Important Topics

This splog (slowly changing blog) is to give interested readers a quick overview of key issues in Christian News.

Unusual Stories

Click here to see all unusual news stories.

In December 2007 a woman tried to get disability benefits stopped in the UK but was told the computer didn't have a cured by miracle option.

In March 2008 dozens of people were blinded in India while staring into the sun to view an image of the Virgin Mary. In a different sense the Mother of God has also been spotted on a USB flash drive.

In March 2008 18 B'nei Menashe couples from the lost (Indian) tribe of Israel wed in Jerusalem.

In March 2008 an American woman who levitated, demonstrated paranormal psychic powers and spoke foreign languages unknown to her was clearly demon possessed, according to a board-certified psychiatrist and associate professor of clinical psychiatry at New York Medical College. Meanwhile the Vatican is denying reports it plans to install more exorcists around the world so possessed people can get help quickly.

Wondering whether the Bible writers were high, Benny Shanon of Jerusalem's Hebrew University said in March 2008 that two plants in the Sinai desert contain the same psychoactive molecules as those found in plants from which the powerful Amazonian hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca is prepared

In January 2008 International Space Station workers will validate the present-day scientific research that confirms water gains unusual qualities in the night of January 19.

Ybor City's three-year-old Relevant Church offered a unique challenge to its members in February 2008: 30 straight days of sex, or no sex at all.

Here are pictures of the top 20 religious t-shirts.

Church Schisms

Click here to see all Anglican same-sex schism news reports.

Denominations are tearing apart over the Biblical interpretation of same-sex ordinations and weddings. African Anglicans are split over the issue and many Anglicans are seeking a way out of the Church. The Episcopal Church is facing a deadline on these issues with Pittsburgh, and Fort Worth opting out while California has affirmed a pro-gay stance.

Jefferts-Scholari, the head of the US Episcopal church has reaffirmed a pro-homosexual stance while taking a hard stance and warned the Pittsburgh dioceses against separation. The Bishop of Liverpool (an evangelical?) wrote an essay saying the Bible includes remarkable accounts of same-sex relationships.

As of January 2008 there were 11 breakaway US congregations with litigation over church properties expected to continue into 2009. In February 2008 two Canadian Anglican Churches separated and put themselves under South American Anglican authority. In a partial victory the Canadian courts ruled the breakaway Churches can keep their property (for now). The Canadian Bishops told their priests to approve homosexual blessings or resign. Canadian powerhouse J.I. Packer was suspended from the Canadian Anglican Church for not accepting gay blessings. The US response was similar with the Episcopalians deposing 2 bishops.

In February 2008 5 Anglican leaders from South America and Africa said they would boycott the once every 10 year Lambeth meeting of Bishops because they could not share communion with an openly gay Bishop - V. Gene Robinson from New Hampshire. Conservatives then announced they would hold their own meeting ahead of the Lambeth conference. In response the Episcopalians were informed Robinson would not be welcome.

The Methodist Church is wrestling with the issue of a transgendered pastor and has ruled for now can stay.

Same-sex Issues

Click here to see all same-sex News reports.

In the can they can't they change battle a new study suggest homosexuals can change. Psychologists also support the harmful effect on family life.

Christian foster parents told they have to give up their foster son for refusing to sign an equality form forbidding discriminatin on the grounds of homosexuality has been overturned.

In England ministers are fearing legislation that can land them up to 7 years in prison for teaching homosexuality is a sin.

Church Shooting

December 2007

Mathew J. Murray, a 24-year-old embittered man after being kicked out of missionary school three years ago went on deadly rampages in Colorado Springs at New Life Church where 7000 were attending (and the one where infamous Ted Haggard previously pastored) and Arvada Colorado Youth With a Mission (YWAM). He had recently sent "hate mail" to the target of his first attack and federal authorities were alerted to anti-Christian postings apparently written by Matthew Murray only hours after he opened fire. After killing and wounding innocent people, he killed himself although another report says an armed volunteer shot him. The gunman's family, a prominent doctor, met with the relatives of the victims for private prayer and shared their struggle to understand his actions and asked for forgiveness.

72 hours after the shootings YWAM reclaimed their campus with singing and praying. Remarkably, YWAM and New Life Church both forgave the shooter. Peter Warren of YWAM discusses the shootings and how the group has come under pressure for taking troubled youth. Some have even suggest YWAM is a cult group.

The victims are teenage sisters killed, Stephanie Works (18) and Rachael Works (16), Tiffany Johnson (26) killed known for her smile and love of children, Philip Crouse (24) killed - had transformed his life, Dan Griebenow (24) critical but stable shot in neck, Larry Bourbonnais (59) vietnam vet slightly injured and later asked to leave New Life for denigrating the security staff.

As Churches grow in size and Church shootings in the US rise, some are calling for more than prayer. But Churches are mixed over the use of armed guards. Some Churches employ armed private guards. Gun advocates support this response. In the meantime, healing has begun at a special service at New Life to honor the victims.

Teddy Bear Muhammad

A British teacher jailed in Sudan for her class voting to name a Teddy Bear Muhammad has been pardoned, deported and returned home. She could  have been sentenced to 40 lashes, six months in prison or a fine, lawyers said.

Angry Sudanese muslims took to the streets protesting and calling for her death for insulting Islam. It is implied this was sanctioned by the Sudanese government.

The incident has caused discussion over freedom of speech and an ecumenical group to question Sharia law.

Additional coverage is here, here, and here.

'Golden Compass' incenses both Christians and atheists

December 2007 

USA Today reports that The Golden Compass, based on the first book of British author Philip Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials, has annoyed stalwart defenders of Christianity and atheists alike. Some describe it as Atheism for children and "The anti-Narnia". Scholastic has even developed curriculum around it. Others have suggested how to share your faith using it.

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights said "The Golden Compass"" is not the harmless fantasy it appears to be. The Vatican however has called it godless hopeless. It is an entrée to the anti-religious writings of its avowedly atheist creator. The group is calling for a boycott of the film which has been attributed to its lackluster opening. The Boston Globe comments on what Catholics are really scared of.

The Halton Catholic District School Board has pulled  the book from library shelves after a complaint. However the Church of Scotland is going against the tide and saying it is instead "looking forward to a major cinematic event this winter". Ironically, the Catholic News Service has a favorable review of the movie.

The director Chris Weitz has defended Pullman, saying that the charge that Pullman wants to “kill God” in the minds of readers is “wrongheaded.” However Pullman had said his “books are about killing God,” according to a past interview. An MTV Movie Blog interview with Weitz concerning the controversial new film is here. He has  told fans that they can expect the movie’s sequels to contain more anti-religious themes which are not as evident in the first film.

While Pullman acknowledges the influence of his Anglican upbringing—his grandfather was a parish priest—he also rejects the idea that the values communicated in his books, such as love and self-sacrifice, are particularly Christian or indicative of any latent Christianity on his part.

Pro-Life

Click here to see all Pro-Life News reports.

The Portland Maine school district has been under pressure since announcing they would make morning after pills available to Middle School students. After pressure from parents they have recalled the effort and face legal action.

While some schools block pro-life clubs others believe they are legitimate. Meanwhile abortion consent laws have been shown to reduce STDs in teens.

The Pope has said abortion is not a human right and the largest US Abortion center was denied permission to open.