THE CHRISTIAN POST: Tuesday September 11, 2012 Elul 24, 5772

(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Segar)

9/11: Americans Remember Attacks on 11th Anniversary

By Audrey Barrick

Americans are marking the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Tuesday with solemn ceremonies and a mindset to never forget the tragedy.

Rick Warren Tells Christians Not to Apologize for Voting in Line With the Bible

By Lillian Kwon

Just two months ahead of the November presidential election, Pastor Rick Warren said Sunday that Christians should gain courage and not apologize for voting in accordance with their worldview.

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US

'Cry Out America' 9/11 Event to Bring Americans Together in Prayer

By Stoyan Zaimov

"Cry Out America," which is part of the Awakening America Alliance, has scheduled a national prayer event for Sept. 11, 2012, in memorial of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that targeted America.

LifeWay Study on Bible Reading 'Disheartening,' Says PCUSA Official

By Michael Gryboski

An official in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) referred to a study of Protestant churchgoers that said only a few read the Bible daily as "disheartening."

Obama Outraised Romney in August; Tries to Build Momentum Into Fall

By Paul Stanley

The Obama campaign reported on Monday that it raised $114 million in August, just outpacing the Romney campaign's $111 million during the same reporting period. It is the first time in four months that Democrats have pulled in more than the GOP and now they are looking to build on the momentum gained from last week's Democratic National Convention during the campaign's final two months.

Richard Dawkins Calls Romney a 'Gullible Fool' for Mormon Faith

By Stoyan Zaimov

Richard Dawkins, the world-famous author of The God Delusion, has criticized GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his Mormon faith, calling him a "massively gullible fool" for belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.

Church & Ministries

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.

Craig Groeschel Tells Church Leaders to Embrace Pain

By Jeff Schapiro

Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, spoke to thousands of church leaders at the NewSpring Leadership Conference (NLC) on Thursday and told them a leader's "constant companion" is pain.

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.

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

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.

Rick Warren Emboldens Christians, Says Not to Apologize for Voting in Line With the Bible

Obama Camp Mocks Romney for God-on-Currency Remark

President Barack Obama's camp hit back at Mitt ...

Pastors Are Hurting

Not all the news about pastors is discouraging. ...

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

Sarah D. Henson, daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes, ...

More News

Youcef Nadarkhani's Release Hailed by US Religious Freedom Commission

The U.S. Commission of International Religious ...

Andy Stanley: Your Approach to Preaching Can Hinder Your Message

Andy Stanley spoke to pastors and teachers at the ...

Christian Charity Says More People Consider Suicide as Debt Rises

A disturbing trend is emerging as the global ...

4 Rising Stars From the Democratic, Republican Conventions

Besides officially nominating their presidential ...

Obama Camp Mocks Romney for God-on-Currency Remark

President Barack Obama's camp hit back at Mitt ...

Judeo-Christian Values Led Me to Presidential Run, Romney Says

Republican Mitt Romney, who would be the first ...

Gingrich Finds Clinton's Convention Speech 'Eerily Anti-Obama'

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said on Sunday ...

Clint Eastwood Explains 'Empty Chair Obama' Idea, Feels Good About Convention Speech

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

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney ...

Paper: Church of Scientology Intimidating Company Over Film

A major newspaper is claiming that the Church of ...

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

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.

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

Severe storms ripped through the Northeast and ...

Exodus Head Apologizes for Blasting Christian Radio Host After Heated Interview

Obama Bear Hug: President Gets Lifted Off Ground by Excited Pizzeria Owner (VIDEO)

Democrats Face Grim Jobs Report After Convention

A day after the Democratic convention ended, the ...

Entertainment

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

World

Iran Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Acquitted of Apostasy, Released From Jail

By Lillian Kwon

Youcef Nadarkhani, the Iranian pastor who captured the hearts of millions as he stood firm in his faith while facing execution, has been acquitted of apostasy.

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.

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."

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 ...

Serena Williams Not Allowed to Give Speech After US Open Win; Fans React

Serena Williams, 30, may have won her fourth U.S. ...

Mark Sanchez Proving Critics Wrong Amid Media's Tebowmania

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets starting quarterback, ...

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

Cranberry Juice Lowers Kids' Bladder Infection Rates, Says Study

A recently published study revealed that children ...

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

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

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

Zondervan has released a traditional Christmas ...

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

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

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

Neil Armstrong Public Memorial Service Scheduled for Sept. 13

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

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 ...

Scottish Government Introduces Bill to Redefine Marriage

A leading Scottish politician has formally ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

CP Cartoons

Tech & Biz

Samsung Galaxy S3 Sells for $139 on Amazon for Verizon Customers

By Vincent Funaro

Anyone interested in purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S3 for Verizon can do so on Amazon.com for a discounted price.

Toys 'R Us Offers Tabeo Tablet for Kids

By Vincent Funaro

Toys 'R Us is now offering a new Kindle Fire-like tablet called Tabeo specially made for youth needs.

In N Out Discrimination Suit: Burger Chain Denies Race, Age Discrimination Accusations

By Daniel Blake

In-N-Out Burger is being sued for discrimination by two African American California residents. The fast food chain has had a lawsuit filed against it by two plaintiffs who have alleged that they were discriminated against by the company in its hiring process due to their race and age.

Live Out the Stories of the Bible at Jerusalem.com

By Vincent Funaro

Jerusalem.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.

Peaches Geldof Drops Infant Baby, But Stays on Cell Phone (PHOTO)

R. Kelly Tax Bill Increases, Singer Now Owes More Than $6 Million

'Teen Mom' Farrah Abraham Ends Relationship With John Parra, Calls Him 'Controlling'

'Breaking Dawn Part 2' Trailer: First Look at Renesmee, Last Look at Couple (VIDEO)

Michael Clarke Duncan Funeral: Tom Hanks Shares Memories of 'Green Mile' Co-Star

'Avatar' Prequel Plans Already in the Works?

Tony Danza Book About Teaching Public School Makes Waves

Kate Middleton Kimono Style Dress Hides Baby Bump? (PHOTO)

The Voice Season 3 Blind Auditions: Recap and Full Episode (VIDEO)

Samsung Galaxy S3 JellyBean Update ROM is Released

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.

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.