Part of Republicans’ problems and, frankly, to tell you the truth, some in the evangelical Christian movement, I think have appeared too eager for war. When people come to me and they’re lobbying for ratcheting up some bellicose policy –- even if it’s a bad country — I tell them: When I read the New Testament, and when I read about Jesus, he wasn’t really involved in the war of his days. …Blessed are the peacemakers, not blessed are the warmakers.Senator Rand Paul • Delivering a unique criticism of the GOP’s traditional posture on military and war policy, in an interview with David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network. Demonstrated in Paul’s criticism is his ability both to appeal to and alienate varied ideological groups simultaneously — his anti-war ethos may be no doubt appealing to traditionally left-wing political watchers, but his invocation of personal faith to justify a secular public policy may not. Conversely, many on the right-wing admiring of Paul’s evident reflection on Jesus’ example may be rankled by, relative to the modern state of the GOP, a thoroughly unorthodox plea for peace. source
I have given much thought to Richard Stoecker’s letter (“Vote for Mormon against beliefs,” June 15). I am also a Christian and differ with the Mormon religion.
But I think any Christian should spend much time in prayer before refusing to vote for a family man with high morals, business experience, who is against abortion, and shares Christian conviction concerning homosexuality just because he is a Mormon.
Editor’s note: To clear up earlier confusion, the News-Leader has verified the letter writer is the mother of actor Brad Pitt and local businessman Doug Pitt.
So hey, there’s that.
A preview of the week’s big controversy: Dan Savage, editor of recent Pulitzer winner The Stranger and creator of the “It Gets Better” project, spoke some trash on the Bible and what it says about homosexuality at a recent high school journalism conference. People started walking out. Savage didn’t stop. In fact, he made a point of keeping witty and joked when he was done that the people walking out could come back inside. Problem is, folks don’t have a sense of humor and are calling on Savage to apologize — Savage did, but only for people who were offended, not for the comments themselves. Our take: Have they read this man’s advice column? This is tame.
The funeral of Pope Shenoda III. The late Coptic Pope’s body was displayed for mourners at the Abbasiya Cathedral in Cairo for days. (by Mosa’aberising)
Fascinating that they justlet him lie in place for so many days.
Harold Camping, the televangelist who has garnered international attention for predicting the end of the world on May 21st, ended his show “Open Forum” on Thursday. His staff, including a Jewish cameraman, were given a paid day off in order to prepare for their ascent into Heaven. Their final paychecks will be mailed in June. [LA Times]
Hey, you know, just in case he’s wrong …
One of the deacons returned to his home last Friday afternoon and the police came to ask him if he planned to attend the Easter Sunday service. He said yes, so the police said from this moment, you cannot leave this house. I spoke to him an hour ago, and he was still not able to leave the house.Shouwang Church member Kathy Lu • Describing what happened to one of the deacons before an attempted Easter service — authorities put him under house arrest. He and hundreds of others, in fact. But what’s absolutely bizarre is that while authorities arrested much of Shouwang Church’s congregation, the nearby Haidian Christian Church — which is state-sanctioned — was able to hold a service without any problems. The split emphasizes some big differences between the two churches — since Shouwang doesn’t tow to China’s regulations, it is “undergound” — a type of church that as many as 50 million Chinese people may take part in. We realize China has an atheist government and everything, but limiting this sort of free expression arbitrarily seems silly. source (via • follow)
» The church expected this to happen: With China’s officially atheist government completely at odds with any sort of religious celebration, Shouwang Church’s senior pastor, Jin Tianming, appeared ready for retribution for his church’s decision to hold an outdoor mass on Easter. “This is our uncompromising position and a matter of faith,” he said. “If they arrest our followers, this is the price we are willing to pay.” While you guys think of cute bunnies and Easter Eggs, keep in mind that people are still fighting for their right to celebrate this holiday. (UPDATE: We just threw up another post with more context.)
If anyone from other religions felt disenfranchised by the language, I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended anyone in any way.Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley • Giving one of those non-apology apologies we kinda sorta love after he decided to throw all non-Christians under the bus in his first speech as governor. Hint: Anytime anyone says “I am sorry if I offended anyone,” it means they’re not apologizing for their stance, but for putting it in the public sphere for the dogs to pick at. Here’s a word of advice for Mr. Bentley: Like the brand of cars that shares your name, stay elegant and classy. And also, do things that make people of all cultures and walks of life – even rappers – like you. Set the standard for others to follow. Just a tip from your friendly news bloggers. source (via • follow)
As an atheist, I see nothing ‘wrong’ in believing in a god. I don’t think there is a god, but belief in him does no harm. If it helps you in any way, then that’s fine with me. It’s when belief starts infringing on other people’s rights when it worries me.Ricky Gervais • In a lengthy essay he wrote for the Wall Street Journal titled “A Holiday Message from Ricky Gervais: Why I’m An Atheist.” He points out that he wasn’t always this way: “I loved Jesus. He was my hero. More than pop stars. More than footballers. More than God. God was by definition omnipotent and perfect. Jesus was a man. He had to work at it.” But one day, his older brother questioned him about his religion, and then he started thinking about it, and that was that. Gervais ends the essay with a pretty simple but smart point about the whole matter: “You won’t burn in hell. But be nice anyway.” Good to know. source (via • follow)
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