the news this summer or lives in California understands the potential damage these fires can cause untold economic and ecological damage. This summer <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0778688.html" target="_blank">nearly 1,300 homes were destroyed</a> and almost 500,000 acres burned. Australia, which is heading into their fire season, is on alert.</p> <p>To see what they're doing, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1943943">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1943943#comment fires Headline Islam Jihad Terrorism World of Faith Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:00:36 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1943943 http://www.citizensugar.com/1890873 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1890873"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1890873',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1890873');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/35_2008/81720899.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="325"></span>I'll watch any pageant, or any <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/pageant_place/series.jhtml" target="_blank">show about pageants</a> 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 <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26379900/" target="_blank">fight the stereotype</a> 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."</p> <p>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." </p> <p>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?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1890873" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Making Tiaras a Habit: Nuns in a Beauty Pageant — Good Idea?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Inspired! It shows that nuns can be modern and pretty, a good way to motivate more.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Missing the point! A nun's work is not her looks, a contest should judge what she's done.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I see both sides, but it seems pretty harmless.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll parade my opinion in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1890873" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1890873#comment Beauty Pageants Citizen Poll Nuns Poll World of Faith Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:29 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1890873 http://www.citizensugar.com/1884456 <p>The federal "self-deportation" <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i5prhLjHvlhYqvnvbzyaGXUtL1WAD92N0DA80" target="_blank">pilot program ends today</a> 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. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/34_2008/82210445.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="380" width="550"></span></p> <p>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. </p> <p>One religious figure is playing the WWJD game with immigration raids. To see what he has to say, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1884456">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1884456#comment Check This Deportation Illegal Immigration World of Faith Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:00:02 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1884456 http://www.citizensugar.com/1884253 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1884253"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1884253',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1884253');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/34_2008/82383411.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250"></span>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 <a href="http://pewresearch.org/pubs/930/religion-politics" target="_blank">those surveyed by Pew Research Center</a> said that Churches should butt out, the highest level since the poll began in 1996.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>Considering both candidates <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1869730" >sat down to chat with Reverend Warren</a> 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? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1884253" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Should Houses of Worship Keep Out of Political Matters?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Hell Yes. Religious groups should not use their influence to further a political agenda. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Heavens No! Voters have a right to know where their leaders of faith stand on the issues. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1884253" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1884253#comment Citizen Poll Citizen vs The Pollsters World of Faith Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:38 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1884253 http://www.citizensugar.com/1881269 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/34_2008/51265689.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="325"></span>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 <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/from-burqa-to-bikini/2008/08/20/1218911776292.html" target="_blank">women-only status</a> means that women can swim, breast feed, and lounge in bikinis safe from the prying eyes of men.</p> <p>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."</p> <p>To see how they guard the women, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1881269">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1881269#comment Beaches Egypt Headline Women World of Faith Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:00:42 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1881269 http://www.citizensugar.com/1876737 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1876737"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1876737',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1876737');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>Paging Dr. God? More than half of adults in the US <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26272687/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">put more faith in the divine</a> 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."</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/34_2008/80727738.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span></p> <p>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.</p> <p>With prayer even being credited with <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7566566.stm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">softening gas prices</a>, where do you stand? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1876737" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Divine Intervention: 1 in 2 Say Prayer Saves the Dying. Do You?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Of course prayer works. Faith is most important in times of trial and miracles happen.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Prayer could help the patient, but it's probably the biggest comfort to the one praying.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Faith can't trump science and fact. Doctors are the only ones who can save lives. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1876737" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/1876737#comment Citizen vs The Pollsters Death Poll World of Faith Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:44:20 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1876737 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1874923 <p><a href="http://townhall.com/news/world/2008/08/18/us_christian_group_leaves_airport_after_standoff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US Christian Group Leaves Airport After Biblical Standoff</a> 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.</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1874923#comment 2008 Olympics aside World of Faith Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:06:08 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1874923 http://www.citizensugar.com/1867743 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/33_2008/maxamillions.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="225"></span>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 <a href="http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=116301&amp;catid=15&amp;GID=WMAmGCQI3vz6rtbfKlq97+DNDNHLKYU0cLrO+wQNI6Q=&amp;provider=email" target="_blank">wanted no part of this money</a> 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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>When it comes to giving back, does it matter where the dough comes from? </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1867743#comment Lottery Weird News World of Faith Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:30:31 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1867743 http://www.citizensugar.com/1865434 <p>Nepal is <a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINDEL11121720080813?pageNumber=1&amp;virtualBrandChannel=0" target="_blank">on the hunt for a new Kumari</a>, 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.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/33_2008/73702293.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="328" width="550"></span><br /> 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. </p> <p>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 <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/situation-vacant-girl-3-wanted-for-role-of-living-goddess-must-offer-blessings-894527.html" target="_blank"> must be abolished to protect the children</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1865434#comment India Kumari World of Faith Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:00:29 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1865434 http://www.citizensugar.com/1865227 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/33_2008/55994939.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250"></span>The University of California can <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/12/BAQT129NMG.DTL&amp;tsp=1" target="_blank">deny credit for high school courses </a> 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:</p> <p><b>The High Schools</b>:</p> <ul> <li>Denying credit is an attempt to secularize private religious schools.</li> <li>It also violates freedom of expression and freedom of religion.</li> </ul> <p><b>University of California</b>: <ul> <li>The rejected material omits crucial topics in science and history.</li> <li>UC is applying blanket admission standards without regard to religion.</li> <li>UC has approved inclusive textbooks like <b>Biology: God's Living Creation</b>. </lI></ul> <p>Course texts rejected include <b>Biology for Christian Schools</b>, 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."</p> <p>Is it an attempt to secularize private religious schools? Whose side are you on?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1865227#comment California Creationism Evolution Headline Law World of Faith Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:35 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1865227 http://www.citizensugar.com/1858858 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1858858"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1858858',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1858858');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has released the <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/NEWS01/808110333/1055/NEWS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">most comprehensive list of rules</a> 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. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/33_2008/72207723.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span> 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. </p> <p>The sexual abuse scandals have haunted the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI has been including <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1536650" rel="nofollow">apology outreach</a> as part of nearly every official trip, from <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1560323" rel="nofollow">Boston</a> to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1799393" rel="nofollow">Australia</a>. </p> <p>The new rules are similar to those teachers already have to abide by, with rising teacher/student scandals causing <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1673743" rel="nofollow">states to crackdown</a> 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?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1858858" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Crackdown on Tickling: Will Rules For Priests Stop Abuse?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> It's a move in the right direction. Applying standards and enforcing them will really help.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> If the rules don't stop abuse, at least it gets the topic in the open a