THE CHRISTIAN POST: Tuesday September 18, 2012 Tishri 2, 5773

(Photo: College of the Ozarks)

College Head Calls Obamacare 'Gov't at Its Worst;' Declares Lawsuit

By Alex Murashko

Citing a violation of religious freedom, College of the Ozarks took the occasion of the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution to file a lawsuit against the federal government for its contraceptive mandate found in the Affordable Care Act.

Egypt's Coptic Christians Fearful Amid Outrage Over Muhammad Film

By Anugrah Kumar

As an anti-Islam film, allegedly promoted by an Egyptian Coptic Christian in the United States, is causing outrage in the Middle East, Egypt's minority community fears it might lead to backlash sooner or later.

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US

Black Christians See No Clear Options Between Obama, Romney

By Paul Stanley

With just 50 days until Americans go to the polls to select their next president, many black Christians find themselves in somewhat of an unusual predicament. Their choice is between reelecting a president who embraces same-sex marriage or a former governor whose religion practiced racial discrimination longer than most of the once segregated South. It may cause some to exercise a third and formerly unthinkable choice of sitting at home on Nov. 7.

Pastors Get Ready to Preach Politics, Challenge IRS Restriction

By Lillian Kwon

Over 1,000 pastors are set to defy the IRS next month by intentionally preaching on politics. The ultimate goal is to reach the court so that the "muzzle" on churches can be declared unconstitutional.

Anti-Islam Movie: Christian-Muslim Relations in So. Calif. Under Scrutiny

By Alex Murashko

Although normally associated with a region of the U.S. where many religions and beliefs harmoniously coexist, Southern California has come under the microscope of late as the result of an anti-Islam movie with production roots in Los Angeles. The movie "Innocence of Muslims," which many are calling amateurish, is reported to be the focal point of the recent violence and protests in the Middle East.

Mayor Seeks Injunction After Chicago Teachers Extend Strike

By Anugrah Kumar

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Sunday he is asking city lawyers to file an injunction to immediately end the teachers strike after the union extended the week-old walkout over sweeping education reforms.

Racism, Anti-Mormonism Won't Affect Election, Expert Believes

By Napp Nazworth

With a black man and a Mormon running against each other in the presidential race, will racism or anti-Mormonism effect the outcome? Political scientist Norman Ornstein does not think so.

Church & Ministries

James MacDonald's Vertical Church Tour: It's About Getting Back to Jesus

By Alex Murashko

Megachurch pastor James MacDonald has reached the halfway point of his whirlwind "Vertical Church Tour" planned for 40 cities in the U.S. and Canada in just a two-month time span. The founding and senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago continues to deliver his message that today's Christian churches should meet primarily for the purpose of seeking and worshipping God and all else will follow.

Steven Furtick Challenges Christians to Not Settle for 'Good Enough'

By Jeff Schapiro

The death of Apple founder Steve Jobs in October 2011 had a profound effect on Steven Furtick, lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C. At that time, Furtick's church averaged between 8,000 and 10,000 people in attendance, yet the death of Jobs, a great innovator, still caused him to question whether or not he was doing great things for God.

Rick Warren Says There Are No 'Accidental Children' at 'Celebrate Life' Event

By Stoyan Zaimov

Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren, commenting on the importance of helping women who find themselves in a crisis and dealing with unplanned pregnancies, said there is no such thing as an "accidental" child.

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America Should Return to 'Original Factory Settings,' Kirk Cameron Says

Actor and producer Kirk Cameron said America can ...

Justin Bieber's Mom Says She Couldn't Abort Baby

Justin Bieber's mom, Pattie Mallette, was told to ...

Black Christians See No Clear Options Between Obama, Romney

With just 50 days until Americans go to the polls ...

Anti-Islam Movie: Christian-Muslim Relations in So. Calif. Under Scrutiny

Although normally associated with a region of the ...

'I Wish Mitt Romney Would Meet People Like Me,' Rape Conceived Pro-Lifer Says

Rep. Todd Akin's (R-Mo.) recent "legitimate rape" gaffe has brought greater scrutiny to the issue of whether pro-lifers should support abortions for women who get pregnant after getting raped. While the Republican Party platform ...

More News

Worshippers Gather Near Debris of Church Demolished by Russian Gov't

It was the second Sunday since Russian police demolished Holy Trinity Pentecostal Church on the eastern edge of Moscow, but the pastor and members have not canceled any of their scheduled meetings despite increasing pressure from ...

Thousands of Churches Take Part in 'Back to Church' Sunday

Thousands of congregations across the United ...

America Should Return to 'Original Factory Settings,' Kirk Cameron Says

Actor and producer Kirk Cameron said America can ...

Egypt's Coptic Christians Fearful Amid Outrage Over Muhammad Film

As an anti-Islam film, allegedly promoted by an ...

UK Woman Imprisoned for Self-Administered Full-Term Abortion

An English woman who aborted her baby in the ...

Texas Pastor Darrell Wayne Arrested for Alleged Sex Assault

The Rev. Darrell Wayne Blair of New Breed ...

Joel Osteen Unsure If Jesus Was Poor, Says 'His Needs Were Supplied'

Lakewood Church leader Joel Osteen, one of the ...

Newsweek's 'Muslim Rage' Cover on Middle East Protests Called 'Shameful'

Newsweek shared on Twitter Monday the cover of ...

Pope Urges Arab Nations to Respect All Religions

At an open-air mass attended by 350,000 people in ...

Hundreds Protest Across Asia, Clash With Police Over U.S. Anti-Islam Video

Fresh protests were raging in several Middle ...

Values Voter Summit Highlights Abortion, Adoption Link

Ending abortion has been a central concern of ...

Poll Finds Strong Support for New Pennsylvania Voter ID Law

A recent poll by the Inquirer Pennsylvania regarding the state's controversial voter ID law shows that nearly two-thirds of likely voters support requiring those who show up to vote to produce a government issued photo.

US Pulls Out Embassy Staff from Sudan, Tunisia

The State Department on Saturday ordered ...

SC Businessmen Sue Billy Graham's Nephew Over Golf Course Deal

Two businessmen have filed a lawsuit against a nephew of evangelist Billy Graham, alleging he defrauded them as they were planning to purchase his golf course in South Carolina.

Entertainment

Justin Bieber's Mom Says She Couldn't Abort Baby

By Audrey Barrick

Justin Bieber's mom, Pattie Mallette, was told to abort her baby at age 17. But when she became pregnant with the now famous teen singer, she didn't hesitate about keeping her son.

Disney World to Sell Wine and Beer, Customers Surprised at Alcohol Move

By Daniel Blake

Disney World is to sell wine and beer for the first time in its history, sparking controversy over whether the family park should be selling alcoholic beverages.

Tim Tebow Trade Talk Rumor Squelched; 'Out of Character'

By Alex Murashko

With only one season game under his belt as a Jets player, unashamed Christian quarterback Tim Tebow is rumored to be contemplating a trade away from the New York Jets by season's end. However, shortly after its publication at the New York Daily News, many sports analysts were calling the trade story that included quotes from an un-named NFL source preposterous.

President's Truth Team Bashes '2016: Obama's America;' Filmmaker Responds

By Alex Murashko

In what is perhaps any filmmaker's best-dream scenario, President Barack Obama has issued a public response to the movie "2016: Obama's America" through his White House team. Although the film is criticized on the president's website, co-producer Dinesh D'Souza welcomed the opportunity to talk about the movie's success at the box office even without much media attention – or an endorsement from Obama.

Steven Curtis Chapman, Katherine Heigel, Josh Kelley, Ne-Yo Gather in Support of Adoption

By Napp Nazworth

Steven Curtis Chapman, Katherine Heigel, Josh Kelley and Ne-Yo were in attendance at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's annual gala Wednesday. Heigel, Kelley and Ne-Yo were among the 113 honored as "Angels in Adoption." Chapman, a previous honoree, sang two songs for those in attendance.

World

Hindu Extremists Attack Bible Study in India, Leaving 1 Christian Dead

By Myles Collier

An unprovoked attack during Bible study in a village in India has left one Christian dead and many others wounded.

UK Churches Fear Being 'Forced' to Perform Same-Sex Ceremonies

By Myles Collier

As the debate over same-sex marriage continues in the U.K., leading conservative policy makers are once again highlighting the need for some protections for churches. There are concerns that churches may be punished for not consenting to gay marriage ceremonies in their churches should a law be passed redefining marriage.

Palestinians burn a U.S. flag during a protest against what they say is a film being produced in the U.S. that was insulating the Prophet Muhammad, in front of the United Nations headquarters in Gaza City Sept. 12, 2012.

US to Blame for Radical Islamist Attacks in the Middle East?

By Stoyan Zaimov

As U.S. embassies around the world remain on tight security after attacks in Libya, Egypt and Yemen, some experts have said that although the U.S. government's response so far has been appropriate, its previous decisions have largely allowed for Islamist radicals in those countries to thrive.

Richard Dawkins Called a 'Christian Atheist' in Debate With Jewish Leader

By Stoyan Zaimov

The Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth in the U.K. has called out atheist professor Richard Dawkins for his best-selling book The God Delusion, accusing the biologist of using anti-Semitic rhetoric and calling him a "Christian atheist."

Chinese Gov't Calls for End to Forced Abortions After Int'l Outcry

By Lillian Kwon

Following international outcry, China's Population and Family Planning Commission issued an order to ban the use of forced abortion when enforcing its one-child policy. The directive is being hailed as a significant step forward in human rights.

DMX Ordained as Deacon; Releasing Gospel Album This Christmas?

Earl "DMX" Simmons may be a well-known rapper, ...

LSU Bomb Threat Forces Campus Evacuation

Louisiana State University (LSU) officials is ...

Rupert Everett Gay Parenting View: 'A Child Needs a Mummy and a Daddy'

Rupert Everett, an openly gay British actor, ...

Philip Seymour Hoffman and 'The Master' Draws Praise From Critics

A movie loosely based on the founder of ...

Hayden Panettiere Reveals Struggle With Body Dysmorphia

Hayden Panettiere began acting when she was ...

Amy Adams Reveals Intimidation on 'Trouble With the Curve'

Actress Amy Adams is not afraid of much, but ...

Kevin Durant Catches Heat for Working Out With Lebron James After NBA Finals Loss

'Top Model' Winner Sounds Off on Tyra Banks After Contestant Admits Meth Addiction

Aimee Copeland's First Public Appearance on 'Katie' (VIDEO)

Aimee Copeland has been through a lot in the past ...

Manny Pacquiao 'Excited' to Work With 50 Cent Amid Rapper's Issues With Floyd Mayweather

Robert Griffin III Dubbed 'Black Jesus' After NFL Debut; Gives God the Glory

Robert Griffin III, rookie Washington Redskins ...

Religious Leaders in Egypt Foster Christian-Muslim Relationships

Since the Arab spring swept through the Middle ...

Christian Leaders in Australia Urge Parliament to Uphold Traditional Marriage

1 Dead, 250 Injured in Egypt's Anti-US Protests; Clinton Issues Warning

With protests outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo ...

Pope Urges Muslims, Christians to Coexist in Lebanon

A day after arriving in Beirut, Pope Benedict XVI ...

New Coptic Christian Pope to Be Number One Target of Radical Islamists?

Egypt's Coptic Christians are getting ready to ...

Anti-Islam Video Linked to Libya and Egypt Attacks to Further Marginalize Christians?

US Ambassador Chris Stevens Among Dead in Islamist Attack on Libya Embassy

President Barack Obama confirmed Wednesday ...

Promoters of 'Innocence of Muslim' Defend Film, Shift Focus to Islam

Promoters of the controversial film "Innocence of Muslims," which has spurred violent demonstrations and deadly protests, have defended their actions, claiming that they are not the ones with blood on their hands.

Bishops in Mexico Demand Education Reform

There is a brewing battle between religious ...

Crew of Anti-Islam Film Linked to Libya, Egypt Attacks Was 'Grossly Misled'

The crew associated with "Innocence of Muslims," ...

Youcef Nadarkhani Is Free, But His Lawyer Still Faces Threat of Imprisonment

While Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has ...

Anglican Head Rowan Williams Admits Mistakes in Handling Homosexual Issues

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, the ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

iPhone 5 Preorders Sold Out at Specific Carriers

By Vincent Funaro

Two Canadian carriers including Bell and Virgin Mobile have reported that their iPhone 5 pre-orders sold out this week.

Galaxy S4 Rumors Point to Early 2013 Release Date

By Vincent Funaro

The latest Samsung Galaxy S4 rumors point to the handset being unveiled in Feb. 2013 at the next Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

iOS 6 Vs. JellyBean: Which Software is Sweeter?

By Vincent Funaro

With Apple's iOS 6 release date coming at the end of this week, Android 4.1 JellyBean will have its first real challenger since its launch back in July of this year.

Galaxy Note 2 Release Date Confirmed for Oct. 21 on AT&T

By Vincent Funaro

The Galaxy Note 2 release date on AT&T will take place on Oct. 21, according to the latest reports.

Shark Saves Man After Being Adrift at Sea for 15 Weeks

Shaun White Mug Shot Released: Olympic Medalist Fallen From Grace?

iPhone 5 Preorders Already Exceed 2 Million, Galaxy S3 in Danger?

Everlasting Light

An ABC Culture

National Cheeseburger Day Celebrated; Free Cheeseburgers if Your Name is 'Burger'

Korean Men Makeup Habbit: Males Unwilling to Leave the House Without It?

Kanye West Spends $1 Million on Kim Kardashian's 32nd Birthday

Galaxy Note 2 Release Date Coming Soon for T-Mobile Customers

Gorilla Carries Toddler as Activist Father Records Encounter in New Viral Video

One Nation Under God

By Eric Metaxas

The "under God" part of the Pledge fo Allegiance has come under attack lately, so it's more important than ever that your child understand why it's there and what it means.

OPINIONS

When Will We Start Following the Constitution?

By Karen Gushta

Perhaps it's not too late for us to start learning what's in the Constitution. Maybe then we will require our elected officials to abide by it. But at present, as economist Walter Williams says in his book, Do the Right Thing: "Much of what federal, state, and local governments do today far exceeds constitutional authority and any reasonable definition of moral government."

COLUMN

Three Types of Responses to Confrontation

By Perry Noble

Confrontation is NOT easy or enjoyable for anyone. And every leader is going to be on the giving and receiving end of confrontation. The "Yes Sir/Yes Ma'am" Person – This is the type of person receives the correction that comes along with confrontation and allows it to make them better instead of bitter.

OPINIONS

Greater Religious Freedom for Christians in India

By Benjamin Bull

Although universal in nature, religious liberty is not universal in practice the world over. And a law designed to prevent conversions to Christianity in India is exhibit A for the truth that, in some countries, religion is but one more aspect of life controlled by government or ruthless factions that fear no government.

POLITICS

'I Wish Mitt Romney Would Meet People Like Me,' Rape Conceived Pro-Lifer Says

By Napp Nazworth

"The reality is," Bomberger added, "I wish Mitt Romney would meet people like me ... and understand that it's more than just a one percent fringe case and we can just immediately write them off, because the assumption is always that abortion is the natural follow-up to a rape."

COLUMN

Spirit Rising in New York City

By Dan Delzell

If we were to name some pastors in America who lead the way when it comes to encouraging Christians to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the first person I think of is Jim Cymbala at The Brooklyn Tabernacle. His latest book, "Spirit Rising," is another home run where he lays out the path to greater effectiveness for Christ. I had the pleasure recently to sit down with Pastor Cymbala in his office and discuss the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today.

WORLD

Evangelicals Should Avoid 'Muslim-Baiting,' Says Professor

By Michael Gryboski

An evangelical professor who was part of a summit on foreign policy held at Georgetown University believes that evangelicals should avoid "Muslim-baiting."

LIVING

Freed From the Prison of Why

By Tullian Tchividjian

There's no doubt, the Why questions of suffering are utterly perplexing. And as we search the Scriptures and consider stories such as Job's, we are tempted to see those as worst-case scenarios designed to help us get our heads straight in relation to our comparatively small "first world" problems.

OPINION

Seven Common Comments Non-Christians Make About Christians

By Thom S. Rainer

Christians are against more things than they are for. "It just seems to me that Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other." I don't see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.

OPINION

One Consequence of Same-Sex Marriage

By Jim Daly

By the end of this month it's likely to be legal for children in California to have three parents. So why aren't two enough anymore? Same-sex marriage.

COLUMN

An Open Letter to Barack Obama, Mitt Romney

By Perry Noble

Both of you are way better than this. I'm not sure if either of you know this or not…but the way you two are attacking each other is making you appear like you are way more interested in tearing your opponent apart rather than leading our country.

CHURCH & MINISTRIES

Nick Vujicic Talks 'Unstoppable,' Overcoming Suicide and Joy of Married Life

By Stoyan Zaimov

Evangelist Nick Vujicic has traveled the world sharing his message of hope in God and overcoming difficulties – he was born without arms and legs. In his new book, Unstoppable, he reveals how he has survived the most difficult periods of his life, and today been blessed with a joyful married life.

INTERVIEW

Episcopal Priest Speaks of Need to Reclaim Liberalism Within Biblical Christianity

By Ginny Mooney

The Rev. John Liebler, an Episcopal priest, lost his faith in an ironic place: seminary. Studying for the priesthood in the late 1970s, Liebler was inundated with a theological liberalism that left him believing that Christianity, and all religion, was just a mirror we hold up to our own wishes rather than a window through which we see true spiritual realities. We asked Liebler about how he returned to faith, and why he believes orthodox Christians urgently need to reclaim liberalism.

OPINION

Election 2012: Christians Will Make a Choice – for Better or Worse

By Rev. Mark H. Creech

An aspiring politician gave his best shot at a campaign speech. He felt that it was a stirring, fact filled speech. Then the candidate looked out on his audience and asked, "Are there any questions?" That's when someone in the back row called out, "Who else is running?" That seems to be the sentiment of many Christians when it comes to the nation's choices for President in 2012.

POLITICS

Theologians Tackle 'Should Christians Vote for a Mormon for President?' Question

By Lillian Kwon

Should Christians vote for a Mormon presidential candidate? That's the question many evangelicals are grappling with as the November election draws near.

U.S.

The Six Myths Christians Believe About Politics

By Jim Daly

Are we more concerned with shaping (and winning) the debate than we are with shaping and refining our own attitudes toward the world? If we're going to help win people to the heart of Jesus, it's critical that our own hearts are wedded to His.

COLUMN

How Christians Should Engage Latter-day Saints

By Russell D. Moore

Christians often wonder why Mormons believe such an incredible system: golden tablets translated with "magic glasses," an advanced society of ancient American Indian Israelites who left behind no archaeological evidence at all, an eternity of godhood producing spirit babies, and special protective underwear. What we must understand is that Latter-day Saints believe these things for the same reason that people everywhere believe the things they do: they want to believe them.

ENTERTAINMENT

New Film With Lisa Chan Explores 'True Beauty' the Way God Sees It

By Lillian Kwon

Steve Carr may be a man but he knows the pressures and expectations women face when it comes to beauty and success. "Our culture's definition of beauty is impossible to achieve by most. However, if you buy the right products or get the right injections or have the right surgery, you can have a better life!"

OPINION

The Ayes Have It ... or Do They?

By Ken Connor

Prominent Democrats have tried to assure the voting public that the omission of "God" and "Jerusalem" and the vote to reinsert them were no big deal, but this begs the question: Who decided that these two little words needed to be removed when they had been part of the Democrats' platform for years, and why was the platform amended to reinsert them if their removal was inconsequential?

DANGEROUS CALLING

Anger Is a Calling?

By Paul Tripp

Suffering must not, cannot be okay with us. Injustice must not, cannot be okay with us. The immorality of the culture around us must not, cannot be okay with us. The deceit of the atheistic worldview – the philosophical paradigm of many culture-shaping institutions – must not, cannot be okay with us. Righteous anger should yank us out of selfish passivity. Righteous anger should call us to join God's revolution of grace.

CP BLOG

Render Unto Caesar – Everything?

By Christian Post Guest Voices

Before they got caught and scrambled to fix it, the Democrats’ Platform as approved by their Platform Committee suggested that America has forgotten or should forget God. The Party’s guiding document didn’t just refuse to acknowledge our Creator as the one who endows us with our rights

U.S.

9/11: Pain, Ashes and Hope 11 Years Later

By Greg Stier

It astounds me that it has already been eleven years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Never before have three numbers defined our country in such a tragic way.

WORLD

Evangelicals Rejoice Over Youcef Nadarkhani's Release; Pray for 'More Outcomes Like This'

By Katherine T. Phan

Prominent evangelical leaders whose advocacy efforts helped make Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani into an international poster face for religious freedom are rejoicing over his recent release from prison but are now asking Christians to stay vigilant in supporting the rights of persecuted religious minorities worldwide. The leader of the largest evangelical group in the U.S. says Christians should "pray and press for more outcomes like this."