THE CHRISTIAN POST: Last Generation Network News Thursday September 13, 2012 Elul 26, 5772

(Photo: The Becket Fund)

Hobby Lobby: First Evangelical-Led Business Files Suit Against HHS Mandate

By Alex Murashko

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., a privately held retail chain with 22,500 employees led by a Christian family, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, opposing the Health and Human Services "preventive services" mandate, the company announced Wednesday. The company becomes the largest and only non-Catholic-owned business to file a lawsuit against the government's contraception mandate.

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.

Need a spiritual lift? Check out testimonies, sermons, fun and inspirational videos on GNLi.com

Upload and uplift!

US

Barbara Williams-Skinner, Jim Wallis, and Bishop Stephen Blaire

Obama, Romney Address Poverty in New Videos

By Napp Nazworth

Political leaders need to make poverty a priority, a group of Christian political leaders urged Wednesday. On the day that the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual figures on poverty, Circle of Protection announced the release of videos by both of the major parties' presidential candidates, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, addressing poverty.

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.

Church Sues Utah City Over Restrictions on Passing Out Tracts Near Mormon Temple

By Michael Gryboski

The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah has filed suit against a Utah city over an ordinance they say interferes with the rights of a church to pass out evangelist literature in front of a Mormon temple.

Justice Dept. Asks Supreme Court to Review 2 Petitions in Hopes of Overturning DOMA

By Paul Stanley

The U.S. Department of Justice filed two petitions Tuesday as part of their challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, asking the Supreme Court to review cases that could ultimately lead to the court overturning the law that defines marriage as between and man and a woman.

Planned Bullyhood tell-all book by Karen Handel released September 12, 2012.

'Planned Bullyhood' Book Exposes Planned Parenthood's 'Shakedown' of Komen Foundation

By Stoyan Zaimov

Karen Handel, former vice president at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, has released a tell-all book titled Planned Bullyhood, which exposes how Planned Parenthood allegedly "bullied" the Komen foundation into rescinding a policy that would have prevented the nation's largest abortion provider from receiving its grants.

Church & Ministries

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.

Thousands Make Decisions to Follow Jesus at Greg Laurie's Harvest Los Angeles

By Alex Murashko

Bianca had been brought to the crusade by way of her recently rekindled friendship with Lorena and Stacey – and like thousands of other stories to be told as the result of evangelist Greg Laurie's Harvest Los Angeles event this past weekend, her life, too, was changed by making a commitment to Jesus.

Quick Links

Audio Bible | CP Blog | iPost | My Post | Books

Obama's 9/11 Proclamation Void of 'God'

President Obama's annual proclamation – Patriot ...

Benny Hinn Remarriage Ceremony Canceled?

Evidence has begun to surface that Benny and ...

Hobby Lobby: First Evangelical-Led Business Files Lawsuit Against HHS Mandate

University Criticized for Class That Deems Homosexuality 'Deviant Behavior'

A Catholic academic institution in Ohio has come ...

How Christians Should Engage Latter-day Saints

Christians often wonder why Mormons believe such ...

More News

Islamists Attack US Embassy in Yemen; Burn Cars, Flag

The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, was stormed by ...

Pro-Life Video Denouncing President Obama Goes Viral

A YouTube video featuring a woman who survived an ...

Petition Supporting Traditional Marriage in UK Tops 600,000 Signatures

A petition that opposes the British government's ...

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

President Barack Obama confirmed Wednesday ...

Romney Pressures Obama on Middle East Policies in Wake of Attack

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is ...

Focus on the Family Curtails Millennial Outreach Program

Focus on the Family announced that as part of a ...

SPLC Calls on Ryan, Cantor to Boycott Values Voter Summit

In a telephone press conference on Tuesday, the ...

Terry Jones Blames Islam for Deadly Violence in Libya and Egypt

Controversial Florida pastor Terry Jones is ...

Woodward Accuses Obama of Failed Leadership in New Book

As the nation heads for a "fiscal cliff," the ...

'Trophy Child' Author: Children Should Focus on God, Not Achievements

A new book by Pastor Ted Cunningham, the author ...

Church Accused of Violating Federal Law by Telling Parishioners to Vote Against Obama

A church-state watchdog group has reported a Roman Catholic Church in El Paso, Texas, to the Internal Revenue Service after the church allegedly ran a notice in its bulletin that encouraged parishioners not to vote for President ...

University Criticized for Class That Deems Homosexuality 'Deviant Behavior'

A Catholic academic institution in Ohio has come ...

NRB Network Launches Programs to Wake Up, Equip Christians in Post-9/11 World

Benny Hinn Remarriage Ceremony Canceled?

Evidence has begun to surface that Benny and ...

Entertainment

'Last Ounce of Courage' Makes Debut on Patriot Day; Filmmakers Give Tickets to Military

By Alex Murashko

A film company plans to honor military men and women during commemoration of the 9/11 tragedies on Patriot Day by showing an advanced screening of "Last Ounce of Courage" on Tuesday and giving tickets to veterans and active military in 28 select cities.

Firearms and ammunition are seen on display in this 2010 file photo.

Memphis Officials Trading Free Gas, NBA Tickets for Illegal Guns at Church

By Christine Thomasos

Memphis, Tenn., will begin an initiative to lower crime this month when city residents will have the opportunity to exchange their firearms for free gas and tickets to a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game on the grounds of a local Baptist church.

TD Jakes' Daughter Asks for Prayer Amid Divorce From NFL Player

By Christine Thomasos

Sarah D. Henson, daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes, recently announced that she is divorcing her NFL linebacker husband Robert Henson after four years. On her personal website, the bishop's daughter asked for prayer while explaining that her marriage was ending.

Brad Pitt Goes Against Mother and Says Gay Marriage 'is Inevitable'

By Myles Collier

During a recent movie screening in London Brad Pitt offered his opinion as to why he thinks his mother and conservatives are wrong when it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, insisting that it "is inevitable."

Jefferson Bethke Takes on 'Counterfeit Gods' in New Spoken Word

By Audrey Barrick

Artist Jefferson Bethke released a new poem titled "Counterfeit Gods," questioning what people worship in place of the God of the Gospel. The spoken word poet, who shot to fame early this year for his "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" poem, delivers what many are calling another "powerful" poem.

World

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

By Katherine Weber

Human rights watchdog Open Doors USA has warned that the attacks that have taken place in the last 24-48 hours in Libya and Egypt as a result of an anti-Islamic film promoted by a Florida minister will lead to further marginalization of Christians in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Christian Leaders in Australia Urge Parliament to Uphold Traditional Marriage

By Myles Collier

Prominent religious and public leaders in Australia have urged their government to protect the sanctity of marriage when the issue is voted on in parliament.

Head of Anglican Church, Archibishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams greets people upon his arival at a Church service in the capital of Harare, October 9, 2011.

Anglican Head Rowan Williams Admits Mistakes in Handling Homosexual Issues

By Stoyan Zaimov

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, has admitted that he could have done more to stop the division that formed in the global body over the issue of homosexuality, and suggested that leading the church might be too much for one person to handle.

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

By Katherine Weber

While Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has recently been freed from three years of imprisonment, his lawyer, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, continues to face the threat of a nine-year prison sentence for his past involvement in human rights cases.

Christopher Hitchens' Widow Says 'God Never Came Up' on His Deathbed

By Audrey Barrick

Christopher Hitchens' widow says the topic of God never came up in the last days of the atheist's life. In promotion of the late atheist's newly released book, Mortality, his widow Carol Blue went on "CBS This Morning" on Friday and briefly talked about Hitchens' last days and his thoughts about life and death as expressed in the book.

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

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

Rapper 50 Cent, Floyd Mayweather at Odds Over Promotion Company?

Floyd Mayweather Jr., undefeated pugilist, and ...

Bullied Bus Monitor Karen Klein Receives $703,000 Check (VIDEO)

Karen Klein, the 68-year-old bus monitor from ...

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

Robert Griffin III, rookie Washington Redskins ...

Beyonce, Jay-Z Hosting $40,000 Per Head Obama Fundraiser

Beyonce Knowles and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter are ...

Pornography Becoming 'Moral Standard' of Younger Generations, Professor Fears

NFL's First Female Referee; Shannon Eastin Makes History

Shannon Eastin has made NFL history after ...

Jay Leno 50 Percent Pay Cut on 'Tonight Show': Comedian Saves Staff Jobs (VIDEO)

Shania Gray Killed to Silence Rape Testimony: Interview of Killer's Confession Released

Pole-Dancing Classes for Kids at Canadian School Not Sexual, Says Owner

A Canadian dance school has recently made ...

Rush Limbaugh: 2012 DNC 'Disaster for Democrats'

Rush Limbaugh has slammed the 2012 Democratic ...

Iran Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Acquitted of Apostasy, Released From Jail

Youcef Nadarkhani, the Iranian pastor who ...

Bibles for China Prepares to Deliver 30,000 Bibles to Eager Christians

An organization dedicated to providing religious ...

Children Should Know 'Fact' of Evoution at Early Age, Says Richard Dawkins

Biologist Richard Dawkins has again rejected any ...

Christian Students in Myanmar Forced to Shave Heads, Convert to Buddhism

A Christian aid group has revealed that students ...

Scottish Government Introduces Bill to Redefine Marriage

A leading Scottish politician has formally ...

Youcef Nadarkhani's Release Hailed by USCIRF, Iranian Pastor Thanks Supporters

Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller Leaves Persecution Watchdog Ministry

After nine years at the helm, Carl Moeller is ...

Earthquakes in China Kill Dozens, Force Thousands to Flee (PHOTO, VIDEO)

Multiple earthquakes, the strongest one measuring ...

Australian PM Cancels Christian Engagement After 'Offensive' Comment on Gay Lifestyle

Egyptian Muslim Destroys Quran, Religious Leader Calls for His Death (VIDEO)

A YouTube video of an Egyptian man ripping pages ...

Finnish Researchers: Induced Abortions Increase Risk of Preterm Birth

Researchers in Finland have published a new study ...

Plans to Build Largest Catholic Church in Bahrain Hit by Muslim Protests

Plans in the kingdom of Bahrain to build the ...

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

iPhone 5 Release Date Set for Sept. 21, Pre-Orders Start Sept. 14

By Vincent Funaro

The iPhone 5 was unveiled by Apple today, who confirmed the device's release date for Sept. 21 with pre-orders starting this Friday.

McDonald's Calorie Counts to Be Displayed on Menu Boards Nationwide

By Brittney R. Villalva

McDonald's will attempt to "educate" its customers starting Monday by posting the caloric information of burgers and fries on its menu board.

iPhone 5 Features Nano-SIM Card

By Vincent Funaro

The iPhone 5 features a nano-SIM card.

iPhone 5 to End the Samsung Galaxy S3's Reign?

By Vincent Funaro

The day is finally upon us and it is safe to say that the first real competitor for the Samsung Galaxy S3 is here.

iPhone 5 Release Date Readies User for Top 3 Meme Apps

Youcef Nadarkhani: The Light of Freedom

Pink Gloves Controversy: Breast Cancer Battle Sparks Protest and Pink Socks for Football

Nick Lachey Baby Boy Arrives, Parents Celebrate

iPhone 5 Cases: A List of the Top Rated and Most Unique

iPhone 5 Trade In Program: How to Get the Most for Your Old iPhone

iPhone 5 Vs. Galaxy S3: Which is the Better Buy?

Go for the Gold

Tara Reid Takes Aim at Media for 'Drunken Mess'

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

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?

OPINION

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."

OPINIONS

Remembering 9/11: Extraordinary Stories From the Sidelines

By Paul de Vries

As many as 30,000 people who "should have been" in the WTC that morning did not come – detained by a whole host of unusual factors.

OPINION

Pastors Are Hurting

By Thom S. Rainer

Not all the news about pastors is discouraging. Pastors feel privileged to be called to their places of ministry. They have a deep love for those they shepherd. Most of them could not conceive of doing anything else. But please hear me: Many pastors are hurting.

POLITICS

iPledge Sunday to Mobilize 2,000 Churches Ahead of 2012 Election

By Paul Stanley

The Family Research Council is hosting iPledge Sunday: A Call to Faith, Family and Freedom on Sunday via a nationwide simulcast that will reach over 2,000 churches with the goal of encouraging and equipping Christians to make their voices heard on Election Day.

OPINION

Why Blasphemy Laws Are Wrong

By Russell D. Moore

It's worth Christians asking: just why are blasphemy laws wrong? Now, obviously, as Christians we disagree with Islam and its teachings. And, obviously, we stand in solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. But why would such laws against blasphemy not be appropriate in the reverse case.

U.S.

Study: Most Churchgoers Do Not Read Bible on Daily Basis

By Michael Gryboski

A recently released study by a Christian research organization shows that most churchgoers do not read or study the Bible on a daily basis. The findings of the Transformational Discipleship Assessment released by LifeWay Research noted that 19 percent of respondents report reading or studying the Bible outside of church "every day."

LIVING

Roll Away Your Own Stone

By Joyce Meyer

All of God's children have faith. The question is are we willing to do what He tells us right away, or are we going to analyze every little thing He asks us to do?

OPINIONS

Are 'Entitlements' an Oxymoron?

By Jerry Newcombe

It's one thing to have a social safety net. It's another thing when virtually half the country is in that safety net, when government-dependence is a way of life. The estimates are that 49 percent of Americans now receive substantial government assistance.

OPINION

Pounding the Table About Abortion

By Ken Connor

The fact is, no one really likes talking about abortion, even those who are in favor of the practice. You hear plenty of vague references to the profound importance of a woman's "right to choose", but most advocates of this "choice" prefer to maintain a 30,000 foot view of the issue, where pesky moral and ethical questions are easily deflected by grandiose rhetoric designed to appeal to feminists and their sexual consorts who wish to abdicate any responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

U.S.

Do You Live in a Generous State?

By Jim Daly

A recent study commissioned by the Chronicle of Philanthropy revealed something that won't surprise many people of faith: the more "religious" a state or region of the country, the more likely its people are to give generously to charity.

ENTERTAINMENT

ParaNorman and the Fear of a Christian America

By Russell D. Moore

I think this movie might be one more window on how the people we are called to love view us. The movie itself veers at times toward empathy. If there's any group easier to be demonized by Hollywood, one would think it would be undead Religious Right activists.

OPINION

Selective Compassion: Disregarding the Unborn

By Eric Metaxas

People say they want to live in a compassionate, inclusive society. Then what about compassion for the unborn? The unborn here are the great exception to the pattern of expanding the circle of those deemed worthy of inclusion and protection in American society.