FAITH WATCH NEWS: The Christian Post Wednesday August 22, 2012 Elul 4, 5772

(Photo: Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship)

Calvary Chapel Fellowship Squeezes Calif. Winegrowers Over No-Church Law

By Alex Murashko

A Calvary Chapel-affiliated church in Southern California is threatening to file a federal lawsuit against the County of Riverside over a previously unknown zoning law in the Temecula Valley Wine Country that prohibits churches from being built on the grape-growing land within the popular tourist destination.

FRC Refutes 'Hate' Claims of Calling Gays Pedophiles, Wanting to Expel Gays

By Audrey Barrick

The LGBT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign and the Southern Poverty Law Center are standing by their decision to label conservative group Family Research Council a "hate" group even as some in their camp back away. But they say it's not because FRC simply opposes same-sex marriage. FRC is "hateful" because it links gay people to pedophiles, they claim.

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US

Akin to Continue Mo. Senate Race Despite Calls From Romney to Exit; Asks for Forgiveness

By Paul Stanley

Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) is saying he's in the Missouri Senate race to stay despite calls from Mitt Romney for him to step aside over controversial remarks on rape and abortion. The come-from-behind candidate who had been leading in the polls has come under intense pressure to step aside since stating on Sunday that women's bodies could prevent pregnancies in cases of "legitimate rape."

Women Claim to Struggle With Productivity, Not Lust or Envy

By Jeff Schapiro

New research from the Barna Group finds that Christian women in the U.S. claim to struggle less with "traditional" sins such as lust than they do more modern bad behaviors like disorganization.

How Are Christian Values Faring in GOP Platform?

By Paul Stanley

The Republican National Convention may not be officially opening until Monday, but the hard work of finalizing the GOP platform – often referred to as its mission statement – is now under way in Tampa, Fla. Christians are paying particular attention to this year's committee meetings given the fact that the Democrats have voted to include same-sex marriage in their platform for the first time in history.

Obama Praises Bush as 'Man of Faith'

By Napp Nazworth

President Barack Obama praised former President George W. Bush's faith in an interview for Cathedral Age. "I didn't agree with former President Bush on many issues, but I did respect him as a good husband, a loving father, and as a man of faith," Obama said.

Rape Pregnancies Not Rare, Ob-Gyn Says

By Napp Nazworth

Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), a candidate for the U.S. Senate, faces a backlash within his own party for his recent comment that pregnancies rarely occur as the result of a "legitimate rape." While the comment sounded odd, not to mention offensive, to many, it is based upon an idea that has floated around in some pro-life circles for decades. In a Tuesday interview with The Christian Post, Dr. Gene Rudd, an obstetrician-gynecologist who is also senior vice president of Christian Medical & Dental Associations, said there is no evidence that pregnancies are rare among rape victims.

Mars Rover Curiosity's Search for Life No Help to Evolutionists, Say Creationists

By Alex Murashko

As NASA's $2.5 billion Mars rover Curiosity continues its search to determine if the red planet could have ever supported microbial life, advocates of creationism took the opportunity to point out that even if life were found it would not help the evolutionary quest to identify the origin of life on earth.

Church & Ministries

US Megachurches Growing, Providing 'Heightened Sense of Spirituality'

By Stoyan Zaimov

A new study has revealed that megachurches in America with congregations larger than 2,000 people are not only growing, but also satisfying the spiritual needs of their members.

Randy White Turns Electricity Back on at Once Abandoned Without Walls Church

By Audrey Barrick

The electricity is back on at Without Walls Central Church in Lakeland, Fla., after months of abandonment. Bishop Randy White, who leads Without Walls International Church in Tampa, and a team of church members cleaned up the Lakeland facility last week with the hope of restoring the ministry there.

Fla. Methodist Church Holds Worship Service in Bar

By Michael Gryboski

A Methodist church in Florida holds worship services at an unlikely location: a bar on the Florida-Alabama border known for bikini contests, fish-throwing events, and the occasional fight.

Christian Counseling Expert: 'I See Resurrected People'

By Alex Murashko

Christians often overlook the fact that they are "new creations in Christ," as written in the Bible, and forget that in essence they are people who have been resurrected, says a Christian counseling expert.

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'2016 – Obama's America' Succeeds at Box Office; Reports of Missing Listings?

Archaeology and the Bible

Israeli archaeologists recently discovered a coin, dating from the 11th century before Christ. It depicted "a man with long hair fighting a large animal with a feline tail." They see the coin as proof that stories about a ...

Christianity Today Writer Ken Smith Is Founder of a Company Fined for Deceptive Business Practices; With Child Porn Ties

Why I Believe Most Marriages Fail

The statistics are staggering…no matter where ...

Chick-fil-A Sandwiches No Longer on Menu at Connecticut GOP Event

The organizer of a large picnic event designed to ...

More News

Over 10,000 Churches Commit to 'National Back to Church Sunday'

Thousands of congregations across the country are ...

New E-Book Outlines Friction in Obama Camp

A new e-book written by Politico reporter Glenn ...

Pat Robertson Clarifies Adoption Warning, Points to Work with Orphans

Televangelist Pat Robertson has offered a ...

United Church of Canada Joins Boycott of Israeli Products in Support of Palestinian Christians

A Week Later, Ryan Choice Still Has Pundits Sharply Divided

Pundits, politicos and campaign strategists spent ...

Historic Seton House in Denver Reopens to Serve the Poor

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of the Archdiocese of ...

Hugh Hefner Claims Marriage Conservatives Want to 'Dehumanize' Sexuality

Hugh Hefner, the famous founder of Playboy ...

Exodus Board Member Defends Alan Chambers Against Criticism Over Gays in Heaven Comments

Scottish Cardinal Suspends Talks With State Officials Over Gay Marriage Row

The relationship between the Scottish Catholic ...

Study: Most Religious States Give More to Charity, Nonreligious Give Less

The most religious states in America are also the ...

Chick-fil-A Controversy Shows Power of 'Faith Driven Consumers'

When controversy erupted over Chick-fil-A ...

Author Argues 6 Reasons Why Mormons Are Beating Evangelicals in Growth

An author with an evangelical blog has argued ...

White House Petition to Help Jailed Indonesian Atheist Falls Short

A petition to President Barack Obama looking to ...

'Legitimate Rape' Gaffe May Cost GOP Senate Control

Republicans are more worried about gaining control of the Senate now that one of their best prospects for gaining a seat made a gaffe that seemed to question the credibility of rape victims. Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) was leading by ...

Entertainment

'2016 – Obama's America' Succeeds at Box Office; Reports of Missing Listings?

By Alex Murashko

Amid reports that some newspapers had been withholding theater locations and times for the movie "2016 – Obama's America," the documentary-style look at Barack Obama's life as it pertains to his worldview is bringing in high box office numbers. The number of theaters in the U.S. showing the movie jumps from 160 to 700 this coming weekend.

Madonna Sued for Promoting Homosexuality During Concert in Russia

By Myles Collier

Madonna is being sued for millions in Russia after she performed in Moscow and advocated homosexuality.

'Sparkle' Movie Review: Laced With Faith or Only a Hint?

By Alex Murashko

Bishop T.D. Jakes, who is also the CEO of a film and entertainment company, has high hopes that his movie "Sparkle" that opened Friday will be viewed by others as he calls it – a cinematic extravaganza.

Kirk Cameron Endorses 'Ten Commandments Judge' Roy Moore for Ala. Chief Justice

By Katherine Weber

The actor Kirk Cameron has voiced his official endorsement of Roy Moore, also known as "the Ten Commandments judge," who is currently running for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

'2016 – Obama's America' Movie Review: Getting Inside the President's Head

By Alex Murashko

At the film's outset, it is clear that conservative activist Dinesh D'Souza wants to get inside the head of President Barack Obama perhaps like no one else ever has in the making of the fast-paced, documentary-style "2016 – Obama's America."

World

Richard Dawkins Labeled a 'Snob' for Declining Religious Debate in Scotland

By Stoyan Zaimov

A Scottish Church leader has labeled evolutionary biologist and famed atheist Richard Dawkins a "snob" over his decision to turn down a debate on religion. Dawkins has refused a debate invitation for the faith-themed Faclan Hebridean Book Festival in Scotland in November.

A demonstrator carries an Egyptian flag near Tahrir square as demonstrators gather to mark the first anniversary of Egypt's uprising, January 25, 2012.

Christians in Egypt Endure Crucifixions: 'More Blood Will Be Shed,' Says Expert

By Myles Collier

There are disturbing reports coming out of Egypt that hardline Muslim Brotherhood supporters are crucifying opponents of President Mohammed Morsi, creating a panic within religious minority communities.

Watchdog Urges US Not to Forget About Persecuted Christians in Iraq

By Katherine Weber

As violence against Christian minorities continues in Mosul, Iraq, Carl Moeller of Open Doors USA worries that the U.S. has turned its focus away from these persecuted Christians, as the U.S. no longer has a military presence in the Middle Eastern country.

A man (L), protesting against a gay pride parade, attempts to rip a gay rights activist's (R) banner near the headquarters of Moscow city Duma in central Moscow May 27, 2012.

Moscow Bans Gay Pride Events for the Next 100 Years

By Stoyan Zaimov

Moscow has attempted to defend traditional conceptions of sexuality by banning gay pride events in the city for the next 100 years.

Disabled Christian Girl Arrested for 'Blasphemy' in Pakistan

By Anugrah Kumar

Pakistan's human rights body strongly condemned on Monday the arrest of an 11-year-old Christian girl with Down syndrome after she was accused of "blasphemy." Tensions have compelled around 600 Christians to flee the area.

Lisa Whelchel on Survivor: Will Her Faith Play a Role in New Series?

Actress Lisa Whelchel, who played Blair on "The ...

Bible Quiz Show Teams Play to 'Bless Somebody,' Says Host Jeff Foxworthy

Comedian and show host Jeff Foxworthy wasn't ...

Iowa Mammoth Bones Spark Massive Excavation in Family's Backyard

In Iowa a set of mammoth bones have been found, ...

Day Care Fight Club: Workers Arrrested for Encouraging 3-Year-Olds to Fight

Three Delaware day care workers have been charged ...

Rihanna Shares Proverb on Instagram; Fans Debate Singer's Spirituality

Rihanna, 24-year-old Barbadian recording artist, ...

K. Michelle Defends Evelyn Lozada Against Critics After Domestic Dispute

K. Michelle, star of "Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta," ...

Hank Williams Jr. Slams Obama for Being 'Muslim' and 'Hating America'

American country music star Hank Williams Jr. is ...

Oprah Winfrey Denied Interview With Lauryn Hill; Working on Beyonce and Evelyn Lozada?

Interview With Brian Fikkert, Author of 'When Helping Hurts'

Brian Fikkert is co-author of the best-selling ...

11-Year-Old Ordained Evangelist Healing, Ministering and Speaking in Tongues

Ezekiel Stoddard is an ordained evangelist from ...

Grant in UK Aims to Bring Disabled to Church

There is a new push among the churches in England ...

Russian Orthodox Church Seeks Clemency for Pussy Riot Punk Band

Leaders of Russia's Orthodox Church asked for ...

Open Doors USA 'One With Them' Campaign Spreads Global Awareness of Persecuted Christians

Youcef Nadarkhani Receives New Court Summons, Iran Evades Mention of Apostasy Charge

Pro-Family Groups Outraged Over US Making Gay Pride Events a Priority

The international pro-family and pro-life ...

US Pastor Speaks Out On Lebanon's 'Homosexuality Tests': 'Do Not Seek Out the Sins of Others'

Christians Among Minorities Facing Increased Persecution in Pakistan, Say Indian Politicians

Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide Law Changes Could Put Vulnerable at Risk in UK

There is considerable attention being brought to ...

Bible Owned by Elvis Presley Up for Auction in England

As Thursday marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Verizon Blocks Employees' Vacation Time in September for iPhone 5 Launch

By Vincent Funaro

Verizon will not be allowing employees to take vacation time in late September, according to a report from TechCrunch.

iPad Mini Goes Into Production in September

By Vincent Funaro

The iPad Mini will go into production in September, according to new reports.

Samsung Galaxy S3 in Black to Launch With 64GB of Storage

By Vincent Funaro

The upcoming black version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone will launch with 64GB of built-in storage.

Droid Razr HD Unveiled on September 5

By Vincent Funaro

Motorola might be unveiling the Droid Razr HD smartphone on Sept. 5 shortly before the new iPhone is expected to make its debut.

iPad Mini Release Date Possibly Sept. 12 as Apple Makes Revealing Request

Dinosaur Prints at NASA Reveal King Koopa-Like Creature (VIDEO)

'Best Butt' Discount Offered by Texas Restaurant: Just Fun or Offensive

Chris Brown's Mom Wants Rihanna to 'Tell The Truth' Following Oprah Interview?

Prince Harry Vegas Picture Scandal Lands Royalty 'In Trouble'

Arizona Woman Prevented From Handing Out Water, 'Showing God's Love,' to Hot and Thirsty

LL Cool J Stops Home Intruder; Fans, Celebrity Friends React

Rare White Buffalo Died of 'Blackleg' Infection, Say Texas Investigators

Nikon Unveils Coolpix S800c Android Camera

Nadia Lanfranconi and Mel Gibson Spotted Together (VIDEO)

Propping Up Corporate America

By Ken Connor

Conservatives are quick to criticize public welfare for the poor. But they should be no less vehement in their opposition to corporate welfare, a form of welfare that is running rampant while the taxpayers of our country are dying a slow death of a thousand payouts.

YOUTH

Back to School: 3 Crucial Reminders for Christian Teens

By Greg Stier

You are not just at school to go to school. As a Christian you are at school to go on a mission trip. Every teen-filled table in the school cafeteria is a mission field that needs reached with the good news of Jesus.

OPINION

What's Your City's Smut Ranking?

By Rev. Mark H. Creech

Some erroneously maintain the First Amendment of the Constitution protects porn as freedom of expression. But that's just untrue. Despite the fact the Department of Justice is doing nothing to enforce obscenity laws, it's really a crime. Every Christian should be deeply concerned about the spread of the smut enterprise.

SCIENCE

The God Particle: Not the God of the Gaps, But the Whole Show

By John C. Lennox

The recent verification (to within a whisker) of Peter Higgs's prediction made in the teeth of weighty skepticism is rightly celebrated as the inspiring stuff of which great science is made — the payoff for the intellectual commitment and scientific prowess of a dedicated international team of specialists working for many years.

OPINIONS

Walking the Talk on Marriage

By Karen Gushta

In spite of the efforts of the political left to make same-sex "marriage" a political issue, it remains a deeply moral issue—one that we as Christians must not back away from, even if it means becoming the brunt of personal attacks.

OPINION

Archaeology and the Bible

By Eric Metaxas

EMPLOYMENT

Older Workers: Overqualified, Over-the-Hill or Overflowing With Assets?

By June Hunt

From the age of 65 until he reaches 75, Colonel Harland Sanders oversees the growth of his Kentucky Fried Chicken – from one restaurant in a small Kentucky town, to over 600 restaurants across the United States and Canada. Col. Sanders doesn't allow his advanced age to hold him back. On the contrary, experience, hard work and vision propel him to sizzling success.

OPINIONS

The Taste of Hate: Chick-Fil-A and the Numbing Down of Culture

By Wallace Henley

Equating Cathy's position with Page's or Breivik's trivializes the concept of hate, blunts and diffuses its meaning. Put a pinch too much salt on a boiled egg and even the little bit bites. Diffuse the same pinch on the Pacific Ocean and the salt loses its saltiness, to paraphrase Jesus.

OPINIONS

Deferred Action Status for Young Immigrants Only a Band-Aid

By Matthew Soerens

This week, thousands of young immigrants will file paperwork to request "Deferred Action" status from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services under a new Obama Administration policy applying to certain undocumented individuals who entered the U.S. as children.

MARRIAGE

Why I Believe Most Marriages Fail

By Perry Noble

The statistics are staggering…no matter where you look either inside or outside of the church … marriages are in trouble. I've seen SO many dating and newly married couples that make it a priority to pursue romance and intimacy with each other but then, "life happens."

DANGEROUS CALLING

How to Be Good and Angry

By Paul Tripp

Tom and Jim are two angry men whose lives are radically different, and whose angers produce radically different results. Tom is angry because he wants to be God, so he has reduced everything in his life down to the size of his little kingdom of one. His anger is leaving a legacy of fear, hurt, and separation. But Jim's anger honors God by putting God and his kingdom in their rightful place. Jim's anger is leaving a ministry legacy of love, compassion, provision, and healing.

U.S.

Christianity Today Writer Is Founder of a Company Fined for Deceptive Business Practices; With Child Porn Ties

By Katherine T. Phan

The co-author of a recent Christianity Today article is one of the founders of Zango, a company fined by the FTC for unfair and deceptive business practices, including lax distribution of software that furthered child pornography. The Christianity Today article was co-written by Ted Olsen and Ken Smith, who founded 180solutions (which later became Zango), a company with software that had been "distributed in conjunction with child pornography," according to documents obtained by The Christian Post.

COLUMN

Ask the 'Jewish God' to Enlighten You

By Dan Delzell

The "Jewish God" is the one true God. He always has been, and always will be. By the term "Jewish God," I am not talking about a definition of "God" that most Jews would endorse. I mean something different. I mean the "Jewish God" of both the Old and New Testaments as revealed to us in Scripture.

COLUMN

Pat Robertson vs. the Spirit of Adoption

By Russell D. Moore

I had promised never to mention Pat Robertson here again. Every few months he says some crazy scandalous thing. Let me just say this bluntly. This is not just a statement we ought to disagree with. This is of the devil.

EDITORIALS

Romney's Bold Pick

By Dr. Richard D. Land

Governor Mitt Romney's selection of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate has reshaped the entire presidential campaign. In selecting Ryan, he has made this election a big election about big issues, the future economic direction of the country, and how substantial a role the federal government will play in Americans' daily lives in the future.

OPINIONS

Overcoming Hate With Love

By Jerry Newcombe

Hopefully, Wednesday's shooting incident is not the beginning of some new trend. But historically, persecution often follows effective Gospel work. How are we to respond? Love is the key to overcoming hate.

COLUMN

Don't Slap Christ's Wife

By Greg Stier

The church is the wife of Christ. He sacrificed his own life to redeem her. He is returning someday to claim her. According to Revelation 19:9 we all will celebrate the "Wedding supper of the Lamb" with Jesus someday and what an awesome occasion that will be! So, in the meantime, don't slap, mock or treat the bride of Christ with disrespect.

DANGEROUS CALLING

5 Reasons Why God Calls Us to Wait

By Paul Tripp

In ministry you will be both called to wait and also find waiting personally and corporately difficult. So it is important to recognize that there are lots of good reasons why waiting is not merely inescapable but necessary and helpful. Here are a few of those reasons.

OPINION

Turning Values Into Hate

By Dr. Tony Beam

What is hate speech? Does it fall into the category of "I can't define it but I know when I hear it?" Most thinking Americans can tell the difference between speech that is simply expressing a positive point of view and speech that is poisoned with the venom of hatred.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Education Policy Expert on Threat of Common Core Standards to Homeschoolers

By CP Reader

Good reason exists to believe that both home- and private-schooling will be adversely affected if the Common Core national standards continue to morph into a national K-12 curriculum.

COLUMN

Don't Drink the Haterade

By Miles McPherson

You probably don't have to think very hard to conjure up an image of someone in your life who can be classified as a hater.

COLUMN

Can You Be a Christian and Have a Political Opinion?

By Perry Noble

It makes some people nervous that I am a pastor AND that I have a political opinion. I've heard the argument that Christians are too political…and that if you are a Christian then you should not express your political opinion.

OPINION

Good News for Bad Preachers

By Russell D. Moore

I received an email from a young minister who is discouraged. He's just starting out in ministry, and says his preaching is terrible. He's trying to improve, but is just starting out, and is mediocre. Here's what I think. Your first few sermons are always terrible, no matter who you are.

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FAITH WATCH NEWS: The Christian Post Wednesday August 22, 2012 Elul 4, 5772

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