Obama at Church

As shown in various polls, it is apparent that religion is tied directly to votes in presidential elections. The Obama administration has generally not been as religiously minded as the Bush administration has. It was reported that 37% of Americans view Obama as religion-friendly. Meanwhile, only 29% view the Democratic party as a whole being religion-friendly. During the election, Obama quoted from the Gospel of Matthew during a forum at evangelical Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. After that, 43% of voters who attended the church said they chose Obama over John McCain. This indicates that religion is very important in politics.

Obama at church

Christian group discriminates

The Christian Legal Society, a student group at the University of California's Hastings College of Law, has been denied recognition on the school bulletin board. The reason being, this orthodox Christian school forbids students who do not believe in the "sanctity" of marriage to join their group. The school does not want to allow discrimintary groups to be recognized and endorsed. The school will not post or recognize school groups if they discriminate on grounds of religion or sexual orientation. The Supreme Court agreed with the schools ruling on the case.

Supreme Court case

Kidnapping for God?

Brian David Mitchell, the man who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart, is using religion to justify his actions. Instead of answering questions about the kidnapping and his motives, Mitchell spoke about his relationship with God. Formally, Mitchell was a street preacher and self proclaimed soldier of God. Lawyers are now stepping in and saying that Mitchell is incompetent and can not participate in his own defense.

Suspect uses religion to justify kidnapping

http://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/articles/2009/12/02/news/24.txt

Swiss

The Swiss government has passed a bill that bans mosques from building minarets, a traditional symbol in Muslim architecture. 57.5% of the population voted to ban the building of minarets, illustrating the deep sense of fear and hate towards Muslims. The freedom of religion should be followed and all religions should be tolerated. It is not fair for the government to control the type of architecture set in place on private land unless it serves as a hazard to its people.



No Minarets

New Religion?

The United Nations and Al Gore- the poster boy for global warming- agree that climate change is not a political issue, but a moral issue moreso related with religion. This article illustrates how science should be applied to the issue of climate change rather than blind faith. The scientists at University of East Anglia apparently have no data to prove their theories behind climate change and many people still continue to believe their word about data that does not exist.


Climate Change as new religion

News With a Christian Perspective

The New York state Senate debated about religion in bill 38-24. The senate defeated the same-sex marriage bill. This article in the Baptist Press, clearly expresses the bias by the authors. The article talks about how New York only passed the bill because of how liberal of a state it is.


Baptist Press

Family Talk

Rifqa Bary, the runaway Christian teen, has been ordered to go back home to her parents in Ohio. The judge in her case has ruled that the family must discuss religion. Rifqa has been ordered to discuss her beliefs with her parents so that they can better understand her reason for running away with a Christian group in Florida. Rifqa must also listen to her parents discuss their religion to understand that her father did not mean any harm towards her. Rifqa initially ran away because she believed her father would kill her for converting to Christianity.

Plan Calls for Teen Christian Convert to talk religion

The downside to the First Amendment

Is Scientology a religion? Whether or not one finds this ideology to be considered a legitimate religion, the fact is that thousands of people follow it. Scientology became a huge phenomenon when celebrities began endorsing it on national television and news outlets. Even the country of Denmark where the Scientology European headquarters is located in, does not consider it a religion. Belgium, Canada, Finland, France , Russia, and the United Kingdom along with many other countries, do not publicly recognize the church. The United States constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This seems to be the “loophole” under which the United States had to recognize Scientology as a religion.

Examiner examines Scientology

Manhattan Declaration part3

Manhattan Declaration is basically a document that encourages “religious Americans” to fight back and unite on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage. Ann Coulter appears as a guest on the O’Reilly show to express her concerns as a conservation writer and Christian. She agrees that people of faith should be become more aggressive and even go as far to break the law/ use civil obedience to practice their beliefs. O’ Reilly and Coulter point fingers at the liberal administration of Obama for the need of Christians to unite.

Manhattan Declaration part 2

The Manhattan Declaration is a document that "addresses the sanctity of life" or opposition of abortion and "traditional marriage" or opposition of same-sex marriage. Since it's release, the document has received much opposition. The Examiner even wrote an article based on the negativity that the document has received. Apparently, Mark Kern, another writer from the Examiner did not agree with that opposition that the document received. Kern believes that the Manhattan Declaration is simply a document that defends the traditions of American life and liberty. Furthermore, he believes that faith-based organizations provide a safety net for politics in this country. It is interesting to see the differences from both sides as two very different articles were released by the same news outlet, illustrating the same differences seen in America today.

When politics dictates religion

Resist Gay Marriage & Abortion

Religion has always surrounded controversial issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. This still holds true in the document recently released by the National Press Club. The document is called the “Manhattan Declaration” and has been signed by over 150 Christian leaders, Catholic bishops, and officials of evangelical organizations. They claim American culture is a “threat” to the ideas held by the church and have released a document outlining them.


Resist Gay Marriage & Abortion

This author mad that Israel doesnt get attention from Obama and spends too much on parties? Time t

http://wizbangblog.com/content/2009/11/28/burnin-down-the-house.php

Keep the Nativity Scene

Although the Nativity scene at Chambersburg's Memorial Square is set to be removed, 100 protesters are fighting for the support of allowing the holiday decor to stay. Many supporters of the nativity scene included church members and 6 pastors from the local community. The line of separation between church and state has often been unclear and the question remains whether the Nativity scene is an appropriate one at the Chambersburg's Memorial Square.

Rally for Nativity

Good without God

The American Humanist Association has come out with a new campaign that illustrates that non-believers have ethics. Their new national campaign logo is "No God? ...No problem!" The full text of the ad read: No God? ...No Problem! Be good for goodness' sake. Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God." This ad illustrates happy people with Santa hats on. It is interesting how humanism is going to be advertised in public transit systems through these ads.


Good Without God

Savage remarks

During an interview about terrorism suspects, Republic Representative Donald Manzullo stated, "These are really, really mean people whose job it is to kill people, driven by some savage religion." This quote obviously offended Muslims throughout his Illinois jurisdiction. The lawmaker is now apologizing for his statement and has said that Islam is a "religion of peace." Before making comments, lawmakers should realize that generalities are unacceptable.

Lawmaker apologizes after 'savage religion' remark

Separation of Mosque and State

According to this blatantly bias article, Federer urges Americans to keep a special eye on Muslims who use the "cloak" of religion to push certain political ideologies. Due to the actions of Major Hasan in Fort Hood, it seems that being Muslim is synonymous with being a murderer. This article explores how Islam is a religion, a political system, and a military system. Church and state are in fact separate entities in America; however if one takes a look at human history, many times religion is tied with politics. Muslims in America are generally law abiding citizens and those who are not, are always labeled "Islamic fundamentalists." When any other American citizen commits a crime, their religion is very rarely mentioned; however when a Muslim commits a crime, religion becomes the main focus and motive.



Fort Hood and separation of Mosque and state

Violence strikes Peace

The Fort Hood shooting rampage has drawn more negative attention to the religion of Islam. This religion ideologically promotes peace but some misguided followers have turned Islam into a religion of violence. After U.S. Army Major Hasan's malicious shooting, Islam is being questioned. As a whole, most Muslims find Hasan to be evil and his actions punishable. One imam, or Muslim religious leader, praised his actions and has since then been dismissed from his mosque. Americans should view the actions of Hasan as an act of an individual, rather than an act supported by his entire Muslim community.



Religion of Peace struck by violence

The United States of America is a country founded upon Judeo-Christian beliefs, but there has always been a separation between church and state. That is, until the presidency of George W. Bush. During his two terms in office, many decisions made by Bush were based not from strategy and analysis, but by faith. This article sheds light on how his religion played a major role in even domestic issues such as teen pregnancy. Rather than using tax dollars on contraceptives, the President chose to tackle teen pregnancy through teaching abstinence. A faith based presidency is no way to run a secular country.

Religion in Politics?

http://www.examiner.com/x-27914-Newark-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m11d27-Does-religion-have-a-place-in-politics

Nativity Scene must Go

Although an estimated 95% of American’s celebrate Christmas in some form, the line of separation and church is being enforced in the form of the removal of Christmas decorations. Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire has banned displays of religion or any thing non-governmental from the Capitol building. Due to the protests by an atheist group called The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the nativity scene and other holiday decorations are no longer welcome.
It may have been extreme for the atheist group to protest against holiday decorations in general, but the nativity scene directly follows the Christian faith. It should not have been placed outside a federal building in the first place.


Washington State Bans Holiday Display

Stop the Hating

Hate Crime Rates Increase

Although it may seem as though people are generally more understanding and tolerant about different religions, new FBI data found that the rates of religion based hate crimes has increased since 2001. Religion based hate crimes account for 20% of hate crimes. Two-thirds of all religious bias crimes were against the Jewish community, the largest number of crimes against Jews since 2001.

It is time for the public to become more educated and tolerant about religion. There is no reason that we can not all live peacefully amongst each other despite ideological differences.

Oregon finally up to speed

Oregon Teachers

Teachers in Oregon will most likely be allowed to wear religious garb in classrooms in February when the 1923 law will be repealed. This will finally allow many religious followers to teach in public classrooms without sacrificing their religious values. In 1986, a Sikh teacher was fired for wearing his turban. This will no longer be the case in a matter of a few months.

The time for change has been long overdue. The original law of 1923 came into play when Kaper K. Kubli, an open supporter of the Ku Klux Kan, presided as speaker of the House. Since then, most Americans have embraced religious freedom in the form of headscarfs, turbons, habits, yamakas, etc.

Two Million Muslims Stone Devil

Reuters

Desecration of Quran by US Military in Afghanistan

The Los Angeles Times reported on the "rumors" of the U.S. military desecrating the Quran, the Muslim Holy book, in Afghanistan. Even after an apparent "investigation", the U.S. military is unable to come up with the reasons behind how the rumors began. Great cover up! The article shows obvious bias and favoritism towards the U.S. military in the diction, word choice, and defense of the military. There have been documented cases of such disrespect by U.S. military officials in the past. These stories too, were covered up as Newsweek, the only widely known media source which reported on the story, was pressured to remove any coverage regarding the events. (see link below).

Afghans Protest


Newsweek Backs Off

Runaway Teen

Rifqa Bary is a 17-year old from Ohio who ran away from home in fear of 'her life'. This teen, like typical teenagers, rebelled against the traditions set forth by her family. In her case, she embraced Christianity and falsely accused her parents of wanting to kill her for "honor."

Although she drew much attention as a victim, there was no evidence that indicated that her family wished her any harm. Moreover, the couple who aided her move from Ohio to Florida, have not been charged with kidnapping or been reprimanded.

Israel 'must answer'

The Goldstone report which cites the war crimes committed during the Gaza siege in December of 2008, is being rejected by Israel. Israel claims that the report is biased although the report indicates that both Israel and Palestine have committed war crimes during the course of the siege. While a countless number of human rights groups claimed that Israel as responsible for over 1,400 deaths, Israel places the number at just over one thousand. Once again, the country is failing to take responsibility for its actions.


BBC NEWS

President Obama is making an effort to reach out the South Asian community through his participation in their religious ceremonies. This effort has not been seen in a nation that intends to keep church and state separated. It may be possible that Obama can sense that America is a state of multiple religions that he believes should be acknowledged in the public sphere. Many devout Hindus identify themselves as being "Hindu-American" rather than being Indian-American. For this reason, it is clear that religion is important and Obama is smart in realizing this.


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Obama Marks Diwali

When the word sports and football come to mind, images of sweaty competitive men come to mind. This is not the case when it it comes to Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School's football team. Recently, the first image that's associated with this football team, is a religious one, especially when ESPN's senior writer LZ Granderson has a hand in the story.




Debate

Will the cross replace the American Flag?

Will the cross soon replace the American flag?

The cross or crux ordinaria, represents the sacrifice and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is the most widely used symbol of Christianity. Christianity is not aligned with America-or is it? So what place does the cross have at a national memorial site for soldiers of World War I?

The obvious answer would be none whatsoever.

However, in recent times it seems as though the lines of separation between church and state have become increasingly blurred. Those at the Mojave National Preserve apparently think that all fallen soldiers would like to be memorialized with underlying Christian themes. They however, did not take into account that currently 11% of members in the military claim to be from non-Christian religions and 21% report to be atheist or have no religion at all.

Rather than spending thousands of dollars on a case that is in apparent violation of the First Amendment, the National Park Service should do away with the cross and furthermore, their obvious endorsement of Christianity.

The divisive Mojave cross
The Cross

With an article entitled "A Betrayal to Israelis and Palestinians alike" one would assume that this story would not be biased. However, this was not the case for the article written by Israeli's ambassador to the United Nations, Aharon Leshno Ya'ar. Simply put, this piece illustrated just how one-sided politics can be and how Hamas, the Palestinian elected government is deemed a "terrorist group" while Israel, the country that heads the most violations of International Law, is deemed the "good guy." Despite their apparent hate towards Palestinians and their representatives from Hamas, Israel and its officials have a voice in the media.


Ya'ar claims that Israel removed every one of its soldiers along with 8,000 civilians from the Gaza strip in an effort to keep "peace". WOW! What about the blockades & checkpoints created to make life so difficult for the Palestinians that it leaves 23% unemployed and unable to travel to school or work. What about the demolition of thousands of Palestinian homes? What about the seige which closed all entry and exit points making the Gaza strip a prison? What about the Israeli military attacks in December of 2008 which left over one thousand people dead and 70% of civilians injured? I think Ya'ar forgot to mention that because he was too busy kissing Benjamin Netanuyahu's ass at the time.



Everything Israel does is justified by their "right to self-defense." Ya'ar claims that Hamas has betrayed Palestinans and Israelis by insighting terrorist activities. Terrorist activtites? As in they insight terror?? Hmm...let's see. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "terror" is defined as:
1. a state of intense fear
2. one that inspires fear
3. violent or destructive acts committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands

Check, check, and check. I should definately look into getting Merriam-Webster to add "Israel" as a synonym to the word "terror." The two just seem to fit so well.




What Ya'ar does not comment on is that Hamas was elected by the Palestinians. That's right, this "terrorist organization" was chosen by its people. Why would a group of people unable to defend themselves from one terrorist group aka ISRAEL, elect another "terrorist group" to rule over them? Palestinians supported Hamas even though in 2006, the United States, the European Union and Israel all boycotted Hamas by punishing the civilian population in Gaza. Economic ties were seveered and the much needed humanitarian aide was cut. Were they a little threatended?


Even if Hamas does have a militant style of ruling, Ya'ar does not take the cause and effect model into play and dares to say that HAMAS is betraying Israelis and Palestinians? Israel has been dehumanizing Palestinians for decades, what else would they expect people to do?
Benjamin Netanuyahu and his side-kick Ya'ar need to think about the past 40 years before they speak.













A Betrayal of Israelis and Palestinians alike
Gaza Seige Timeline
Terror