News & Comment - Fall 2007

Chavez Equates Himself With Jesus
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com International Editor
November 13, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - Likening himself to Jesus Christ, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says that if he stops talking -- as suggested at the weekend by an irate Spanish monarch -- "the stones of Latin America will cry out."

Chavez was speaking on his return from an Ibero-American summit in Chile, which took a sour turn when the outspoken Venezuelan leader repeatedly called conservative former Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar a "fascist," prompting Spain's King Juan Carlos to tell Chavez to "shut up." . . .

In case the allusion to Jesus was missed, the office of the presidency issued a statement giving the biblical reference (Luke 19:38-40). Urged by his critics to rebuke his disciples for praising him as one sent from God, Jesus replied, "I tell you, if these keep silent, the stones would cry out."  The self-styled Bolivarian revolutionary has invoked Jesus before.

When he took an oath starting his new presidential term last January, he did so in the name of "Christ, the greatest socialist in history."  He also told his critics, including Roman Catholic bishops, that they should read the Bible (and Marx and Lenin). "Christ was an authentic communist, anti-imperialist and enemy of the oligarchy," he said.

Kent comments:

Uncanny, isn't it, how much the nut job Chavez sounds like Jim Wallis of Sojourners fame.  It's the new "trinity" of Jesus, Marx, and Lenin - with the emphasis on the last two.
 

Islamic Car Coming Down the Pike?
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com International Editor
November 12, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - Coming soon? A car designed for Muslims, complete with a compass to indicate the direction of Mecca for prayers and a compartment to house the Koran and prayer scarves.  Proposed by Iran, the plan is under consideration by Malaysia's national auto maker Proton, the company's managing director said at the weekend in Tehran, where he is taking part in a business mission.

Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir told the Malaysian Bernama news agency that the proposed model, which the Iranians suggested be called an "Islamic car," could be produced in Malaysia, Iran or Turkey.  "The car will have all the Islamic features and should be meant for export purposes," he said, adding that with government support, the producers could expect a large volume of orders.

Kent comments:

Let's consider this "Islamic car."  It will have a compass.  I think I remember seeing compasses in "non-Islamic" cars for some time now.  And that "compartment to house the Koran and prayer scarves" - I think we call that a "glove compartment" (from the old days) or a map compartment.  I really don't want to say that this "Islamic car" is a little pointless, maybe even stupid, but . . .

[this item is from a university's student organization announcement newsletter]

Having A Rough Semester?

W.E. has the answer! Join us for movie night!  Friday, November 30th at 7:00 pm in University Suites room 228.  This month's feature is Just My Luck. Wear your pajamas and get a tarot card reading or visit the Mary Kay representative. So turn your semester around, with W.E.!  Women's Empowerment

Kent comments:

I am glad I am not a woman who needs empowerment.  I don't think I could ever decide between a tarot card reading or a visit with the Mary Kay rep.  I suppose if the tarot card reading revealed a need for makeup, you could then visit Mary Kay rep and - presto - problem solved!

Friday
November 09, 2007

Q: What's the difference between modernism and postmodernism?

A: Pure modernism held to a single, universal worldview and moral standard, a belief that all knowledge is good and certain, truth is absolute, individualism is valued, and thinking, learning, and beliefs should be determined systematically and logically. Postmodernism holds there is no single universal worldview. All truth is not absolute, community is valued over individualism, and thinking, learning, and beliefs can be determined nonlinearly. There are actually many refreshing aspects of going back to a more transcendant view of God, allowing for mystery, and bringing back the supernatural view of life. We need to be thinkers and theologians more than ever in this day so we can discern the good from the bad and what is scriptural from what is man's methodology or philosophy, whether it's modern or postmodern.

Kent comments:

One could attempt to dissect this mish-mash of double talk.  But if you really want to "discern the good from the bad" you could begin by deciding what the statement "beliefs can be determined nonlinearly" even means.  Those who are still enamored with the idiocy that is postmodernism need to switch their minds back on and realize that postmodernism never had anything to do with "a more supernatural view of life" - except in the dreams of semi-Christian, postmodern "wannabes."

U.S. churches reach out with coffee and roller rinks
Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:03 AM ET

By Andrea Hopkins

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - SonRise Community Church had been operating without a building for nearly a decade when Pastor Jeff Arington saw the perfect property: an old restaurant on the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Two years later the church still doesn't have a sanctuary or any pews -- it meets at the local high school -- but it does have a successful coffee shop in the property the Pastor found, where members and passersby alike sip cappuccinos in a trendy Christian atmosphere. . .

On the other side of Cincinnati, Inspirational Baptist Church is also opening its doors to the public -- in an even bigger way. In addition to a new, larger church, leaders have unveiled a $21 million plan to develop a skating rink, sports center and pool, all open to outsiders. . .

While many U.S. churches have a Starbucks or gymnasium in the building, a growing number of evangelicals are taking a different approach: rather than giving churchgoers good coffee or a sports league, they're offering coffee or roller-skating to the public -- and hoping newcomers will get to know God while they're there.

[read the rest of this article here]

Kent comments:

Evangelism, or pampering an affluent population into "church"?  You make the call.  (It is something to consider.  Offering services to people is not a bad idea.  But how far is too far?  Remember that time, recounted in the Gospel of John, when Jesus made food once for the crowd, but when He stopped handing out free goodies and told them hard things, many left?  It's worth a thought or two.)

Christianity Today, November (Web-only)
Pastor Charged with Criminal Discrimination
Finland's courts step in after visiting pastor refuses to lead service with a woman.

Sarah Pulliam | posted 11/01/2007 09:13AM

A Finnish district court prosecutor recently charged a member of the Finland state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF), with criminal discrimination for refusing to work with a female pastor. Two other church leaders have also been charged for not interfering to prevent the alleged violation.

"The government has nothing to do with religion and wants to stay out of the discussion," said Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, who was president at IsoKirja College in Finland. "This case has nothing to do with religion; it has everything to do with a perceived lack of equality."

[read this rest of the article here]

Kent comments:

And don't think there aren't those waiting to pursue the very same sort of thing here in the U.S. of A.

October 23, 2007
Victoria Ahearn
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Author J. K. Rowling revealed Dumbledore's sexuality late last week while taking questions from fans at the legendary New York venue. On Tuesday, the author said she knew "very early on" in the writing process that Dumbledore was gay, but didn't feel the need to spell it out for readers.

Rowling said Tuesday she found it "freeing" to out Dumbledore, adding that the passages about him will mean different things to different readers.  "I think a child will see a friendship and I think a sensitive adult may well understand that it was an infatuation," she said.  After the news conference, Rowling read from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in front of hundreds of young fans at a downtown theatre.

Kent comments:

Well isn't this just lovely!  Now all those young fans can "come out" with their homo hero.  Is anyone else sick to death of this homosexualization of our culture?

[from Leadership Weekly, 10-23-07]

Willow Creek leaders admit their famed seeker ministries are producing shallow believers.

Kent comments:

Oh, what a shocker!  Could not have seen that coming.

[from Leadership Journal, Summer 2007]

PowerPoint has been largely a Baby Boomer phenomenon. Younger adults wonder about the validity and credibility of anything perceived to be canned. Authenticity is a critical aspect, especially with younger adults, in the preaching experience. It doesn't seem authentic that a speech is all written out and words appear on the screen at exactly the same time. So PowerPoint is less used with younger adults and becoming more a characteristic of an older generation.

Kent comments:

So PowerPoint, that technology which could perhaps save more sinners than the gospel itself, is no longer "hot stuff."  Don't get me wrong - I like it.  You would expect that from the Baby Boomer that I am!

But it is more than a little odd to worry that "It doesn't seem authentic that a speech is all written out and words appear on the screen at exactly the same time."  Don't these people love movies?  How about You Tube?  How much more "canned" can you get than a video?!?!?

Kent comments:

This needs no comment,
except to say, "spooky stuff."

By Joanne Huist Smith
Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News
Sunday, September 30, 2007

DAYTON — — The inscription on the certificate accompanying the flag that had flown over the United States Capitol was supposed to be a personal message from 17-year-old Andrew Larochelle to his grandfather, a veteran and a devout Catholic.  Andrew requested the certificate say, "This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, Country and family."

But, the Acting Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers, censored "God" from the request.

Kent comments:

The article goes on to say that this "Architect of the Capitol" is being replaced.  But my question is this:  given what has gone on in the Capitol Building lately, who would really want a flag that had been flown there?

[from Religion & Ethics Newsletter, 10/12/2007]

In Buddhist tradition, the mandala offers the means to enlightenment and the balance of mind and body.  The sand is laid down in intricate detail, and when finished, is destroyed to mark life's impermanence.  To celebrate the Dalai Lama's award of the 2007 Congressional Gold Medal, monks from the spiritual leader's private monastery spent five days in New York City, creating an intricate and colorful sand mandala containing millions of grains of ground gemstones arranged in colorful patterns and geometric designs.  Once completed, the monks returned the mandala back to nature spreading its sands into the Hudson River during a special ceremony marking peace and harmony.

Kent comments:

All very interesting.  And here is something else that is interesting.  The approval rating for Congress has lately been in the tank.  Is it any wonder when they spend their time, and our money, awarding a gold medal to the Dalai Lama?!?  [Yes, I realize they are doing it to bother the Chinese commies, who don't like the Dalai Lama.  But still . . .]

[from:  September 30, 2007 - Christian Standard eNewsletter]

This past weekend Southland Christian Church (Lexington, KY) invited worshipers to write notes of encouragement to struggling superstar Britney Spears.

On Southland’s blog, senior minister Jon Weece wrote, “Sometimes it’s easy to see celebrities and the mistakes they make and think they are less deserving of our care and compassion—and our prayers. They have it all—money, beauty, success—but really, they only ‘have it all’ according to a worldly definition. 

"Take Britney Spears . . . her life is in shambles [and] filled with bad relationships and devastating life choices. If she were your next-door neighbor in the same situation, without the money and success, wouldn’t you care about her problems? Wouldn’t you pray for her and offer her support and encouragement? 

"Take a few minutes and write a note to Britney Spears, and bring it to the front of the stage between worship services this weekend. No preaching. No criticizing. Just love. As a church, let’s love Britney the way Jesus loves her.”

Kent comments:

Sounds very nice, except for one little detail.  If we are going to love Britney the way Jesus loves her, can we omit the "sin no more" part?  And, since this is Southland Christian Church, are we allowed to love Britney even on Christmas Day?

[found at:  http://www.putyourfaithinaction.com/Display.asp?Page=WhatIsFiaMain]

What is Faith in Action?
The Church Has Left the Building...

Faith in Action is a 4-week, church-wide campaign that creates in your congregation an outward focus and a heart to serve. FIA culminates in a Sunday where regular services are cancelled and the entire congregation engages in service projects in, and with, the community.

 Faith in Action is...

• 28 Daily Devotionals

• 4 weeks of small groups

• 4 Sermons/services

1 Cancelled worship service replaced by a day of community service – all wrapped up with an evening celebration. After 3 weeks of Faith In Action weekend services, small groups and daily devotionals that will inspire, empower and mobilize your members -- do something courageous.

Close the doors of your church and open your heart to your community through a day of service projects involving your entire congregation.

[Find an article about this from Reuters here:  http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN1446832220070924?sp=true]

Seniors Balk at Ban on Free Doughnuts
Sep 23, 1:48 PM (ET)

By JIM FITZGERALD

(AP) Wearing protest signs, from left, Geoff Lock, Margaret Colesanti and Ann Donegan stage a... Full Image