Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Floats Like a Duck
Yes, But Did She Float?
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma filed a federal lawsuit charging that school officials violated 15-year-old student's rights when they accused her of casting a hex that resulted in a teacher’s illness.
“These outlandish accusations have made the student’s life at school unbearable,” said the Executive Director of the ACLU of Oklahoma. “I for one would like to see the so-called evidence this school has that a 15-year-old girl made a grown man sick by casting a magic spell.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma filed a federal lawsuit charging that school officials violated 15-year-old student's rights when they accused her of casting a hex that resulted in a teacher’s illness.
“These outlandish accusations have made the student’s life at school unbearable,” said the Executive Director of the ACLU of Oklahoma. “I for one would like to see the so-called evidence this school has that a 15-year-old girl made a grown man sick by casting a magic spell.”
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Where the Grass is Greener (and more pious)
The State of Religion
An analysis of more than 350,000 interviews conducted by Gallup in 2008 finds Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas to be the most religious states in the nation. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts are the least religious states.
There are a number of ways to measure the relative religiosity of population segments. For the current ranking, Gallup uses the responses to a straightforward question that asks: "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" The rankings are based on the percentage of each state's adult (18 and older) population that answers in the affirmative.
For those who would like to move the denominational headquarters, it appears that Illinois is no less religious that Maryland (or Pennsylvania).
An analysis of more than 350,000 interviews conducted by Gallup in 2008 finds Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas to be the most religious states in the nation. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts are the least religious states.
There are a number of ways to measure the relative religiosity of population segments. For the current ranking, Gallup uses the responses to a straightforward question that asks: "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" The rankings are based on the percentage of each state's adult (18 and older) population that answers in the affirmative.
For those who would like to move the denominational headquarters, it appears that Illinois is no less religious that Maryland (or Pennsylvania).
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Who's Our Friend?
Science is Our Friend
Lesson One: Just How Old is the Earth?
A literal understanding of the biblical chronologies places the Flood no earlier than about 2,500 B.C. and the creation no earlier than about 6,000 B.C. (Allowance for unlisted names in the biblical chronologies pushes back these dates, but not much). However, the long Bristlecone Pine chronology, comprised of hundreds of live and dead trees, is over 8,000 years long. The presence of fossiliferous sediment under the Bristlecone Pines rules out any of them being pre-Flood. So there is a biological history that exceeds the theoretical young age of the Earth.
Lesson Two: Water
Lesson Three: Gravity
Lesson One: Just How Old is the Earth?
A literal understanding of the biblical chronologies places the Flood no earlier than about 2,500 B.C. and the creation no earlier than about 6,000 B.C. (Allowance for unlisted names in the biblical chronologies pushes back these dates, but not much). However, the long Bristlecone Pine chronology, comprised of hundreds of live and dead trees, is over 8,000 years long. The presence of fossiliferous sediment under the Bristlecone Pines rules out any of them being pre-Flood. So there is a biological history that exceeds the theoretical young age of the Earth.
Lesson Two: Water
Lesson Three: Gravity
Friday, February 06, 2009
Are You Ready?
How Will You Be Impacted?
Congress has pushed back its mandate that the last day for transmissions to be broadcast in analog by 4 months to the date of June 12, 2009. Transmissions will be in digital only after that date. If you reading the Gospel Messenger Blog, the type of browser you use is very important. A digital browser will allow you to continue to read blog posts after February 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog browser, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to receive blog posts. This converter box will also enable you to see any additional multicast programming that your interweb provider is offering.
The Gospel Messenger will be doing a test broadcast this afternoon between 1:00 and 1:15pm. If you can read this post at that time, this means that your browser is compatible with digital broadcasts.
Congress has pushed back its mandate that the last day for transmissions to be broadcast in analog by 4 months to the date of June 12, 2009. Transmissions will be in digital only after that date. If you reading the Gospel Messenger Blog, the type of browser you use is very important. A digital browser will allow you to continue to read blog posts after February 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog browser, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to receive blog posts. This converter box will also enable you to see any additional multicast programming that your interweb provider is offering.
The Gospel Messenger will be doing a test broadcast this afternoon between 1:00 and 1:15pm. If you can read this post at that time, this means that your browser is compatible with digital broadcasts.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
More Than Meets The Eye
National Youth Conference
2010 National Youth Conference
July 17-22, 2010
Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO
Theme: "More than meets the Eye"
Based on II Corinthians 4: 6-10; 16-18
The theme for National Youth Conference 2010 is “More Than Meets the Eye.” Chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, it is taken from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18. It reminds us that God does great things through each person. In trouble times we are challenged not to lose heart because God is the rock that will help us overcome. Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more that meets the eye.
In a bold move, the National Youth Cabinet opted to kick off a promotional campaign during last weekend's Super Bowl with its "More Than Meets The Eye" commercial.
"NYC has always been a revenue producer for the Church," said a M&M Board spokesperson. "We felt that the initial expense would be justified based on the increase in registrations that we are expecting."
2010 National Youth Conference
July 17-22, 2010
Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO
Theme: "More than meets the Eye"
Based on II Corinthians 4: 6-10; 16-18
The theme for National Youth Conference 2010 is “More Than Meets the Eye.” Chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, it is taken from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18. It reminds us that God does great things through each person. In trouble times we are challenged not to lose heart because God is the rock that will help us overcome. Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more that meets the eye.
In a bold move, the National Youth Cabinet opted to kick off a promotional campaign during last weekend's Super Bowl with its "More Than Meets The Eye" commercial.
"NYC has always been a revenue producer for the Church," said a M&M Board spokesperson. "We felt that the initial expense would be justified based on the increase in registrations that we are expecting."
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
2 Out of 3 Theologians Disagree
You Can't Be Wrong All of the Time
No matter who (if anyone) is correct in their beliefs about a deity or deities and the nature of any afterlife that may or may not exist, at least two-thirds of humanity is wrong.
No matter who (if anyone) is correct in their beliefs about a deity or deities and the nature of any afterlife that may or may not exist, at least two-thirds of humanity is wrong.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
If a miracle apparition is allowed to be defaced...
Maybe It's Not a Real Miracle
An image of what believers see as the Virgin Mary has been defaced again, this time with demonic graffiti that has lingered for more than two weeks, police said early today.
The image underneath the Kennedy Expressway at Fullerton Avenue on the North Side drew crowds in 2005 after Obdulia Delgado spotted it while driving home from work at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
It now draws worshipers who place flowers, candles and artwork around it, as well as graffiti taggers who have previously traced faint eyes and a gaping mouth onto it as if mocking Munch's "The Scream."
Police said today that the Illinois Department of Transportation would be responsible for eradicating the graffiti and that although visitors still frequent the shrine, police have not received many complaints about the most recent vandalism.
An image of what believers see as the Virgin Mary has been defaced again, this time with demonic graffiti that has lingered for more than two weeks, police said early today.
The image underneath the Kennedy Expressway at Fullerton Avenue on the North Side drew crowds in 2005 after Obdulia Delgado spotted it while driving home from work at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
It now draws worshipers who place flowers, candles and artwork around it, as well as graffiti taggers who have previously traced faint eyes and a gaping mouth onto it as if mocking Munch's "The Scream."
Police said today that the Illinois Department of Transportation would be responsible for eradicating the graffiti and that although visitors still frequent the shrine, police have not received many complaints about the most recent vandalism.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Logging is a Way of Life
More Valuable Left Standing
While you can, escape into 450 acres of the most picturesque, rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies that Southern Ohio has to offer. Find yourself hiking on one of the many marked trails or relax poolside on a sunny afternoon. Experience nature with the family or group outings.
While you can, escape into 450 acres of the most picturesque, rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies that Southern Ohio has to offer. Find yourself hiking on one of the many marked trails or relax poolside on a sunny afternoon. Experience nature with the family or group outings.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Jesus Is A Friend
He's Friend Next to You
Handpainted resin statues on a solid wood base are the perfect gift for every young Christian athlete. These statues portray Jesus actively participating with boys and girls in a variety of sports. A wonderful way to reinforce Jesus "as friend" in everyday activities. Sizes vary from 4 3/4 to 6 1/2 inches.
Many customers have requested these Jesus Sport Statues depicting children other than Caucasian and playing other sports; we have expressed these requests to manufacturers and importers. When and if other statues are available, we'll carry them.
Handpainted resin statues on a solid wood base are the perfect gift for every young Christian athlete. These statues portray Jesus actively participating with boys and girls in a variety of sports. A wonderful way to reinforce Jesus "as friend" in everyday activities. Sizes vary from 4 3/4 to 6 1/2 inches.Many customers have requested these Jesus Sport Statues depicting children other than Caucasian and playing other sports; we have expressed these requests to manufacturers and importers. When and if other statues are available, we'll carry them.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Halo Straight Dope
Who Decided Saints Have Halos?
The halo (also called a nimbus) has been around since the time of the Greeks and Romans, and was incorporated into Christian art sometime in the fourth century AD.
The halo thing is actually pretty intricate. There are not only plain round halos, used to signify saints, there's also the cross within a halo, used for Christ; the triangular halo, used for representations of the Trinity; and the square halo, used to depict unusually saintly living personages. Occasionally you also see things like the hexagonal halo, about which the less said the better.
The halo (also called a nimbus) has been around since the time of the Greeks and Romans, and was incorporated into Christian art sometime in the fourth century AD.
The halo thing is actually pretty intricate. There are not only plain round halos, used to signify saints, there's also the cross within a halo, used for Christ; the triangular halo, used for representations of the Trinity; and the square halo, used to depict unusually saintly living personages. Occasionally you also see things like the hexagonal halo, about which the less said the better.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Oh Really?
Debate Over New Offering From Brethren Press
Amid cries of controversy Brethren Press is planning to debut three new dolls, Dunker Malia, Old Order Sasha, and Amazing Alexander for this summer's Annual Conference Book Store. An unidentified congregation member announced through a query statement: "We feel it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes."
Brethren Press response was that "essentially, hey, we just liked the names. Any resemblance to living persons is merely coincidence." It was reported that the Elgin based publisher chose the names because "they are beautiful names," not because of any resemblance to real, marketable persons.
"There's nothing on the dolls that refers to the real persons," A Brethren Press spokesman said. "It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these individuals. They are not."
Amid cries of controversy Brethren Press is planning to debut three new dolls, Dunker Malia, Old Order Sasha, and Amazing Alexander for this summer's Annual Conference Book Store. An unidentified congregation member announced through a query statement: "We feel it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes."
Brethren Press response was that "essentially, hey, we just liked the names. Any resemblance to living persons is merely coincidence." It was reported that the Elgin based publisher chose the names because "they are beautiful names," not because of any resemblance to real, marketable persons.
"There's nothing on the dolls that refers to the real persons," A Brethren Press spokesman said. "It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these individuals. They are not."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Inaugural Warning
Inaugural Warning
The inauguration of Barack Obama as the President of the United States will be historic for many reasons. Obama's inauguration may help move race relations forward in America. CADC has issued a WARNING message.
The inauguration of Barack Obama as the President of the United States will be historic for many reasons. Obama's inauguration may help move race relations forward in America. CADC has issued a WARNING message.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Regular or Decaf?
Catholics ordered to keep quiet over Virgin visions
Catholics who claim they have seen the Virgin Mary will be forced to remain silent about the apparitions until a team of psychologists, theologians, priests and exorcists have fully investigated their claims under new Vatican guidelines aimed at stamping out false claims of miracles.
The Pope has instructed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, formerly the Holy Office of the Inquisition, to draw up a new handbook to help bishops snuff out an explosion of bogus heavenly apparitions.
Apparently, people who drink too much coffee could start seeing ghosts or hearing strange voices, UK research has suggested.
People who drank more than seven cups of instant coffee a day were three times more likely to hallucinate than those who took just one, a study found.
A Durham University team questioned 200 students about their caffeine intake. However, academics say the findings do not prove a "causal link". They also stress that experiencing hallucinations is not a definite sign of mental illness and that about 3% of people regularly hear voices.
Catholics who claim they have seen the Virgin Mary will be forced to remain silent about the apparitions until a team of psychologists, theologians, priests and exorcists have fully investigated their claims under new Vatican guidelines aimed at stamping out false claims of miracles.
The Pope has instructed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, formerly the Holy Office of the Inquisition, to draw up a new handbook to help bishops snuff out an explosion of bogus heavenly apparitions.
Apparently, people who drink too much coffee could start seeing ghosts or hearing strange voices, UK research has suggested.
People who drank more than seven cups of instant coffee a day were three times more likely to hallucinate than those who took just one, a study found.
A Durham University team questioned 200 students about their caffeine intake. However, academics say the findings do not prove a "causal link". They also stress that experiencing hallucinations is not a definite sign of mental illness and that about 3% of people regularly hear voices.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Top Five Sins
Worst Case
Apparently, lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride are not the worst of your worries.
For the first time Vatican officials will this week discuss in public sins committed by clergy considered so deadly that they require forgiveness from the Pope himself, The Times Online reports.
For the "five worst sins" confession is not enough, and a special dispensation from the Pope himself is needed for absolution.
Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, Cardinal Stafford's deputy at the Penitentiary, said although he could not "give numbers", the five deadly sins were on the increase, and it took "constant work" by the tribunal to keep pace. In theory cases were decided at one sitting, but it sometimes took several sessions for the tribunal to satisfy itself that penance was "authentic, spontaneous and sincere," Monsignor Girotti said.
Apparently, lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride are not the worst of your worries.
For the first time Vatican officials will this week discuss in public sins committed by clergy considered so deadly that they require forgiveness from the Pope himself, The Times Online reports.
For the "five worst sins" confession is not enough, and a special dispensation from the Pope himself is needed for absolution.
Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, Cardinal Stafford's deputy at the Penitentiary, said although he could not "give numbers", the five deadly sins were on the increase, and it took "constant work" by the tribunal to keep pace. In theory cases were decided at one sitting, but it sometimes took several sessions for the tribunal to satisfy itself that penance was "authentic, spontaneous and sincere," Monsignor Girotti said.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Prayer Backlog
Prayer Backlog
Explaining that He had been "absolutely swamped," God announced yesterday that He was finally able to find time in His busy schedule to answer a portion of the 1995 and 1996 prayer backlog.
Explaining that He had been "absolutely swamped," God announced yesterday that He was finally able to find time in His busy schedule to answer a portion of the 1995 and 1996 prayer backlog.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Bus Campaign
Jesus Said
Two hundred buses will run in London, because of a campaign that was originally started as a positive counter-response to the "Jesus Said" ads running on London buses in June 2008. Those ads displayed the URL of a website which stated that non-Christians "will be condemned to everlasting separation from God and then you spend all eternity in torment in hell… Jesus spoke about this as a lake of fire prepared for the devil".
Two hundred buses will run in London, because of a campaign that was originally started as a positive counter-response to the "Jesus Said" ads running on London buses in June 2008. Those ads displayed the URL of a website which stated that non-Christians "will be condemned to everlasting separation from God and then you spend all eternity in torment in hell… Jesus spoke about this as a lake of fire prepared for the devil".
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Lying For Jesus
Lying For Jesus
Christian Apologists have been using authority as a substitute for truth instead of truth as authority. Countless books, films and organizations run by Christian Apologists spend millions on hiding the general public from the truth for sakes of personal gain. Their means of doing this is by deceiving the general public into believing their false claims. Such a system is both unhealthy for a society and morally wrong.
Christian Apologists have been using authority as a substitute for truth instead of truth as authority. Countless books, films and organizations run by Christian Apologists spend millions on hiding the general public from the truth for sakes of personal gain. Their means of doing this is by deceiving the general public into believing their false claims. Such a system is both unhealthy for a society and morally wrong.
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