Religion

Al-Qaeda has reportedly called on its operatives to go to Lebanon and defend what it called the Sunni community...

While Israel celebrates 60 years since its establishment, Palestinians everywhere commemorate the "Nakba"("Catastrophe" in Arabic) that befell them after...

The city of Parachinar in the FATA province of Pakistan has witnessed continuous rounds of violence as pro-Taliban groups...

The leader of Shia rebels in the northern governorate of Saada, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has called on aid agencies and...

Islam has attached special importance for moral ethics, and because of these consideration the Holy Quran contains relatively more...

It's astonishing that Israel has not only survived but is flourishing.

The joys of living with the family.

Expanding your perspective.

An exclusive interview with Benny Regev, brother of captive soldier, Eldad Regev.

A Jew invents the shopping cart and other outrageous, odd, fascinating Jewish facts and figures.

My Friday column at Jewcy, entitled Muslims and the Evangelical Manifesto, is now available. I argue that American Muslims can draw certain lessons from the recent evangelical initiative. I am interested in people’s opinions on this stuff as it relates to the future of Western Muslims in their new homelands. Comment there.

I have a piece up at Global Comment about two thoughts I wrote up while at the famed Prado museum in Madrid. The first is about beauty, and the second is about breasts, so basically I repeat myself. Comment there.

I argue at the Guardian that the issue with people Pastor Rod Parsley, he of copious spittle and sweat, isn’t really that he makes anti-Muslim sermons, but that he’s a political theocrat, for which I proffer evidence, and which is the real problem that McCain’s association with Parsley represents.

Link: Islam is an anti-Christ religion that intends, through violence, to conquer the world. The fact is that America was founded — I am going to stagger you right now — America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this false religion destroyed. Muhammad received revelations from demon spirits, not from the living God. America has historically understood herself as a bastion against Islam in the world. In fact, I’ll tell you this, I do not believe our nation can truly fulfill her divine purpose, until we understand our historical conflict with Islam. When it…

Recently in Philly, the killing of a cop, Sgt. Liczbinski, with a Chinese semi-automatic rifle, has been huge news. One of the gunmen, who was killed, is now being refused burial by a local mosque. The leadership of the Germantown Masjid has refused to conduct funeral services for Howard Cain, the bank robber who killed Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski with a Chinese-made semi-automatic rifle. “No, we will not bury him at Germantown Masjid,” said Tariq El Shabazz, managing director of the mosque. “We don’t want one slight scintilla hinting that we condone his behavior.”…

Should the Church tell people how to vote? Or leave it to the individual conscience? Even the wrongly informed conscience, misled by a sustained campaign of false propaganda and lies as in Zimbabwe? Put plainly: Is the dictator and his party still a genuine option for a Christian?

The 35th Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) will be held here between June 18-20, attended by foreign ministers and businesspeople from Muslim countries.

Formal and informal polygamy remains widespread in Kenya, according to a recent survey, but Catholic lay leaders said sacramental marriage was still intact in the mostly Christian nation.

Some 3,000 people attended the closure of the National Eucharistic Congress with Cardinal Ivan Dias, Special Envoy of the Holy Father, who later proceeded to Djibouti.

Two Catholic sisters were among 15 people who died when a bus and a truck collided on Friday morning.

Last week, I participated in the Doha Debates, on the motion "The Sunni-Shia conflict is damaging Islam’s reputation as a religion of peace." It was a timely topic; and a very time-sensitive topic, because it is a question that can only be asked now. Not because the Sunni-Shia divide is a new phenomenon: it is an old, historical schism that emerged as a political division, which then became religious. But it is now that the political has really caused it to be so monumental. I admit that, but I spoke against the motion in Doha, because the damage to Islam’s reputation is more about the…

Since September 11, 2001, the war against terrorism has been waged on two fronts - a military one in Iraq and Afghanistan (look, more terrorists!), and a semantic one between governments, extremists, mainstream Muslims, and the media. The use of language on all sides simultaneously confuses, enlightens, and motivates foot soldiers in the battle. Control of the use of language - particularly the definitions that stick - can either be the key to influencing scores of people or an inconsequential exercise in vanity. In this "war on terror," it seems that people are as fixated with the…

Eighteen teenagers jot down on colorful Post-It notes their one-word impressions of the eight religions listed on the poster boards in front of them. Some show no reservations as they work their way quickly down the list, while others hesitate to put down their thoughts for fear of appearing intolerant or ignorant. Is this a Bible study class? No, it's just another monthly meeting of the Arizona Interfaith Youth Movement - a safe, inclusive gathering to which youths of all faiths are encouraged to come together in dialogue, games, and of course, food. "What if I've never heard of this…

While it is commendable and encouraging that the British government is making a concerted effort to work with Muslims to combat the scourge of radicalisation, its recent proposal to draft moderate imams from Pakistan indicates that there is still much to learn. Far from being breeding centres of radicalisation, mosques have failed to cater to British Muslims precisely by employing imams from "back home". The consequence of such actions has been the continued alienation of young Muslims, who increasingly cannot speak or understand their mother tongue, which is generally the first language of…

“One thing I’m going to say to you now, please make sure – and I hope you’re tape recording this – but please make sure you’re quoting me accurately. Don’t even for the basis of shortening something make me say something I haven’t said,” orders celebrated journalist Robert Fisk. “Because the biggest problem I have in journalism is being quoted or misquoted and then being asked to defend something I haven’t said. And when you’re putting it together, because you’re not going to use it all, try to make sure my counteracting points are there. So, if I call Ahmedinjad a…

By Geoffrey Fattah Deseret News Published: Sunday, May 4, 2008 12:30 a.m. MDT The Catholic Church has ordered dioceses across the globe not to give information in parish registers to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Vatican Congregation for Clergy issued a letter directing all Catholic bishops to keep LDS members from microfilming and digitizing information in registers, according to the Catholic News Service. CNS reported the Vatican had "grave reservations" about the LDS Church's practice of posthumous baptisms by proxy, a practice in which the names of the…

Why I hope the search for extraterrestrial life finds nothing. By Nick Bostrom May/June 2008 People got very excited in 2004 when NASA's rover Opportunity discovered evidence that Mars had once been wet. Where there is water, there may be life. After more than 40 years of human exploration, culminating in the ongoing Mars Exploration Rover mission, scientists are planning still more missions to study the planet. The ­Phoenix, an interagency scientific probe led by the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona, is scheduled to land in late May on Mars's frigid northern…

By LiveScience Staff posted: 09 May 2008 ET Undersea divers would still be shivering and facing a high risk for hypothermia if it weren't for Hugh Bradner, inventor of the first wetsuit. Bradner, a renowned physicist and professor emeritus at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography died May 5, 2008, in San Diego after a prolonged illness. He was 92. LINK TO ORIGINAL

By Antonio de la Jara PUERTO MONTT, Chile, May 9 (Reuters) - A towering plume of ash from an erupting volcano in Chile's remote Patagonia could collapse back down to devastate the surrounding area, a leading expert warned on Friday. Luis Lara, a geologist and volcano expert with the government's geology and mining agency Sernageomin, says his models show the vast column of ash, which has soared 7.5 miles (12 km) into the air, at a critical stage. A sudden collapse would shroud vast areas with hot gas, ash and molten rock, killing anything in its way. LINK TO ORIGINAL

I do not believe them on this. I believe they are using this issue to scare people and stifle political dissent. If the internet were doing what they say then it would be a "honey pot" and as such a simple way to catch people with terrorist intent. ABN ______________ Security Panel Finds Internet Being Used To Recruit, Train Terrorists JESSE A. HAMILTON | Courant Staff Writer May 8, 2008 WASHINGTON — - A Senate homeland security committee report set for release Thursday details a growing threat from terrorists' use of the Internet as a recruiting and training tool. The report concludes that…

Join an exclusive conversation with scholars Akbar Ahmed and Judea Pearl about the potential for lasting peace between Jews and Muslims. Read the dialogue and ask your questions. Join the Group

Over the last several days, I watched Rev. Jeremiah Wright in discussions of faith, theology, history, and culture on television. The three-plus hours I devoted to PBS and CNN amounted to some of the most sophisticated and thoughtful programming on American culture and racial issues that any news station has offered in recent years... By Diana Butler Bass

The cup of tea soothed my body, but the thoughts of an old friend soothed my soul. By Robbie Iobst

with Dennis Fuqua, Daniel Henderson, & Phil Miglioratti If you are on the East Coast, you should not miss this opportunity to participate in the National Pastors Prayer Summit in your area! Early Bird Registration is available until May 5th. More information. To register.

[ht: Said At Southern -- thanks Tony!]

Doorways to Renewal... "Reaching the Summit" National Pastors' Prayer Summit June 23-26, 2008 @ Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA Early Bird Registration has been extended until May 5! It will not be extended again, so register now to take advantage of this offer and save!! This unique time for pastors and leaders will allow you to experience “Spirit-led, worship-fed, corporate prayer” and, at the same time, learn how to reproduce it in your congregation. It is a Prayer Summit Plus, in that we will give explanations, answer questions, supply resources, and address specific situations.

+quot;This is consistently the largest demonstration to come to Parliament.... by Press Release

+quot;Then the word went out to my prayer warriors. And they prayed about it ... and last Friday [April 25], we had probably about 250 to 300 parents there.... by Teresa Neumann

By the year 2030, Lord willing, the Israeli population is expected to reach 10 million.... by Teresa Neumann

+quot;The Church was not designed to exist at the edges of society - irrelevant and unnoticed. Some say Europe is 'post-Christian.' It's actually beyond that. In many ways Europe is pre-Christian again and ready for a dramatic spiritual revolution.... by Teresa Neumann

+quot;Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military...You're carrying out the burdens+mdash;you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service.... by Press Release

Posted May 9, 2008 By now, just about everyone knows about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the fiery sermons that have clouded the political prospects of Barack Obama, long a member of the now retired pa...

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Shiite Hezbollah gunmen seized control of key parts of Beirut from Sunnis loyal to the U.S.-backed government Friday, a dramatic show-of-force certain to strengthen the Iranian-allie...

LWI online unter: www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.DE.html LUTHERISCHE WELT-INFORMATION Postfach 2100, CH-1211 Genf 2, Schweiz Deutsche Redaktion: Dirk-Michael Groetzsch Tel.:+41-22-791-6352 Fax:+41...

Friday, 9th May 2008. 4:44pm By: George Conger. A prominent Muslim cleric has issued a fatwah against the use of sniffer dogs by police in Pakistan. Evidence gathered by the police using the olf...

Friday, 9th May 2008. 3:51pm By: George Conger. RELIGION must play its part in combating climate change, EU political leaders told a gathering of European religious leaders on May 5. However, Ru...

BERLIN (Reuters) - The Dalai Lama says he understands why Tibetan exiles were angry that the Olympic torch reached the top of Mount Everest but had advised them against protesting.

Berlin - Talks between representatives of the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama are being conducted in a cordial atmosphere, the German news magazine Der Spiegel reported Friday following an inter...

-- Established in 1985 by Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre, a national peak, socially-engaged Dhamma group, AUSTRALIAN BUDDHIST RELIEF (ABR) has in the past 24 years been raising over one million dollars the...

Kathmandu - Nepalese police Friday detained nearly 140 Tibetan exiles during anti-China demonstrations in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. For the second consecutive day, Tibetan exiles tried to breach...

A religious court in Malaysia has allowed a Muslim convert to leave the Islamic faith, in what is being hailed as a landmark ruling. Penang's Sharia court ruled that Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah was f...

When you’re preparing for a visit by the pope, sometimes even mundane tasks like checking the logistics at an airport take on larger-than-life aspects. For Msgr. David Malloy, general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that meant hitching a ride on Air Force One from Washington to New York ...

When Pope Benedict XVI comes to town April 15, very few people will get the chance to be up close and personal with him. But that has not stopped hundreds of snapshots from circulating around Washington that show people posing happily alongside the pope before he even sets foot in this country. At closer ...

VATICAN CITY -- Yes, at least one rendition of "Happy Birthday" and a formal celebration of Pope Benedict XVI's 81st birthday April 16 are part of the program for the pope's trip to the United States. More solemnly, but still personally, the schedule also includes a public acknowledgement April 19 of the ...

ROME -- Pope Benedict XVI joined members of the Rome-based Sant'Egidio Community for an afternoon prayer service today. Although the visit marked the 40th anniversary of the community -- committed to serving the poor, to dialogue and to peacemaking -- it also focused on the example of Christians who gave ...

Just about everyone familiar with cinema knows that Charlton Heston, who died April 5 at age 84, played Moses in the 1956 Hollywood classic "The Ten Commandments." But it would take a real film buff to remember the other "holy" roles Heston played, including St. Thomas More in a 1988 TV ...

Here's a brief video summary of today's top stories from CBN News.

It's the biggest prayer gathering in history and it's happening this week.

The United Nations says it's suspending relief shipments to Myanmar after the military government began seizing the supplies.

Every year, Christians from around the world take part in the Global Day of Prayer. But in Dallas, prayer is only the beginning.

Ehud Olmert said he will resign if indicted for allegedly accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit contributions.

Contact: Larry Jacobs, World Congress of Families,815-964-5819, 513-515-3685 cell, media@worldcongress.org WASHINGTON, May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Monday, May 12, at 10:30 am (EST), Family Research Council will host a screening and panel discussion of the documentary film Demographic Winter: The Decline of the Human Family. Demographic Winter explores the severe economic and social consequences of family decline and plummeting birthrates worldwide.  Allan Carlson, International Secr Source: World Congress of Families

Contact: Amy Jo Jones, Christian Freedom International (CFI), 906-253-2336 SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich., May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christian Freedom International, a Michigan-based humanitarian organization, is embarking on a unique mission to get desperately needed relief aid into cyclone-ravaged Burma. The organization's efforts are coming at a time when other international assistance has been rejected by the Burmese government, and as U.N. food aid shipments have already been confiscated b Source: Christian Freedom International

Contact: Chaplain, Major Norris Burkes, Air National Guard, 916-813-8941, www.angchaplain.com SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Memorial Day 2008. Chaplain, Major Norris Burkes serves on a team that does multiple death notifications to military families in Northern California. Chaplain Norris Burkes is there when a military family hears their most dreaded nightmare. "Ma'am, we regret to inform you that your husband, Sgt. John E. Smith, was killed today while in the ser Source: thechaplain.net

Keep Sex for Marriage, says American Evangelist Photographs available at end of release Contact: Trish Teves, 858-405-4385, trish.teves@therocksandiego.org; Bevan Springer, 201-861-2056, bevanspringer@nj.rr.com; both with Miles Ahead MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Miles McPherson, a former U.S. professional football player turned minister of the gospel, told a crowd of 45,000 at a Montego Bay festival Saturday night that sexual relations outside of God's plan fo Source: Miles Ahead

Contact: Dr. David Schuringa, President and CEO, Crossroad Bible Institute, 800-668-2450, lael@crossroadbible.org GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Offering free Bible studies for incarcerated people the world over, non-profit prison ministry Crossroad Bible Institute is experiencing tremendous growth. With established Distribution Centers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Colombia, Crossroad Bible Institute has recently opened a new DC in Nicaragua, the first in Ce Source: Crossroad Bible Institute

In an age of binge drinking and hedonism one Christian charity is challenging people to go alcoholfree for 40 days to see if they can take control of their lives and set a good example to others

With Pentecost upon us we are reminded once again that in any manner of difficulty prayer is the channel through which we receive the Lords solution

Joel Edwards head of the Evangelical Alliance on his new book Agenda for Change and his challenge to evangelicals to be the good news people

The Church of England has disputed statistics published by Christian Research this week which pointed to serious decline in church attendance at the same time as active Muslims continue to grow

Scripture Union has launched a new online resource centre to act as a onestop shop for busy childrens and youth group leaders

China is changing and so is its church. How new urban believers are shaping society in untold ways.

A Chinese pastor on how he was 'called out of Egypt' to a thriving urban ministry.

Inside CT: The China Paradox

New document calls for allegiance higher than political party, nationality, or ideology.

Why America needs 'An Evangelical Manifesto.'

He who gives a child a treat, makes joy-bells ring in Heaven’s street. He who gives a child a home, builds palaces in Kingdom come. She who gives a baby birth, brings Savior Christ again to earth. – James Masefield

I worried most at night about my age. I had Susana when I was 35 and Emma when I was 39. I couldn’t help calculating the future: When Emma is 21, I’ll be 60. How old will I be when my daughters marry? None of my friends is likely to see her grandchildren marry.  What have we done? – Wendy Mogul The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children

In my experience the bad days have been exceptions rather than rules. But some people face a lifetime of adversity. During such times, we’re swimmers drawn toward open water by powerful undertows of doubt. We grieve and weep and sometimes feel we’re drowning. But what if we knew it would turn out well, whatever we are facing? What if Romans 8:28 really were more than a cliche? What if it always worked? Would it make a difference to you? – Robert J. Morgan The Promise: How God Works All Things Together for Good

On a particularly difficult day a nurse prayed: ‘O God, where are you? Why don’t you send help?’ ‘I did,’ God replied, ‘I sent you. And as long as it takes, I will be with you whenever and wherever you honor human life.’ – Fr. James Krings Living Faith

When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. – Will Rogers from Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

Well, another Pasco County substitute teacher's job is on the line, but this time it's because of a magic trick. The charge from the school district — Wizardry!

Sen.

Hundreds of interfaith activists rallied in Jakarta Tuesday demanding the government protect religious freedom and drop a plan to outlaw the Jamaah Ahmadiyah Islamic sect.

Motorcycles, illusionists, video game systems and episodes of "Bonanza" aren't typically the kinds of things people associate with Jesus and spirituality.

Donations can't keep up as dollar's value declines. It's causing heartache for those overseas.

Hezbollah and pro-Iranian, pro-Syrian Lebanese forces attempted to overthrow the pro-Western government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert denies that he took bribes from an American businessman, but at a late night press conference on Thursday, he promised to resign if he is indicted.

Planned Parenthood, a major abortion provider, is soliciting Mother's Day gifts for itself.

An American national is due to go on trial in Vietnam next week on terrorism charges, and the case has some U.S. lawmakers calling for Washington to reconsider the decision to normalize trade relations with Hanoi.

As survivors of the devastating cyclone in Burma await life-saving international aid, China -- the closest ally of the military junta accused of hindering the humanitarian effort -- is insisting that the situation not be "politicized" by bringing in the U.N. Security Council.

The first is tomorrow afternoon at Thanks-Giving Square. Keep reading for details: THIS SATURDAY, MAY 10, 3-5 PM Thanksgiving Square 1627 Pacific Ave (between Akard and Bryan), Dallas More information on how to get there: http://www.thanksgiving.org/map.html We will hold a multi-denominational prayer service this Saturday. Donations are encouraged and will be sent to organizations on the ground in Burma such as UNICEF. For more information, please contact James Orrock at 214-354-2256, or tripholiada@yahoo.com NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 18, 6 PM Pacific Rim Restaurant 3309 Dallas Pkwy, Ste. 401 Plano,…

The interim staff leader of the Woman's Missionary Union of Texas - Nina Pinkston of Fort Worth - has been abruptly dismissed. Click here for the Baptist Standard's coverage of this developing story.

Churches have been slow to take advantage of Internet technology, but that may be changing, according to this story by Snejana Farberov, a master's candidate at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. WIRED WORSHIPPERS LOG ON TO MEET GOD By SNEJANA FARBEROV c.2008 Columbia News Service NEW YORK -- On a recent Sunday morning, Leanne Staeger, dressed in faded jeans and sneakers, was giving out curt, military-style orders to her four-person crew. Their eyes were locked on a bank of monitors that showed a middle-age priest in white vestments delivering a sermon in the church across…

The big local gathering will be at the Dallas Convention Center, beginning at 5 p.m. Here's a press release: Area Churches Usher in Fourth Global Day of Prayer Saturday at Dallas Convention Center What: Hundreds of Christians from churches of various denominations throughout North Texas will gather for prayer and worship to usher in the Global Day of Prayer. The Fourth Global Day of Prayer launches in Dallas on Saturday and continues in nearly 200 nations. Some 200 million Christians will gather for prayer through Pentecost Sunday. When: Saturday, May 10, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Where: Dallas…

David Dockery, president of Baptist-affiliated Union University of Tennessee - a school hard hit bya February tornado - will be the commencement speaker tomorrow for Dallas Theological Seminary. Here's a press release: UNION UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT SPEAKS AT DALLAS SEMINARY'S COMMENCEMENT: Representative of School Hit by Tornado to Address DTS Graduates Saturday DALLAS, May 9, 2008 - Dr. David S. Dockery, president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn., will speak at Dallas Theological Seminary's commencement ceremony Saturday. Union is still recovering from a tornado that hit the campus Feb. 5…

What Happens When We Pray for Nations?

United Methodists Vote to Uphold Traditional Marriage

A Day Set Aside to Honor Widows

Can Christian Students Stay Faithful Through the College Years?

Pentecostal Leaders Meet With Pope

Sin may be unavoidable, but our failure to learn from our ecological sins is harming the earth, says Chris Duggan

UCU conference asks members to 'consider the moral and political implications of educational links with Israeli institutions'

Noorjehan Barmania: Neither of us has told our families about our relationship, because the dating, getting-to-know-you phase does not exist in traditional Muslim relationships

Home secretary expresses 'extreme disappointment' at court decision as radical preacher faces 22-hour curfew

Head of Catholic church in England and Wales calls for better dialogue between believers and unbelievers

A Religious Right group’s plan to ask churches to violate federal tax law on electioneering is deplorable, according to Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The Wall Street Journal reported today that the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) is urging clergy to defy the tax-law ban on candidate endorsements by tax-exempt groups. Ministers are being pushed to use their pulpits on Sept. 28 to preach about candidates and spark a showdown. The ADF, a theocracy-minded legal operation founded by right-wing religious broadcasters, hopes the Internal Revenue Service will launch…

The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, welcomed the government’s “clear and firm determination to make sure that whatever happens this is not about marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman and it is excellent that the Government has made that clear.” On May 4, the Labor government announced it would veto Civil Partnership Legislation proposed by the government of the Australian Capital Territory in Canberra, arguing the proposed civil union ceremonies too closely resembled marriage. The ACT government will be permitted to introduce legislation allowing same-sex…

Church Times, 09 May 2008-05-09 IT IS becoming clear that the conservative case is going to be well represented at the forthcoming Lambeth Conference in Canterbury. At least two conservative bishops have confirmed that they will be attending, with the express purpose of promoting their cause. One is the Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone, the Most Revd Greg Venables. He told The Times that he would attend both the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in June and the Lambeth Conference in July. Bishop Venables has been censured in recent weeks for ministering to congregations in…

Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson knows he is inviting death threats by entering into a civil union with his gay partner on the eve of his church’s biggest ecclesiastical conference. And he says it is worth it, because he is doing what God asks of him. “When your life is at stake, you learn that there are things in life that are much worse than death,” Bishop Robinson told TODAY’s Matt Lauer Thursday in New York. “That’s the great reward of being a Christian. Not living your life — that’s worse than death. And if something were to happen to me, I…

Meet the families taking part in the American Family Outing Find out how your family can participate!   The son of evangelical Tammy Faye Bakker Messner will spend his first Mother's Day weekend since her death in Houston, waiting to hear from Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen. Jay Bakker, a high-profile supporter of Soulforce — a group that fights religious and political oppression of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders — wants Osteen to join the nontraditional families at a picnic Saturday and welcome them to church on Sunday. As the tattooed and pierced Bakker…

May 7, 2008 Prayer for Burma by Stan Guthrie (stanguthrie.com) Stan Guthrie of Chiristianity Today provides an...

May 6, 2008 Disaster Assistance Response Training ~ July 13-18, 2008 ~ Bartlesville, OK (Strategic World Impact) Join with Strategic...

May 5, 2008 Books/Resources on Ethnic Groups in the U.S. and Canada (http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/04/booksresources_on_ethnic_group.html) (EdStetzer.com) This bibliography was developed by...

April 3, 2008 articles (http://www.missionsandmoney.eu/artikellijst.php) page, allowing the user to select articles based on specific subjects, such as: Case...

May 2, 2008 A Passion to Imitate Jesus Christ by Paul Borthwick (Urbana.org) Paul Borthwick follows yesterday's entry with...

According to the University of Arkansas Press’ site, “Hayan Charara was a visiting professor of poetry writing at the University of Texas at Austin in 2005. Before that he taught in New York City. He is the author of two collections of poetry, The Sadness of Others and The Alchemist’s Diary. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to immigrant parents, he currently lives in Texas. He is also a woodworker.” (Photo: Rawi) MW: To what extent do you identify as an Arab American? How do you personally define the term? Is there a difference between an American Arab and an Arab American? HC:…

My review of “Inclined to Speak: An Anthology of Contemporary Arab American Poetry,” edited by Hayan Charara (University of Arkansas Press, 2008, site here) is in this week’s issue of The Arab American News. Here’s part of the review: The 39 poets, whose work is collected in Hayan Charara’s “Inclined to Speak: An Anthology of Contemporary Arab American Poetry,” all bear some relation to the term “Arab American,” though each also resists such a title insofar as it is limiting. If “Inclined” can be said to expose one unifying…

[Dallas Morning News] Another great religion and art story from the DMN. “Traditional Asian art draws little distinction between religious observance and artistic creation,” observes Kevin Richardson, “and there are Buddhists, Hindus and others who believe that a deity’s spirit resides in sculptures or carvings of his likeness.” [Stamford Times] The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Stamford is showing the work of “17-year-old artist Stanislav (Stass) Shpanin,” who “was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest professional…

Some say books are doomed to disappear in an era of new media, but one way they can tread water for the time being is by keeping themselves in the news through controversies. AFP reports on the Turin book fair, which “honours Israel on the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state’s creation.” Tariq Ramadan is criticizing Italian President Giorgio Napolitano’s scheduled appearance on the grounds that it will make the fair “a political and not a cultural event.” Meanwhile, AP reveals that the most shunned book in libraries is not gory or satanic, or even sexually…

Walter Michael Miller is editor and publisher of arttattler.com, which provides “Commentary and surveillance of more than 800 current and recent art exhibitions around the world, organized geographically with archives of exhibitions from the last year, including architecture and design.” See also the Art Tattler blog here. (The image of Miller is from arttattler.com.) MW: When and why did you start Art Tattler? WMM: I started Art Tattler in September 2006, after having left Review, a regional visual art magazine I founded in 1998 in Kansas City, Missouri. I designed, published,…

There are plenty of times I miss running a legitimate ministry organization like Mission Year. Like when I'm breaking down my "office" every night so my family can eat at the kitchen table, or hand-addressing the envelopes for our donation receipts. (Don't get me wrong; I love having to send out those receipts). Or when I'm desperately bribing Roman and his buddy with combo meals at Wendy's to help me move yet another apartment-load of stuff for yet another family in crisis, instead of simply assigning the job to some interns. Trust me, being small-time is hard on the ego. But then there are…

The following is an interview with Abigail Disney, producer of the documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell, which recently won the award for best documentary feature at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. What sparked your interest in wanting to make a documentary about Liberia? The fact that the newly elected president of Liberia was a woman was notable, especially since the continent had had so few women in leadership, and that women had been so peculiarly and sadistically targeted during their war. I knew there had to be a backstory. She hadn't just arisen spontaneously. How were Christian and…

Now that I appreciate God's anger more, I find that I trust my own much less. - Kathleen Norris Amazing Grace

For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors forever and ever. - Jeremiah 7:5-7 + Sign up to receive our social justice verse of the day via e-mail

At the Associated Church Press conference two weeks ago in Ft. Worth, Texas, I heard Phyllis Tickle, founding editor of the religion department at Publishers Weekly, speak about Christianity's every-500-years growth spurts. In her talk (and forthcoming book The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why), Tickle emphasized that Christianity is going through one of these "spurts" right now. Tickle calls our present historical moment (read: the last 100 years) "Emerging Christianity." (This is not precisely the same thing as the self-identified "emergent church" networks, but there…

It’s Israel’s 60th birthday, and not every Jew is celebrating unconditionally. Witness Roi Ben-Yehuda. He’s no party pooper. This boy knows how to have a good time. (Last year, he introduced me to the obnoxious Sacha Baron Cohen character known as Borat, and still imitates this clown at the most absurd moments in our otherwise serious conversations…) Far from being a wet blanket, Roi is an agent of moral courage. He speaks truth to power not only when necessary, but also when inconvenient — on a landmark anniversary. Here’s what I mean. As a rising…

Signing books at one of Indonesia’s biggest universities The best ideas can be stated simply and clearly. You’ll love this one: malpractise suits against hateful mullahs. Let me explain. Last week, at one of Indonesia’s biggest universities, I spoke about the need to renew ijtihad, Islam’s own tradition of independent thinking, debate and re-interpretation. Two well-known scholars joined me. To my surprise, both agreed that ordinary Muslims, not just religious authorities, have the right and responsibility to exercise ijtihad. It’s when ordinary Muslims think for…

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/kevin_ferris/20080502_Back_Channels__Muslim_urging_change_in_her_faith_sees_hope.html

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=167112

http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=469449

The springs which fed Islamic civilization sprang from many lands. One of its greatest early scientist is the Central Asian scholar Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi ..

The Palestinian fight was also good for Israel; no longer would the nuisance of Palestinian democracy compete with Israel's self-ascribed "only democracy in the Middle East."

The Prophet mentioned, "All of you are shepherds, and each of you will be asked concerning his flock." Let us examine some of the implications of the verse relevant to leadership.

The Prophet's attitude towards sustainable use of land, conservation of water and the treatment of animals is a further illustration of the humility of his environmental philosophy.

Experts and analysts actually reaffirmed statements of US officials, who before the parade of Russian troops in Moscow, were spoke on in the manner of that Russia could show its old hardware and that Washington does not see a problem[...]

WAR could erupt in the Caucasus unless Russia and Georgia take affirmative steps to reduce tensions, the Patriarch of Georgia's Orthodox Church warned last week.

Western press has been vividly commenting on the assumption of the office by Putin's successor Dmitry Medvedev. Virtually all publications have come to one - Russia is now entering a period of diarchy.

Mikhail Gorbachev has accused the United States of mounting an imperialist conspiracy against Russia that could push the world into a new Cold War. With Dmitry Medvedev due to be inaugurated today as Russian president, the Soviet Union's[...]

70.2 per cent of respondents think the Justice and Development Party (AKP) will be shut down as a result of an ongoing investigation by the Court, according to a poll by a poll conducted for Canada's Angus Reid Global Monitor.

As Israel celebrates its 60th birthday, polls show that internal issues worry the populace as much as the threat of war. On the eve of Israel's 60th anniversary, its two chief rabbis issued an audacious demand: Cancel the International Bible Quiz for Jewish teenagers, a popular highlight of the annual Independence Day celebration.

The Catholic order of priests that has refused to join a global payout to abuse victims heads to trial over accusations that four students were molested in the 1960s. Only one religious order refused to join the $660-million settlement the Los Angeles Archdiocese reached with hundreds of sexual abuse victims last summer: the Salesian Society.

Critics say policies of the Roman Catholic Church are to blame for condemning many to poverty. Clerics say poverty is the culprit. Ask Josephine Gonzalez how many children a family should have and the stick-figured 31-year-old mother answers without hesitation. "I only wanted three," she says, trying to soothe the naked baby boy who tugs at her ragged dress.

Egyptian Gamal Banna backs women's right to lead prayers and thinks clerics should adapt to modern times. So many books stacked like brittle armies in quiet rooms above the traffic on a street of tailors and mechanics.

The Catholic Church priesthood shortage is being alleviated by men embarking on second careers, who bring special wisdom -- and challenges. For Robert Holz, the question always lingered.

Four areas in which the Lausanne Covenant exerted self-criticism and which are still points that individuals and organizations developing mission policies and shaping missionary practice would do well to pay attention to today.

Exploring the implications and outcomes of three mission methodologies (approaches) to "mission" (in particular, Africa).

While opposition to the gospel should not surprise us, there is an urgent need for Christians to introspect, investigate, and revisit our theology and our ministry strategies and practices.

Thirty-one participants representing twenty countries were in attendance for the 5-day "The Whole Gospel" consultation in Chiang Mai.

Rwandans are taking the issues of reconciliation and unity seriously.

Over the years Marie Weston’s nimble hands may have become less agile, but her desire to serve has only grown stronger. In 1998 Sister Weston, now 88, was called to serve as her ward’s quilting expert. Starting with just one set of boards, one set of clamps, and one stand set, she set to work creating what has become an ever-expanding quilt project.

Logan Finlayson and Benjamin Larsen, both 20, have had doors slammed in their faces. They've been cussed out, shooed away, and even chased by a pit bull. But the young Latter-day Saint missionaries, who are spending two years in Williamson County to share their church's message, say the more typical experience during door-to-door proselyting is a polite exchange.

Ponderosa and Chaparral High School seniors from the local congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given the opportunity to choose an educator, write a tribute to that teacher, and join the teacher for an appreciation dinner.

Jerold and JoAnn Ottley are outstanding examples of the Brigham Young University-Hawaii professors who willingly shared their time and talents and extended their love to the students. After three years of teaching, the Ottleys are leaving BYU-Hawaii. "We will leave great chunks of our heart here when we go. We have truly loved it," said Brother Ottley.

When a recent storm knocked out electricity, it left some residents in a state of panic. Organizers of Saturday's emergency preparedness expo hope to prevent that from happening again. Several classes and exhibits were held at a local Church meetinghouse on topics such as 72-hour kits, food storage, water safety, evacuation, emergency power sources, alternative cooking, and what to do with important papers.

(RNS) A rabbinic call for Jews to boycott the Olympic Games in China has spawned a backlash by major American Jewish organizations.    The petition, signed by 194 American rabbis from across the religious spectrum, cited as its basis "China's support for the genocidal government of Sudan" the nation's human rights record, its crackdown on Tibet and providing missiles to Iran and Syria. The letter was circulated to media and Jewish activists on April 30, Holocaust Memorial Day.     "Having endured the bitter experience of abandonment by our presumed…