Mass Bible-Based Sexual Dysfunction as Root of Culture Wars? Frank Schaeffer Breaks It Down. What inspired you to write Sex, Mom, and God? First, the 5000-plus emails and letters generated by my memoir Crazy for God made it clear that I still had questions to answer about my family’s role in the rise of the religious right. People liked the book but some people knew that I’d ducked some questions. It takes a while to work up the courage to be honest, and after I got Crazy for God off my chest I wanted to take another step (and my gloves off) before moving on.
Second, in three novels, Portofino, Saving Grandma, and Zermatt and in two nonfiction works, Crazy for God and Patience with God, I’d included my mother’s life and/or used her as a point of departure for inventing the fictional character of Elsa Becker. I felt I’d failed to do mom justice. Elsa Becker was too much like my mother on the one hand and too little like her on the other, and in my memoirs she’d played second fiddle to my father.
She deserved better. What sparked your interest? Anything you had to leave out? Isn't religion to blame for most of history's killings? Isn't religion to blame for most of history's killings? "The name of Christ has caused more persecutions, wars, and miseries than any other name has caused. " - John E. Remsburg Many people dislike organized religion in general, not always or not just Christianity. Some people blame organized religion for most of history's killings. It is also sometimes claimed that more people have been killed in the name of Christ than for any other reason. At this time Christianity was in a sad state. For lack of having read the Bible or studied it for themselves, people were misled into believing what others had told them it said - a situation which has ironically become descriptive of today's critics who claim to be the most outraged by the atrocities of those ancient times.
Historically speaking, the Christian religion is nothing but a Jewish sect... Untitled. Religious differences instigate a great deal of political conflict and violence. So say the New Atheists — a group of popular writers including Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens (1). Yet many of the major world religions present themselves as religions of peace. So which view is correct? One answer can be derived from how religious texts portray violence.
Does the Bible glorify violence? It is appropriate to look at the primary religious text of Christians, because this religion bills itself explicitly as a religion of peace more than most others. So how does the Bible stack up? The well-known story of David and Goliath’s duel sets the tone of many other biblical depictions of violence. What does this mean? This apparent contradiction is resolved by assuming that members of in-groups are treated much better than members of out-groups. Religion and warfare in history Throughout recent history the martial function of religion was similar. 1. 2. Is The Bible More Violent Than The Quran? Wolf Blitzer asks atheist tornado survivor if she thanked God. CNN's Wolf Blitzer had an awkward moment on Tuesday while interviewing Rebecca Vitsmun, an atheist survivor of the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma.
She escaped from her home with her 19-month-old son. With almost every survivor "thanking the Lord" for survival mercies (not minding the dead), Blitzer assumed that Rebecca Vitsmun would also credit the selectively merciful Lord for her "miraculous" escape. Blitzer said to Vitsnun who escaped from her home with her 19-month-old son just before the tornado ripped it apart: "We're happy you're here. You guys did a great job. Read more... Vitsun: "We are here, and I don't blame anyone for thanking the Lord. " Cardinal Timothy Dolan: Gays and lesbians are “entitled to friendship,” not equal rights.
New York Archbishop and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Timothy Dolan was on “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos to talk about the current state of the Catholic Church. When asked what he would say to a gay couple who told him: “We love God. We love the Church. But we also love each other, and we want to raise a family in faith,” Dolan replied (emphasis mine): Well, the first thing I’d say to them is, “I love you, too.
And God loves you. And you are made in God’s image and likeness. And – and we – we want your happiness. When asked how he feels about 60 percent of Catholics reporting that they feel the church is out of touch with the public (on marriage equality and contraception, among other issues), Dolan replied: “Sometimes by nature, the Church has gotta be out of touch with concerns, because we’re always supposed to be thinking of the beyond, the eternal, the changeless, okay?” Zombie demonstrators counter Westboro Baptist Church protest. A Westboro Baptist Church protest was overshadowed by a horde of counter-demonstrators dressed as zombies. The zombies gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a military base near DuPont Washington, to counter the Westboro Church's effort. Melissa Neace, 27, launched a Facebook page titled, "Zombie'ing Westboro Baptist Church AWAY from Fort Lewis!
" in the effort to organize a zombie counter-protest against members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church after they announced plans to picket Joint Base Lewis-McChord. According to the News Tribune, Neace said: "We wanted to turn something negative around, into something people could laugh at and poke fun at. Read more... The Inquisitr reports the Facebook page instructed zombie protesters: NO violence, NO throwing of objects, NO launching of objects, NO PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH ANY MEMBER OF THE WBC. CNN suffers lowest ratings in 21 years. CNN’s official quarterly ratings verify that the network has reached 21-year lows in both viewers and adults between the ages of 25 and 54. This comes as no surprise, as the network experienced low ratings for several months, The Hollywood Reporter reports. Even prime-time ratings boosters have experienced huge losses in viewers.
Shows like “Anderson Cooper 360″ and “Piers Morgan Tonight” showed between 35 and 41 percent decreases since the second quarter in 2011. On average, only 446,000 viewers tune in between 8 and 10 p.m., with 129,000 of those being adults between 25 and 54. Anderson saw a 23 percent decrease from the specified age group, while Piers Morgan took a 33 percent drop. Even daily ratings have taken a turn for the worst, clocking in at the lowest since 2001: A total of 319,000 daily viewers tune in on average — a 35 percent drop — with 129,000 of them being adults between the ages of 25 and 54 — a 45 percent decrease. CNN is not the only network suffering these days. McCain blasts Democrats' 'hypocrisy' in leaks case. By Ted Barrett, Senior Congressional Producer June 12, 2012 -- Updated 2347 GMT (0747 HKT) Sen. John McCain says his comments on recent leaks are not election-year partisanship.
GOP Sen. John McCain wants special counsel in leaks caseThat idea has been dismissed by DemocratsMcCain is referring to leaks of details about Osama bin Laden's killing (CNN) -- Sen. McCain's comments came on the same day he pushed for a Senate vote calling for a special counsel but was blocked by Democrats. "I am shocked, shocked. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, defended the Democrats' handling of the leaks and said it was the actions of Republicans like McCain that are "strictly political. " McCain: 'Americans should be disturbed' Even as McCain accused Democrats of hypocrisy, he bristled at a suggestion the GOP push he is leading for a special counsel might be viewed by voters as an election season political attack against President Obama. Occupy upset with recall loss, clash with police, take it out on CNN « Citizen Journalist. Occupy and other members of the far left are not taking the loss well in Wisconsin.
Members of Occupy and/or the SDS, AFSCME, AFT, Progressive Democrats of America, Welfare Warriors, Voces de la Frontera, Liberty Tree Foundation and the Party for Socialism and Liberation met in Pere Marquette park in downtown Milwaukee. The massive protest, which numbered about 50 people, gave speeches and had a “solidarity sing”. Some tired to be positive, insisting they hadn’t actually lost anything. Others, not so much. Via the MacIver Institute,watch for CNN to take the hit for all their angst: According to Media Trackers, the group of protesters then started a march past City Hall, spilling into the street, blocking traffic and periodically clashing with Milwaukee Police. Four protesters were arrested when they purposely marched toward police on horseback. Update: Commenter ChuckXXX from Weasel Zippers gets in the best zinger calling our friend Thistle “Pippi Long Stalin” Like this: Like Loading...
Marine's Facebook posts on Obama go too far. Marine Sgt. Gary Stein made derogatory comments about President Obama on Facebook. A Marine is facing dismissal for his anti-Obama posts on FacebookSgt. Gary Stein said he wouldn't follow orders from Obama or salute himDean Obeidallah: Military requires obedience, can't be subjected to partisanshipHe says three GOP congressmen are out of bounds for backing the Marine Editor's note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is a comedian and frequent television commentator.
He is the editor of the politics blog "The Dean's Report" and co-director of the upcoming documentary, "The Muslims Are Coming! " Watch him on CNN Saturdays with Don Lemon at 10 p.m. ET. (CNN) -- What would happen if you posted derogatory comments about your boss on a Facebook page that you knew would be read by your co-workers? How would your boss react if in those Facebook posts you called him or her a "coward," a "domestic enemy," and boasted that you wouldn't be following the boss' instructions in the future? As the U.S. North Korea ready to carry out nuclear test at any moment, Seoul says. Afghanistan: NATO Chief Shocked By Kandahar Killing, Remains Comitted To Mission.
By Eurasia Review NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen issued a statement Sunday, following news that a US soldier has killed at least 16 civilians after opening fire on them near a US military base in Kandahar. There are nine children among the victims. “I want to express my shock and sadness at the tragic shooting incident in Kandahar province, where it is reported that several people, including women and children, have been killed or wounded,” Rasmussen said. Rasmussen added, that “I offer my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to their families and loved ones, and to the Afghan people and government.” While Rasmussen said he fully supports “General Allen’s commitment to establish the facts and hold anyone responsible to account,” he also said that “We remain firmly committed to our mission of building a strong and stable Afghanistan, together with our Afghan partners.” About the author: Eurasia Review. Religious controversy burns Obama again. Chalk up yet another religious controversy on President Obama’s record.
The furor over contraception that consumed much of this week is just one more instance of the president having been put onto the back foot at the intersection of faith and politics. It’s a problem that previously has popped up in controversies over Israel, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and even Obama’s 2008 comments about people holding on to “guns and religion.” “It almost appears that every time he tries to steer clear of [the intersection of politics and religion], he steps right into it,” said Susan MacManus, a professor of political science at the University of South Florida. “He’s trying not to call attention to it and then he finds himself in the middle of it.”
Announcing his proposed compromise on Friday, Obama had to emphasize again that he bore no animus toward religious people or institutions. He referred to the principle of religious liberty and added “as a citizen and as a Christian, I cherish this right.” GOP Ups The Ante, Introduces Legislation To Allow Any Employer To Deny Any Preventive Health Service. By Igor Volsky on February 10, 2012 at 5:27 pm "GOP Ups The Ante, Introduces Legislation To Allow Any Employer To Deny Any Preventive Health Service" Sen.
Roy Blunt (R-MO) Earlier today, in response to criticism from Catholic groups, the White House altered its regulation requiring employers and insurers to provide no-cost contraception coverage as part of their health care plans. But Republicans and some conservative Catholic groups are not satisfied with the accommodation and hope to use their false claim of “religious persecution” to deny women access to preventive health services. Under the measure, an insurer or an employer would be able to claim a moral or religious objection to covering HIV/AIDS screenings, Type 2 Diabetes treatments, cancer tests or anything else they deem inappropriate or the result of an “unhealthy” or “immoral” lifestyle.
Read the full amendment here. Contraception Accommodation: Insurers Will Be Required To Offer Birth Control Free Of Charge. By Igor Volsky on February 10, 2012 at 10:52 am "Contraception Accommodation: Insurers Will Be Required To Offer Birth Control Free Of Charge" Senior administration officials announced early this morning that President Obama will announce a new “accommodation” for religious liberties in the rule requiring all employers to offer contraception coverage without additional cost sharing. Under the new policy, “all women will still have access to free preventive care, including contraception,” no matter where they work. However, if a nonprofit religiously affiliated organization like a Catholic college or hospital objects to offering birth control, the insurance company will be required to provide the coverage free of charge and the employer will not pay for it.
Sister Carol Keehan, President of the US Catholic Health Association and Planned Parenthood head Cecile Richards support the compromise, the administration officials said. Update. Contraception and the cost of culture wars. That is why the battle over whether religious institutions should be required to cover contraception under the new health-care law was so painful — and why it was so hard to comprehend why President Obama, who has been a critic of culture wars for so long, did not try to defuse this explosive question from the beginning. It’s also why he was right, finally, to reach a compromise that respected the legitimate concerns of each side. He should have done this at the outset, but far better late than never. That so many liberal Catholics supported the church’s core claim surprised both Catholic conservatives and more secular liberals. There are lessons here, and that includes lessons for Obama.
Those of us who are liberal Catholics have remained in the church for reasons beyond tribal loyalties or a desire to honor the traditions of our parents and grandparents. Some conservative Catholics still insist that the relief from regulation that Obama offered is not enough. Ejdionne@washpost.com. New inquiry into Catholic abuse in Netherlands. Drumming up a phony war on religion.
Civil Case In Priest Sexual Abuse Case Begins. Should Catholic hospitals be permitted to refuse to treat me because I’m gay? Bishops Want Businesses Exempt From Birth Control Coverage. Catholic TV network sues US over birth control mandate. Catholic Students for Women's Health Supports Birth Control Coverage - PR Newswire. Reid slaps down amendment to repeal Obama's contraceptive rule - The Hill's Floor Action.
Vice President Biden on birth control rule: 'We can work it out' Did Mother Teresa Protect a Pedophile Priest? Survey | Majority of Catholics Think Employers Should Be Required to Provide Health Care Plans that Cover Birth Control at No Cost | Public Religion Research Institute. No Libya play for the West in Syria. National Prayer Breakfast Gets A Rival: The People's Prayer Breakfast. More Shocking Allegations Emerge in Philadelphia Priest Child-Sex Scandal. Why Republicans Embrace Simpletons and How it Hurts America. Americans 'propagandized to give up our liberty' Marilyn M. Barnewall -- Words Have Meaning: Love, and Freedom.
FBI Pushes to Classify Undercover Animal Abuse Investigations as 'Terrorism' On 10th Anniversary of Guantanamo's Opening, Amnesty International, Numerous Groups and Thousands of... -- WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2012. Racial Profiling, Republican Candidates, and Rights Violations: the Immigration Debate at Year's End. Wis Gov. Scott Walker to give speech at American Enterprise Institute.
An American Enterprise Institute Analysis that Greatly Misinforms on the Situation in Iran. How to fight liberals: Imitate them - Ben Smith. Cover Up Those Yoga Pants! Ottawa Catholic School Defends Dress Code. Putin to be Quizzed on Anti-Gay Laws. Ghana Education Ministry: 'Train Teachers to Reduce Homosexuality'
Glenn Greenwald Elite Media Biased Against Occupy Wall St (Nov-2011)(POLITICS, MEDIA & SOCIETY) Apple CEO Tim Cook Apologizes For Siri Hiding Abortion Clinics. Droning On. Major drug tunnel linking U.S., Mexico discovered. James Murdoch slams use of private investigators. Texas Tough | Robert Perkinson. Christian News Agency » Blog Archive » Millions To Pray For “Persecuted Church” Seriously?! The Yearning for Apple's Newest iPhone. Europe's 'last dictator' can't pronounce 'homosexuality' Why we’re taking the pope to The Hague. Top Air Force Official Issues Religious Neutrality Policy in Wake of Truthout's "Jesus Loves Nukes" Exposé.
CNN's Factcheck Failure on Occupy Wall Street. CNN Throws a Tea Party.