THE CHRISTIAN POST: Wednesday September 19, 2012 Tishri 3, 5773

(Photo: REUTERS/Andrew Burton)

DADT Repeal One Year Later: Is US Military Better or Worse?

By Alex Murashko

Supporters and opponents of the military's current legal stance on gays serving for the U.S. took the opportunity on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) to give contrary progress reports on the policy. While a military chaplains group says there is mounting evidence that shows a negative consequence inside the military because of the repeal, an LGBT media group points to a recent academic study revealing that there has been no adverse effect on the military's readiness overall.

WCC Urges Revision of Pakistan's 'Abusive' Blasphemy Laws

By Stoyan Zaimov

The World Council of Churches (WCC), a worldwide fellowship of churches, began a public hearing in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday to discuss mob lynchings, persecution of Christians and the harsh blasphemy laws in Pakistan that are used to target all religions outside of Islam.

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

Upload and uplift!

US

Former Abortion Workers to Testify at Pro-Life 'Conversion' Conference

By Stoyan Zaimov

A conference on abortion this weekend in Illinois will bring together seven women and men who formerly worked in the abortion industry to share how their "behind-the-scenes" view of the business led them to become pro-life.

Inside Donor Speeches Become Slippery Slope for Candidates

By Napp Nazworth

The controversy over Mitt Romney's recent comments to a private meeting of big money donors caught on a hidden camera is the latest indication of what is becoming a major pitfall of nearly billion dollar presidential campaigns -- candidate speeches pandering to supporters that appear out of touch when glimpsed by the larger public.

Conservatives Still Fault Obama Policy, Not Video, for Middle East Unrest

By Paul Stanley

Conservative critics are still pressuring the Obama administration's foreign policy in the wake of continued Arab unrest in the Middle East, arguing that the protests are more an indication of weakened U.S. resolve than a reaction to a You Tube video.

Researcher: 50-50 Marriage a 'Myth'

By Michael Gryboski

A researcher who recently conducted several interviews of senior citizens for a research project has concluded that the notion of a 50-50 marriage is a "myth." "For long-term success, couples have to orient themselves to giving more than they get," wrote Pillemer.

Robert Jeffress Calls Romney 'Lesser of Two Evils,' Maintains 'Mormonism Is Not Christianity'

By Stoyan Zaimov

Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas spoke at the 2012 Pastor Appreciation Luncheon Monday, and suggested that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney is "the lesser of two evils" when it comes to Christians choosing who to vote for in November.

Noahs ark - Ancient Accounts and New Discoveries by Henri Nissen book cover.

New Noah's Ark Book Claims Real Evidence for 'Greatest Discovery Ever'

By Stoyan Zaimov

A Danish journalist and author is releasing a new book on the biblical ark of Noah, claiming that a 2010 discovery made by a Chinese-Kurdish research team is most probably the famous vessel that has captivated research efforts for generations.

Church & Ministries

"Poll: Faith, Politics and the Future of America" is a four-week sermon series at Liquid Church in Morristown, N.J. in which congregants can participate by answering poll questions during service via text message.

NJ Church Kicks Off Series on Politics Featuring Live Polling

By Jeff Schapiro

A New Jersey pastor challenged his congregation to consider "the politics of Jesus" above both Democratic and Republican views on Sunday during a new sermon series in which his congregation will be able to participate in live polling with real-time results during services.

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.

Quick Links

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

New Noah's Ark Book Claims Real Evidence for 'Greatest Discovery Ever'

A Danish journalist and author is releasing a new ...

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 ...

Megachurch Pastor Dino Rizzo Resigns From Healing Place Church

Dino Rizzo, lead pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, La., told his congregation Sunday morning that he and his wife, DeLynn, were resigning from their positions as pastors of the church.

Pastors Get Ready to Preach Politics, Challenge IRS Restriction

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.

More News

Tim Tebow: Wildcat Politics? Will He Run for Office?

Tim Tebow, perhaps the most popular second-string ...

Atheists Celebrate 'Constitution Day' With Ad Arguing Constitution Was Victory for Secularists

China Has Not Banned Forced Abortion, Groups Insist

Some groups are rejecting reports that China has banned forced abortion, asserting that the abhorrent practice is still a reality. Any rhetoric coming out of the Chinese government that it will no longer force women to abort is ...

Megachurch Pastor Dino Rizzo Resigns From Healing Place Church

Dino Rizzo, lead pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, La., told his congregation Sunday morning that he and his wife, DeLynn, were resigning from their positions as pastors of the church.

Pastor Joel Osteen Talks Politics, Praying for Nation's Leaders

While visiting New York City to promote his new ...

Del. Church Cuts Ties With Boy Scout Troop Over Gay Ban

A church in Delaware that has sponsored a Boy ...

Is the Mainstream Media Protecting Obama?

Conservative pundits, and even some moderate ...

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

Citing a violation of religious freedom, College ...

Okla. Judge: Male Sex-Change Patients Cannot Take Female Names

A district judge in Oklahoma has ruled against two men who underwent sex changes and sought to have their names changed to female appellations.

Pastors Get Ready to Preach Politics, Challenge IRS Restriction

Over 1,000 pastors are set to defy the IRS next ...

Black Christians See No Clear Options Between Obama, Romney

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

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 ...

Texas Pastor Darrell Wayne Arrested for Alleged Sex Assault

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

Entertainment

Cast members Ryan Reynolds (R) and Denzel Washington arrive to attend the world premiere of the film "Safe House" in New York February 7, 2012.

Denzel Washington Describes 'Tremendous' Experience With Holy Spirit

By Christine Thomasos

Denzel Washington, 57-year-old actor, may be known for many of his gangster roles in movies like "Training Day" but the thespian is also adamant about sharing his love for Jesus Christ.

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.

World

In this file photo children march during an anti-abortion demonstration in central London October 27, 2007.

UK Woman Imprisoned for Self-Administered Full-Term Abortion

By Stoyan Zaimov

An English woman who aborted her baby in the final phase of her pregnancy using a drug ordered over the Internet has been sent to prison for eight years in a case investigators have called "disturbing and very complicated."

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

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.

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.

Egypt's Coptic Christians Fearful Amid Outrage Over Muhammad Film

By Anugrah Kumar

Pope Urges Arab Nations to Respect All Religions

By Anugrah Kumar

At an open-air mass attended by 350,000 people in Lebanon, Pope Benedict XVI called on Arab leaders to respect rights and religions of all and seek reconciliation in the Middle East, which is not only torn by Syria's civil war but also an anti-American outburst over a film on the Prophet Muhammad.

Brandon Flowers of 'The Killers' Defends Mormon Faith Against Richard Dawkins

Clipse Rapper 'No Malice' Comes Clean About Love for Jesus

No Malice, the rapper who left the music industry ...

Starbucks Diet Helps Woman Lose 85 Pounds

A 66-year-old woman has credited Starbucks for ...

Reporter Scares Baby at Denver Harvest Festival in News Blooper (VIDEO)

A Denver reporter brought a young boy to tears ...

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 ...

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

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

The Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew ...

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

Fresh protests were raging in several Middle ...

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

An unprovoked attack during Bible study in a ...

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

Although normally associated with a region of the ...

US Pulls Out Embassy Staff from Sudan, Tunisia

The State Department on Saturday ordered ...

Religious Leaders in Egypt Foster Christian-Muslim Relationships

Since the Arab spring swept through the Middle ...

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

Following international outcry, China's ...

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

As U.S. embassies around the world remain on ...

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 ...

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.

Office 365 Pricing Announced by Microsoft

Kristin Cavallari Shows Off Baby Camden (PHOTO)

Susan Sarandon Slams Mitt Romney's Remarks, Calls Nominee 'Scrooge'

Talk Like a Pirate Day Celebrated Today

The Holy Spirit Comes to Brooklyn

Kirk Cameron: Return to Factory Settings!

Galaxy S3 Release Date Just Months Ago, Galaxy S4 Rumors Already Surfacing

Apple iOS 6 Realease Date Has Arrived: Download Upgrade Today (LINK)

Sharon Osbourne Slams Dina Lohan: 'She's a Criminal to Herself and Her Kids' (VIDEO)

Watch and Pray

Seven Updated Trends on Megachurches in America

By Thom S. Rainer

The fascination with megachurches is, at least to some extent, related to the sociological impact on the community in which it resides. There continues to be a shift of members and attendees from smaller churches to larger churches, particularly megachurches.

COLUMN

Does It Matter Whether We're Cremated or Buried?

By John Piper

Not ultimately, but I don't ever counsel towards cremation. The biblical pattern is that burning your children is pagan and burying your loved ones is a sign that you believe in the resurrection.

OPINION

On a Count of Three, Let Go!

By Miles McPherson

You don't have your own parachute to get you through life. Jesus is your parachute. Not only that. He's the pilot and the plane and the wind under the plane and the Creator of the sky and the earth and everything in between.

OPINION

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.