THE CHRISTIAN POST: Monday September 10, 2012 Elul 23, 5772

(Photo: REUTERS/Larry Downing)

Obama Camp Mocks Romney for God-on-Currency Remark

By Anugrah Kumar

President Barack Obama's camp hit back at Mitt Romney on Sunday over the GOP presidential candidate's assertion that he would ensure that God remains on U.S. currency if he's elected. A presidential aide called Romney's fear only as likely as "aliens attacking Florida."

Cokie Roberts: Democratic Convention 'Over-the-Top' on Abortion

By Napp Nazworth

The Democratic National Convention presented an extremist view on the issue of abortion, according to Cokie Roberts, a liberal political analyst for ABC News and NPR.

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US

4 Rising Stars From the Democratic, Republican Conventions

By Napp Nazworth

Besides officially nominating their presidential candidates, the party conventions are also an opportunity for the parties to highlight the rising stars in the party. Who were the rising stars featured in this year's Democratic and Republican conventions?

Wildfire Sparks Evacuation of Hundreds in Eastern Idaho

By Anugrah Kumar

A massive wildfire raging in eastern Idaho is expected to spread and move toward communities with high winds, prompting weather officials to order evacuation of hundreds of homes and issue the highest threat warning for Monday.

Only New President Can Put Nation Back Under God, Romney Says

By Anugrah Kumar

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney reacted Saturday to Democrats' initial hitch in having the word "God" in their party's platform, saying Americans will have to have a new president that will commit to a nation under God.

Exodus Head Apologizes for Blasting Christian Radio Host After Heated Interview

By Lillian Kwon

Exodus International President Alan Chambers apologized to a Christian radio host this week for blasting her following a heated interview. "I owe Janet Mefferd and all of you an apology. In the heat of anger over how she has treated me on her show, once where I wasn't present and once where I was, I pulled a comment out and blasted her and asked all of you to do the same."

Democrats Face Grim Jobs Report After Convention

By Anugrah Kumar

A day after the Democratic convention ended, the Department of Labor indicated that job growth slowed down last month. It also projected unemployment rate falling to 8.1 percent, but a new Gallup research measure showed joblessness could actually be much worse.

Church & Ministries

Exodus Board Member Resigns; Cites Concerns Over Chambers' Comments

By Lillian Kwon

A member of the Exodus International board resigned this week, citing concerns over recent remarks made by Exodus President Alan Chambers. It was just three weeks ago when John Warren, who stepped down Thursday as treasurer of the Exodus International Board of Directors, defended Chambers for his biblical view of sin and repentance.

NJ Pastor to Live Poll Church During Sermon Series on Politics

By Alex Murashko

Tim Lucas, lead pastor of Liquid Church in New Jersey, hopes to elevate political discourse during the election season by not only talking about politics during Sunday worship services in September but leading live polling on hot button issues via text messaging.

Steven Furtick's Book Release Event Combines Promotion, Outreach

By Jeff Schapiro

Steven Furtick, lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., promoted the release of his new book, Greater, on Tuesday by hosting a live webcast event that is bringing together some of country's most well-known church leaders and, at the same time, helping children in need.

Lutherans Latest to Reject New NIV Bible Over Gender Language

By Audrey Barrick

The updated NIV Bible has gained another critic: the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In a recent report, a panel of Lutherans cautioned against use of the new NIV over gender-related issues.

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Iran Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Acquitted of Apostasy, Released From Jail

Youcef Nadarkhani, the Iranian pastor who ...

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

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 ...

Democrats' Boo-God Moment Puts Black, Latino Faithful in 'Tough Place'

Political analysts tracking the mood of minority ...

Obama Proclaims 3 Nat'l Days of Prayer for 9/11 Victims; Motive Questioned

President Barack Obama signed a proclamation ...

Study: Most Churchgoers Do Not Read Bible on Daily Basis

A recently released study by a Christian research ...

More News

Tens of Thousands Lose Power After Storms, Tornadoes Hit Northeast US

Severe storms ripped through the Northeast and ...

Iran Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Acquitted of Apostasy, Released From Jail

Youcef Nadarkhani, the Iranian pastor who ...

Elvis Presley's Bible Sells for $95,000 at UK Auction

A Bible used by Elvis Presley until his death in ...

Democrats' Boo-God Moment Puts Black, Latino Faithful in 'Tough Place'

Political analysts tracking the mood of minority ...

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

Artist Jefferson Bethke released a new poem ...

Obama Proclaims 3 Nat'l Days of Prayer for 9/11 Victims; Motive Questioned

President Barack Obama signed a proclamation ...

Atheists Left Questioning, Disappointed as Democrats Affirm God at Convention

Cardinal Dolan Prays for Respect of God's Institutions, the Unborn at Democratic Convention (VIDEO)

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

Christopher Hitchens' widow says the topic of God ...

Allen West Releases Ad With Democrats 'Saying No to God Three Times' (VIDEO)

Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), who is going up against ...

Obama Embraces Debt Commission in Accepting Nomination

President Barack Obama endorsed the ...

DNC: Christian Leaders Comment on Night 'Dems Booed God'

Perhaps the most memorable moment of the ...

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

Biologist Richard Dawkins has again rejected any ...

Christian Radio Host's Interview With Alan Chambers on Homosexuality Gets Heated

Entertainment

Filmmakers Launch Religious Freedom Campaign With 'Last Ounce of Courage'

By Alex Murashko

Producers of a fictional movie about a mayor fighting a religious freedom battle in his own small town that mirrors the real-life culture wars in the U.S. have launched a social media campaign in hopes of starting a movement in support of liberty.

Rebecca St. James Performs and Narrates 'The Friendly Beasts'

By Emma Koonse

Zondervan has released a traditional Christmas carol "The Friendly Beasts" now complete with narration and songs by Rebecca St. James.

Lecrae performs during a free show at the Apple store in SOHO, NYC July 17, 2012.

Lecrae Reveals Top 5 Favorite Emcees, Addresses Jay-Z and the Illuminati

By Vincent Funaro

Hip-hop star and dedicated Christian Lecrae is enjoying an exciting year after releasing his first mainstream mixtape titled "Church Clothes" and new album Gravity which reached the number one spot on iTunes this week. The Christian Post recently had the opportunity to speak with him and found out what other rappers inspire him and what he thinks about the secret society known as the Illuminati.

'2016: Obama's America' Co-Producer Wants AP to Apologize for Fact Check Story

By Alex Murashko

Filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza is suggesting that The Associated Press, a not-for-profit cooperative newswire service owned by 1,500 U.S. newspapers, apologize for a fact check story on his movie, "2016: Obama's America."

Will Smith Movie 'Redemption of Cain' Gets Greenlight; Puts Vampire Twist on Biblical Tale

By Nicola Menzie

Actor Will Smith will possibly make his directional debut with a cinematic interpretation of the biblical account of the story of Cain and Abel. The film, "The Redemption of Cain," has been given the greenlight by Sony Pictures Entertainment and reportedly puts a vampiric spin on the well-known narrative.

World

Pakistani Judge Grants $10K Bail to Christian Girl Accused of Blasphemy

By Michael Gryboski

A Judge in Pakistan has agreed to set bail for a Christian girl said to be mentally ill who was accused of desecrating a Muslim religious text. Judge Mohammed Azam Khan set bail at 1 million rupees, which equals U.S. $10,500. The girl's lower income family will have to receive financial support to raise the amount.

Buddha Statue in Myanmar in this undated photo.

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

By Stoyan Zaimov

A Christian aid group has revealed that students from Myanmar's Chin ethic minority are being forced to shave their heads and convert to Buddhism, despite the president's insistence that religious freedom is protected in the South Asian nation.

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

By Stoyan Zaimov

The Australian Christian Lobby has said that Prime Minister Julia Gillard's decision to withdraw from speaking at an ACL conference because she took offense to a comment on homosexuality made by the group's leader will be seen as an "abandonment of the Christian constituency."

Scottish Government Introduces Bill to Redefine Marriage

By Myles Collier

A leading Scottish politician has formally introduced a bill to rewrite the definition of marriage during the Scottish Government's new legislative session earlier this week.

Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller Leaves Persecution Watchdog Ministry

By Alex Murashko

After nine years at the helm, Carl Moeller is stepping down as president and CEO of Open Doors USA, an international ministry based in Southern California that supports persecuted Christians in the most oppressive countries in the world.

Bill Clinton Likened to a Preacher by Senator, Atheist and Fla. Minister After DNC Speech

'Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen' Interview

Richard Paul Evans recently released the ...

Boy Donated $1,000 to 2-Year-Old Neighbor With Leukemia, Others Inspired to Give

'Jeremy Lin's Miracle Night' Marks End of NBA Star's Tour of Taiwan

Jeremy Lin, the Houston Rockets guard who became ...

Greceila Jota's 'The Deliverer': A Story of God's Grace and Authority

Greceila Jota has released her first novel, "The ...

Bill Clinton Sparks Mixed Reactions After Mentioning Michelle Obama at DNC

Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United ...

Muslim 'Green Lantern' Superhero to Join Series, Fans React

For the first time ever, an Arab-Muslim ...

Family With Down Syndrome Son Kicked Off American Airlines Flight

American Airlines has reportedly kicked a family ...

Neil Armstrong Public Memorial Service Scheduled for Sept. 13

To honor one of the most influential people of ...

7.9 Earthquake Hits Costa Rica, Tsunami Watch Issued

The United States Geological Survey has reported ...

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

An organization dedicated to providing religious ...

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

Multiple earthquakes, the strongest one measuring ...

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 that indicates that there is a link between the abortion procedure and an increased risk of preterm birth.

UK Christians Plead With Human Rights Court to Affirm Religious Rights

Four British citizens who claim they were fired ...

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

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

City Harvest, Singapore Megachurches Using Pop Culture, Mass Consumption Model for Growth

Archbishop of York Calls for Tougher Restrictions on Internet Pornography

The Archbishop of York has joined the growing list of prominent religious leaders in their fight to curb illicit and pornographic content that is freely available to all users regardless of age.

Muslim Cleric Framed Christian Girl in Pakistan's Blasphemy Case, Police Say

A court in Pakistan has sent a Muslim cleric to ...

Franklin Graham Answers Call From South Sudan to Host Crusade

Evangelist Franklin Graham has agreed to hold an ...

Persecution Prompts Christians in Pakistan to Call for Separate Province

Christians in Pakistan are responding to the ...

Gay Father Granted 'Maternity Leave' in Brazil Following 2-Year Appeal Battle

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Live Out the Stories of the Bible at Jerusalem.com

By Vincent Funaro

Jersusalem.com brings the stories of the Old and New Testament to life by providing people of all faiths with authentic 3D tours and maps of many of the significant landmarks in the holy city.

iPhone 5 Release Date Confirmed as Sept. 12: Apple Sends Invites for Unveiling

By Vincent Funaro

Apple finally confirmed the unveiling of the iPhone 5 today as the company sent out invitations to the event where the device will make its first appearance.

Angry Birds Spinoff: 'Bad Piggies' (VIDEO)

By Brittney R. Villalva

The three little pigs are back! But this time they are mean, they are green, and they are soon to be available on your Android machine.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1, JellyBean Update Leaks

By Vincent Funaro

The Android 4.1, JellyBean update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 has reportedly leaked.

Prince Harry Threatened by Taliban in Afghanistan: Trying to 'Get Rid of Him,' Spokesman Says

Yellowstone Bison Charges After Kids Get Too Close (VIDEO)

Alfonso Ribeiro Dead? Carlton From 'Fresh Prince' Laughs Off Death Hoax

Kris Jenner Gets Breast Implants at 56, Viewers Slam 'Vain' Procedure

Rachel Reilly and Brendon Villegas Married in TV Special

Nuns Supporting Obama? Social Responsibility is 'Part of Pro-Life Stance,' They Say

Recommissioned

The Word of God Stands Forever

Britney Spears 'Surprisingly Quite Mean' as Judge on 'X Factor,' Says Simon Cowell

Buried Antarctic Lake Target of British Expedition

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.

OPINION

God Fixation Can Fix This Nation

By Rev. Mark H. Creech

Quite to the contrary of the atheistic mindset, it was a "God fixation" that actually built and prospered this great country. All the values most beloved by Americans – those that changed much of the world – derived from a Christian perspective.

THEOLOGY

Do You Believe We Should Cast Out Demons Today?

By John Piper

I do, and I think there is a steady state, normal way to go about it. Occasionally you see a manifestation of demonic power that is so in your face and so possessive and controlling of a person's life that an extraordinary intervention and exorcism is called for.

OPINION

Look Where the Soul Goes During Sex

By Dan Delzell

Sex is more than just a physical act. There is also a deep spiritual aspect to sex. But you probably knew that already, didn't you? Or at least you may have had an inkling of it in your soul.

LEADERSHIP

Nine Things That Every Leader Struggles With and How to Overcome Them

By Perry Noble

I threw out a tweet asking leaders what was the top thing that they struggled with…and received lots and lots of answers. If you are a leader (especially a church leader) then one of the things we are most guilty of is believing God's Word for other people but not for our own lives.

OPINION

If God Weren't Angry...

By Paul Tripp

Called to represent God's work of grace in the lives of others, many of us in ministry need to reevaluate how we think about the anger of God. Sometimes we can treat God's anger like the embarrassing uncle in our extended family. It's as if we're working hard to keep this attribute of God away from public exposure.

U.S.

Survey Suggests Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions Can Be Reduced Through Counseling

By Jeff Schapiro

Survey results from a study conducted by People Can Change, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help people with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA), show that over half of those who sought counseling for SSA felt their attractions diminish as a result.

COLUMN

Minimizing Suffering Minimizes the Cross

By Tullian Tchividjian

It is ironic that one of the most beautiful and encouraging verses in the Bible is also one of the most dangerous. You probably know which one I'm talking about. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"

OPINION

Holy Sweat: 3 Reasons Church Leaders Should Get in Shape

By Greg Stier

In college I had 8% bodyfat and could hang with the best of them when it came to push ups, sit ups and the like. But then something strange happened. I went into ministry full time.

LIVING

Learn How to Pass Your Tests in Life

By Joyce Meyer

Sometimes God allows or even arranges for us to go through difficulties in this life because it's during those times that we grow in our faith and develop more of the character of Christ. Trials reveal what we really believe and what's really inside our hearts.

COLUMN

Is God Your Genie in a Bottle?

By Dan Delzell

A well-known television preacher was earnest in this recent plea to his viewers: "Give your seed an assignment." He compared the Father sending Jesus to earth with an assignment....to that of viewers sending money to his television ministry. The announcer then came on and encouraged viewers to "target your seed toward your greatest need." The announcer said that in response to their financial gift, the minister was believing God to give the donor "a life-changing creative idea, supernatural favor, and a debt canceling miracle." What a deal!

ENTERTAINMENT

Are Christian Media Avoiding '2016: Obama's America?'

By Alex Murashko

The filmmakers of "2016: Obama's America" are questioning why some Christian media and even some Christian leaders are reluctant to give movie reviews or place ads of their documentary-style film. Although not financed by any political group, the movie critically questions President Obama's worldview and paints a dire future under a second-term should he be re-elected.

OPINION

Words Matter. Truth Counts.

By Ken Connor

Or do they in the postmodern age in which we live? We have widely diverging views of what is true, so we can't agree on which words to use in describing the truth or even the meaning of the words that are used.

OPINIONS

The Casualties of Free Expression in America

By Craig Parshall

Mr. Zuckerberg, as well as Google's former CEO Eric Schmidt, and Apple's innovative genius, the late Steve Jobs, have all praised, at various times, the concept of expressive "openness" on Internet platforms. Yet, ironically, all three – Facebook, Google and Apple – have been tools of censorship against Christian ideas.

OPINION

Ditching Obvious Truths in the Information Age

By Robert Knight

The information universe is expanding at warp speed. The question is, with all this information, why aren't people getting smarter, and why aren't things better? Once upon a time in America, you didn't have to explain certain, obvious things - what the Declaration of Independence describes as "self-evident truths."