Updates 9:

PBS Cancels Creationism

“The PBS station in Albuquerque, New Mexico, canceled a scheduled showing of a documentary on the theory of intelligent design, eliciting charges or ‘politically correct censorship.’ New Mexico teacher Phil Robinson says he worked with staff at KNME-TV to arrange for the documentary, ‘Unlocking the Mystery of Life.’ Robinson discovered the show had been pulled and newspaper advertising for it had been canceled. The program manager said there was a concern about the fact that those who funded the film have religious ties. ‘It is simply astounding that a public television station would engage in this sort of politically correct censorship,’ said Rob Crowther, director of communication for Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture.” (WorldNetDaily. 1/5/05.)

Boycotting Target

“Buoyed by news that Target Corp. failed to meet holiday sales projections, the National Clergy Council is urging church members to continue to boycott the retail chain because it barred Salvation Army bell ringers during the Christmas season. In December of 2004, Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant clergy members and 30,000 lay delegates in all 50 states called on congregations, organizations, family, friends and associates to suspend holiday shopping at Target stores. Rev. Rob Schenck, the council’s president, said: ‘This is not about being vindictive. It’s about teaching proper moral and civic responsibility to corporations that make bad public policy decisions. This isn’t personal, unless, of course, you’re talking about the personal injury Target is doing to the poor who are helped by one of America’s oldest, most reputable and most effective charities.’” (WorldNetDaily. 1/8/05.)

Newdow Again

“An atheist who sued because he did not want his young daughter exposed to the words ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance has filed another suit to bar the saying of a prayer at President Bush’s inauguration. Michael Newdow notes that two ministers delivered Christian invocations at Bush’s first inaugural ceremony in 2001 and Bush plans for a minister to do the same when he takes his oath of office on Jan. 20th. Newdow’s suit now in the U.S. District of Columbia says the use of a prayer is unconstitutional.” (The Gazette. 1/7/05.)

Victory for Judging a Judge

“A federal appeals court says a judge’s quotation of a Bible passage in sentencing a convicted child rapist to prison isn’t reason to set aside the sentence. A three-judge panel voted 2-1 to reject James Arnett’s argument that an Ohio judge violated his rights by citing Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew when Judge Melba Marsh sentenced him to 51 years in prison.”(Agape Press. 1/7/05.)

Estes Park Trustee’s Anti-Pledge Rebel

“In a protest against the public display of religion, an Estes Park town trustee, David Habecker, opted to sit out the Pledge of Allegiance to open town board meetings rather than reciting the words ’under God.’ Habecker, who maintains the phrase violates church and state separation clauses, took the stand after the board voted earlier this year to begin reciting the pledge as a show of community support during wartime. Habecker’s actions angered many in the community who have successfully implemented a recall vote against the 12-year board veteran. The recall vote will come Feb. 15.” (The Christian Examiner. January 2005.)

ACLU & Evolution

“ Suggesting that evolution is a theory rather than fact endorses religion and causes anguish among impressionable school children in an Atlanta suburb, at least in the opinion of U.S. District Court Judge Clarence Cooper. Earlier in January, the Clinton-appointed district judge dove head first into the evolution versus intelligent design debate by ordering the Cobb County Board of Education to remove a sticker from science textbooks stating that ‘evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things.’ The ACLU along with Jeffrey Selman, accompanied by four other plaintiffs, sued the school district under the contention that the sticker violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and the Georgia Constitution. The Judged declared in his ruling that an ‘informed, reasonable observer would understand the school board to be endorsing the viewpoint of Christian fundamentalists and creationists that evolution is a problematic theory lacking an adequate foundation.’ There’s a problem with his judicial logic: The Georgia Constitution itself creates ‘an impermissible message of endorsement’ in its preamble by entreating the people to rely ‘upon the protection and guidance of Almighty God.’ That sounds pretty close to a theistic, creationist view to me. Is Judge Cooper now planning to declare the constitution of his own state unconstitutional for public schools?” (David N. Bass. “Separation of Sticker and State.” 1/15/05. WorldNetDaily.)

ACLU & A Coach’s Prayer

“Under threat of an ACLU lawsuit, a high-school wrestling coach was ordered to stop leading prayers with team members after practices and before meets. Daren Schaller, coach at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, had been conducting the prayers without objection from students or parents, the Detroit Free Press reported. But a story in a local paper brought his praying to the attention of the ACLU, and it took just one day for the district, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, to end it, the paper said. The prayers were not mandatory, but the whole team participated. Detroit ACLU legal director Michael Steinberg insisted, however, the prayers at the high school were not constitutional because they were led by the coach.” (WorldNetDaily. 1/21/05.)

ACLU & Abstinence Tiff

“Escalating a fight over whether Louisiana’s program encouraging premarital sexual abstinence promotes religion, the ACLU asked a federal court recently to hold the state in contempt of a 2002 court settlement over the issue. In its motion, the American Civil Liberties Union contends that the Governor’s Program on Abstinence—despite the agreement not to promote religion—continues to feature religious materials on its official Web site. The action followed a letter sent by the ACLU to the governor’s program asking it to remove all religious content from the Web site. In December, Gov. Kathleen Blanco and her executive counsel, Terry Ryder, said merely providing links to other abstinence-related sites with religious content does not violate the settlement.” (The Advocate. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 1/21/05.)

ACLU & Polygamy

“Students at Yale University got an earful recently when ACLU President Nadine Strossen outlined her agenda for the coming year at a school-sponsored master’s tea. While harping on her organization’s mission ‘to defend all fundamental rights of all people’(unless, of course, you happen to be both evangelical and heterosexual), Strossen indicated that, among other goals, a push for legalized polygamy may be on the horizon.

In answer to a student’s question about homosexual and polygamous marriage, Strossen told the group of students that the ACLU has ‘defended the right for individuals to engage in polygamy’ and that her organization will continue defending ‘the freedom of choice for mature, consenting adults.” (WorldNetDaily. 1/22/05.)

ACLU & Sexual Rights

“A controversial amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act, extending anti-discrimination protection on the basis of sexual orientation, was pushed vigorously in the legislature by the state chapter of the ACLU. The law, signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in mid-January, allows no exemptions for people or institutions with religious convictions against sodomy, cross-dressing, adultery, sex changes, pornography, incest, group sex

or even bestiality. Some are suggesting the amendment is setting up a clash with the First Amendment protections of religious freedom.” (WorldNetDaily. 1/26/05.)

ACLU & Calendar Complaint

“A woman from Greer has taken a complaint to the ACLU, stating that the Commission of Public Works’ new calendar is inappropriate for a public utilities company. The calendar in question is given as a free gift to CPW’s customers and has a Bible verse printed on each day of the year. ‘It is religion creeping in, inch by inch, to government,’ said Sheila Jackson. Jackson and Mike Cubelo of the ACLU are asking CPW to recognize the changing face of a city. Cubelo said in a letter to the Greer CPW: ‘Obviously, our concern is that public funds and time are being used for religious purposes.’ CPW turned the complaint over to its attorney, who declined to comment on the case.” (The Carolina Channel. 1/27/05.)

Judge Orders Bible Removed

“A Bible has been removed from a display on the grounds of a Texas courthouse after an appeals court lifted an order that had kept the Bible in place. The head of a Christian group in the Lone Star State, Rick Scarborough of Vision America, says the action should outrage followers of Christ across the nation. The Bible, a King James Version, was removed from the 48-year-old, four-foot-tall monument in front of the Harris County Civil Courts building in Houston in early January. Following a suit filed by a real estate broker—who claimed the display offended non-Christians—a judge ruled last summer that displaying the Bible on county property represented an unconstitutional promotion of Christianity by the county. However, an appeals court issued a temporary stay of the judge’s order.” (Agape Press. 1/13/05.)

School Blocks Bible as Literature

“A school board in Michigan has rejected a Bible course for its public high school, thus ending a year-long debate about the ‘Bible as Literature and History’ class. The National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools insists the content of the Bible class conforms to the law in all respects. However, groups such as the ACLU, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the People for the American Way have argued that the biblically-based course illegally promotes religion, and therefore violates the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution.” (Agape Press. 1/12/05.)

The Passion, Prejudice & Porn

“A Florida college has prohibited a Christian student group from showing the film The Passion of the Christ. The same school has hosted a live performance that included an obscene reading that involved a character simulating sex with an image of Christ. Administrators at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce initially told the Christian Student Fellowship that Mel Gibson’s film was too controversial. Later the school cited a school policy that bars the showing of R-rated movies on campus. Supposedly, it was not prohibited on the basis of religion. But David French, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), says even though the policy is not in writing, the college justified its action by saying they were concerned that dual-enrollment high school students on campus could wander into a private showing of the movie. ‘What’s astonishing about this case is that on the one hand, the college said that they’re concerned with young people seeing an R-rated movie,’ French says. ‘And then on the other hand, in their own theater, they hosted a play that was open to the public that had an obscene title and that featured simulated sex, or discussions of simulated sex, with Jesus Christ.’ According to FIRE, that skit—performed by a campus project called ‘No Shame Theater’ - was typical of productions by the group, which it says has ‘hosted skits that would earn an R-rating in any movie house.’ In many cases, these skits could earn an

NC-17 rating.” (Agape Press. 1/17/05.)

City Hall Prayer Banned

“Controversy is swirling surrounding an opening prayer at last week’s Cleveland City Council meeting. NewsChannel5’s Joe Pagonakis reported that during the prayer, the man leading prayer asked for ‘homosexuals to repent and abortionists to stop their infanticide.’ The opening prayer is part of the weekly program of events, and opens each council meeting. This is the first time that the opening prayer has ever caused such a problem. Keith Timco, a city hall employee and the man leading in prayer, is now banned from ever praying before the City Council again.” (NewsNet5. Cleveland, OH. 1/31/05.)

Colorado Court Judges Bible

“Jurors who sentenced a convicted killer to die did nothing wrong when they studied the Bible during deliberations—including the verse that commands ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,’ prosecutors told the Colorado Supreme Court on Feb. 1 as they sought to have the man put back on death row. A lower court threw out the death penalty given to Robert Harlan for raping and murdering a 25-year-old cocktail waitress

in 1994. Defense attorneys challenged the sentence after discovering that five jurors had looked up Bible verses, copied some of them down and then talked about them behind closed doors. Defense attorney Kathleen Lord said jurors had gone outside the law: ‘They went to the Bible to find out God’s position on capital punishment.’ Lord sparred briefly with Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, who asked whether the trial judge had specifically barred jurors from consulting the Bible. Lord said she didn’t know but argued that the answer doesn’t matter. The justices took the case under advisement.” (The Gazette. 2/2/05.)

Churches Must Hire Gays?

“ Illinois churches are protesting a new state law that bars them from ‘discriminating’ against homosexuals, contending it robs Christians of their First Amendment freedoms. Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed the bill into law on 1/21/05 amid a demonstration led by the Illinois Family Institute (IFI). The measure adds ‘sexual orientation’ to the state law that bars discrimination based on race, religion and similar traits in areas such as jobs and housing. But IFI Executive Director Peter LaBarbera notes the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago, is on record stating it should be applied to churches, meaning they would not be allowed, for example, to reject a job applicant who practices homosexual behavior. LaBarbera argues politicians who don’t view homosexuality as a sin have no right to take away the freedom of churches and people of faith to disagree. The new law applies to organizations or businesses with more than 15 employees. ‘There is no societal consensus for homosexuality, bisexuality or transsexuality as the basis for civil rights—and certainly none for the idea that gay “rights” should trump those of churches,’ said LaBarbera.” (WorldNetDaily. 1/22/05.)

Ten Commandments Rebound

“A federal appeals court backed a Wisconsin city’s creative effort to preserve a Ten Commandments monument. The decision on 1/3/05 overturned a ruling by a federal district court which said the city of LaCrosse’s sale of the monument and accompanying land to the Fraternal Order of Eagles was a violation of the First Amendment’s ban on congressional establishment of religion. Last February, the district court ruled that the August 2002 sale ‘demonstrated a preference for the religious message of the monument’ because of a lawsuit by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. But, the 2-1 appellate court decision by the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, rejected that conclusion, saying the sale was ‘constitutionally appropriate.’” (WorldNetDaily. 1/4/05.)

Prepare for Persecution

“Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia gave a humdinger of an indispensable speech for people of faith who are wondering when they are ever going to catch a break from the culture wars. Summary: bad treatment to be expected—get used to it! Addressing the Knights of Columbus Council 969 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Scalia said that belief in biblical Christianity is beyond the understanding of a this-world rationality. There seems to be today a vehemence, an ugly mean-spiritedness of the mockers when they speak of Christians and their biblical affirmations. Scalia told the faithful to ‘have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ and be willing to suffer contempt.’” (Agape Press. 1/27/05.)

FBI Questions Pastor

“A pastor of a small southern Illinois church has been subjected to a Federal Bureau

of Investigation probe after delivering a pro-life Memorial Day sermon comparing aborted babies to casualties of war. Randy Steele, pastor of Southwest Christian Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois, says he was interviewed by federal agents after a parishioner accused him of advocating violence during a sermon six months earlier. After comparing the number of people who have died in wars with the vast multitudes that have died though ‘legal’ abortions since 1973, Steele had stated that pro-life America is now engaged in ‘a different type of war that is being fought under the presupposition of freedom.’ Then he had proceeded to mention a certain abortion clinic in Granite City, Illinois, where the staff performs as many as 45 abortions a week. The parishioner thought he was talking about a physical war against abortion clinics and made an anonymous call to the FBI. Steele says when the FBI agents looked at his sermon notes, they saw that no threats had been issued. ‘Within just a matter of minutes, after looking at my sermon notes, the federal agents basically were saying, “Well, there’s nothing here.”’ (Agape Press. 2/10/05; Baptist Press News. 2/2/05.)

The Philly 5 Vindicated

“A judge on 2/17/05 in Philadelphia dismissed all charges against the ‘Philly 5.’ Eleven Christians were arrested in Philadelphia in October, 2004, for peacefully preaching the gospel at a homosexual celebration called ‘OutFest.’ Four men and a juvenile were bound over for trial on criminal charges, which included ‘riot’ and ‘ethnic intimidation.’ The five faced as much as 47 years in prison if they were convicted on all charges. Court of Common Pleas Judge Pamela Dembe quickly and summarily dismissed the charges on the grounds that prosecutors were unable to make even a minimal showing of any criminal conduct. Instead, she ruled that peaceful expressive activities are fully protected by the First Amendment and cannot form the basis of a criminal prosecution.” (American Family Association News Release. 2/17/05.)

Bill Maher & Anti-Christianism

“Television personality Bill Maher, host of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, says Christians and others who are religious suffer from a neurological disorder that ‘stops people from thinking.’ Appearing as a guest on MSNBC’s Scarborough Country recently, Maher told host Joe Scarborough: ‘We are a nation that is unenlightened because of religion. I do believe that. I think that religion stops people from thinking. I think it justifies crazies...I think religion is a neurological disorder. If you look at it logically, it’s something that was drilled into your head when you were a small child. It certainly was drilled into mine at that age. And you really can’t be responsible when you are a kid for what adults put into your head.’ Maher went on to say, ‘I think the vote in Missouri (rejecting same-sex marriage) and a lot of other states is because people are religious...They believe in religion, which as—I think it was Jesse Ventura who had that quote about religion is a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers.’

Maher told Scarborough he was convinced that the influence of evangelicals will wane.

‘I am embarrassed that America has been taken over by evangelicals, by people who do not believe in science and rationality. It is the 21st century. And I will tell you that the future does not belong to evangelicals or religion.’” (WorldNetDaily. 2/18/05.)

Attorney as Christian Bigot

“Most of the country is aware by now of the five Christians in Philadelphia who were charged with numerous ‘felonies,’ while peacefully demonstrating (against a homosexual event) in the ‘city of brotherly love.’ District Attorney Charles Ehrlich charged the defendants were ‘hateful’ and proclaimed that preaching the Bible is tantamount to ‘fighting words.’ It’s unfortunate that an imbecile like Ehrlich hasn’t read Cannon v. City and County of Denver, 998. F.2d 867. (10th Cir. 1993).” (WorldNetDaily. Devvy Kidd. “Imbeciles Who Serve in Public Office.” 2/18/05.)

Hate-Free Speech Zone?

“Christians in Placerville, California, who are against those who engage in sodomy have been making their presence known the past few weeks with very large truck signs. One of their signs read: ‘Homosexuality is sin.’ Mike Kobus, a Placerville business owner told the City Council, ’Signs expressing hate of a specific lifestyle are not a way to greet people.’ A sign which reads ’Homosexuality is sin’ is now considered an expression of hate? The pro-homosexual groups rallied and began their worn out chants about ‘hate speech’ and ‘violation of civil rights.’ As a result of this pressure, on 2/10/05, Placerville’s Mayor Robby Colvin brought forth a proclamation declaring Placerville a ‘hate-free zone.’ ‘This is a personal attack on our freedom of speech. We will not tolerate anti-Christian bigotry. This is an abuse of civil authority to persecute religion. You have just declared civil government to be at war with Christianity,’ said Placerville resident Luke Otterstad.” (WorldNetDaily. 2/18/05.)

Atheist vs. Boy Scouts Again!

“An atheist is appealing a court ruling that found nothing illegal about a school district’s policy of letting the Boy Scouts recruit inside schools. An attorney for John Scalise said he would ask the Michigan Supreme Court to consider an appeal in the religious discrimination case. Scalise argues the Boy Scouts discriminates against non-religious boys and parents by denying them membership if they don’t swear to religious oaths. Therefore, schools are violating the Constitution.” ( Detroit Free Press. 2/22/05.)

The Military & the Boy Scouts

“The House voted overwhelmingly by 418—7 for a resolution urging the military to continue supporting Boy Scout jamborees and other activities. Last year, the Pentagon agreed to warn military bases against directly sponsoring Boy Scout troops. That partly settled claims the American Civil Liberties Union that the government engages in religious discrimination by supporting a group whose members must believe in God. The Pentagon says Boy Scouts can still meet on base like other civilian groups, and military personnel can take part in Scout activities on their own time. The House bills’ supporters condemned the ACLU and praised scouting for developing good citizens. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate.” (Agape Press. 2/10/05.)

Using Jesus’ Name a Sin?

“Congressional chaplains typically close their invocations with a religious neutral ‘in Your name we pray.’ Guest ministers, however, are less likely to pray in a way that is considered inclusive or political correct. Recently the House session began with a prayer by a Baptist minister—Rev. Allen of Beckley, West Virginia—who concluded by saying, ‘in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.’ Some non-Christians take offense at such prayers, but many Christians feel it is a matter of obeying Jesus, who told His followers to pray in His name. Others leading public prayer clarify that they are invoking Jesus’ name only on behalf of themselves and fellow believers. The guest minister’s congressman, Democrat Nick Rahall, notes that Rev. Allen calls himself ‘a God-called, Spirit-filled preacher of God’s Word.’”(Agape Press. 2/10/05.)

Judging a Judge

“Nebraska Senator Ernie Chambers is complaining about a judge who quoted the Bible in court. Last year, the Nebraska Court of Appeals vacated Judge George Thompson’s 15-to-50-year sentence of Jay Bruna, a child molester who assaulted a child on a school bus. The appellate court threw out Thompson’s pronouncement and required the convicted man to be resentenced, a decision based on the fact that Thompson had made references to the Bible before sentencing the man. Senator Chambers has filed a complaint with the Nebraska Commission on Judicial Qualifications.” (Agape Press. 2/3/05.)

God Owes Us an Apology?

“The tsunami of sea water was followed instantly by a tsunami of spittle as the religious sputtered to rationalize God’s latest felony… Theodicy, in other words, the attempt to reconcile God’s perfect goodness with the manifest evils of His world—has arisen from the waves. The clerics who are struggling to make sense of the tsunami must not have noticed that this is hardly the first display of God’s penchant for wanton, homicidal mischief. God has a lot to account for in the way of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and plagues. The Christian-style ‘God of love’ should be particularly vulnerable to post-tsunami doubts. What kind of ‘love’ inspired Him to wrest babies from their parents’ arms, the better to drown them in a hurry? Any religion centered on a God who is both all-powerful and all-good should be subject to a thorough post-tsunami evaluation. If he is all-powerful, then clearly he doesn’t give a damn.” (The Progressive magazine. Barbara Ehrenreich. “God Owes Us An Apology.” March 2005 Issue.)

Anti-Christian Universities

“A student columnist at North Carolina State University says there’s a climate of anti-Christian bigotry on campus. Junior chemistry major Daniel Underwood says, ‘There’s a marginalization of anyone who holds any sort of religious views firmly.’ He recalls an incident last semester in which a professor asked a guest speaker not to mention the name of ‘Jesus’ while addressing his ‘Social Deviance’ class. Underwood, who wrote a column about the incident for the student newspaper, believes that teachers—like most on campus—are uncomfortable with born-again Christians, but seem more open to embrace other religions—particularly Islam.” (Agape Press. 2/8/05.)

The Leftist, Godless Oscar Awards

Almost all of us knew this...but again, the night of the Oscar ceremony was confirmation of the leftist ideology and liberal worldview of Hollywood—that is, the stars, emcee, directors, producers, and film academy revealed their mindset.

Black comedian, Chris Rock, hosted the show and used it as a pulpit to promote his view of politics. He used Michael Moore’s movie Fahrenheit 9-11 in a factual, positive light to blast President Bush and his policies in a four-minute “comedic” diatribe. Then he bounced over and perpetuated the lie of the Hollywood elites by saying Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was divisive and discriminatory. He had no inclination to think Moore’s movie was divisive but he did think that the final moment’s of the life of Jesus Christ was so. How sad...how typical!

So, as usual, the Oscars went to the movies and stars that represented the following themes: abortion, euthanasia, skirt-chasing eccentrics, pornography and the like. Film director, Martin Scorsese, whose movie

The Aviator won numerous awards, had the gall to say, “Because of the rise of Christian fundamentalism, main characters in Hollywood films can’t have abortions.”

Are you kidding me?

Scorsese was the director of the revisionist and blasphemous movie The Last Temptation of Christ, which by the way won accolades from Hollywood and the liberal media. In that film, Jesus did not die on the Cross and he eventually married Mary Magdalene. And yet, he says it’s “Christian fundamentalists” that are restricting Hollywood? Was it the Christians that kept the film academy from honoring or even reviewing The Passion of the Christ? We all know that it is blind, godless secularism and hedonism that is in control of the Hollywood powers that be. This cultural chasm will continue to grow! (The Salt Factor Newsletter. 3/2005. Tom Pedigo, Editor. AFA of CO State Director.)

Circuit Court Chaos

“The federal appeals court which made national headlines for declaring the Pledge of Allegiance an unconstitutional endorsement of religion is now being sued for allegedly pushing God on the public. At issue is the seal for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco. Attorney Ryan Donlon claims the image on the seal displays the Ten Commandments which is a violation.” (WorldNetDaily. 2/10/05.)

Homosexual Hostility & Guilt

“A Dallas-area church called New Wine Fellowship focuses much of its outreach effort on a predominantly homosexual area of town. Every weekend, members of the congregation hit the streets in a ministry known as ’Soul Patrol.’ New Wine associate pastor, Jacob Watson, says, ‘They’re hostile. You know, we’ll just be preaching the gospel, just mentioning sin in general and homosexuals will come up and confront me, challenging me with statements like, “Well, you’re telling me because I’m a homosexual I’m going to hell?” According to Watson, this generally happens when he has not even mentioned homosexuality by name.” (Agape Press. 2/9/05.)

Gay Marriage & the Simpsons

“In the culture wars over whether gays should have the right to marry, an animated question reared its head recently on prime-time television: As goes ‘The Simpsons,’ does the nation go, too? In an episode titled ‘There’s Something About Marrying,’ a longtime character on Fox’s 15-year hit—it was Marge Simpson’s sister, Patty Bouvier, a closely held secret until the 7 p.m. broadcast—came out of the closet while Homer Simpson conducted dozens of same-sex weddings after Springfield legalized the unions to try to increase tourism. As television’s longest-running situation comedy, ‘The Simpsons’ is no stranger to hot-button social, religious and political issues as well as mocking born-again Christians.” (The Gazette. 2/21/05.)

City Bars Family Values

“A federal court ruled the city of Oakland had a right to bar two employees from posting a flier promoting traditional family values on an office bulletin board. Even though a flier was posted promoting the formation of a gay and lesbian employee association, when Regina Rederford and Robin Christy posted a flier promoting marriage and traditional families, theirs was ordered to be removed. The city manager and deputy director of the Community and Economic Development Agency declared the flier “homophobic in nature” and promoted ‘sexual-orientation-based harassment.’”

(WorldNetDaily. 2/17/05.)

Air Force Football Faith

“Air Force Academy football coach Fisher DeBerry, who was counseled last year for promoting Christianity to cadets, said recently that religion is ‘what we’re all about’ at the academy. DeBerry also said in an interview with The Gazette he would consider continuing team prayers after football games next season as he’s done during his 21-year Falcon coaching career. ‘I don’t think you separate religion from normal, everyday life,’ he said. ‘Football, academics, military training—everything—all encompasses everything. Religion is a part of life.’

Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa said it’s OK for DeBerry to lead postgame prayers as long as they do not promote a particular religion. ‘What we do when we wear this uniform is we respect and defend the Constitution that says you have the right to believe in the First Amendment,’ said Rosa. DeBerry, 66, is a Christian, but said that he doesn’t force religion on players. He said the team prays to a ‘Master Coach.’” (The Gazette of Colorado Springs. 2/26/05.)

Attorney as Christian Bigot

“Most of the country is aware by now of the five Christians in Philadelphia who were charged with numerous ‘felonies,’ while peacefully demonstrating (against a homosexual event) in the ‘city of brotherly love.’ District Attorney Charles Ehrlich charged the defendants were ‘hateful’ and proclaimed that preaching the Bible is tantamount to ‘fighting words.’ It’s unfortunate that an imbecile like Ehrlich hasn’t read Cannon v. City and County of Denver, 998. F.2d 867. (10th Cir. 1993).” (WorldNetDaily. Devvy Kidd. “Imbeciles Who Serve in Public Office.” 2/18/05.)

Hate-Free Speech Zone?

“Christians in Placerville, California, who are against those who engage in sodomy have been making their presence known the past few weeks with very large truck signs. One of their signs read: ‘Homosexuality is sin.’ Mike Kobus, a Placerville business owner told the City Council, ’Signs expressing hate of a specific lifestyle are not a way to greet people.’ A sign which reads ’Homosexuality is sin’ is now considered an expression of hate? The pro-homosexual groups rallied and began their worn out chants about ‘hate speech’ and ‘violation of civil rights.’

As a result of this pressure, on 2/10/05, Placerville’s Mayor Robby Colvin brought forth a proclamation declaring Placerville a ‘hate-free zone.’ ‘This is a personal attack on our freedom of speech. We will not tolerate anti-Christian bigotry. This is an abuse of civil authority to persecute religion. You have just declared civil government to be at war with Christianity,’ said Placerville resident Luke Otterstad.” (WorldNetDaily. 2/18/05.)

Atheist vs. Boy Scouts Again!

“An atheist is appealing a court ruling that found nothing illegal about a school district’s policy of letting the Boy Scouts recruit inside schools. An attorney for John Scalise said he would ask the Michigan Supreme Court to consider an appeal in the religious discrimination case. Scalise argues the Boy Scouts discriminates against non-religious boys and parents by denying them membership if they don’t swear to religious oaths. Therefore, schools are violating the Constitution.” ( Detroit Free Press. 2/22/05.)

Pesky Baptist Uses Jesus’ Name

“Congressional chaplains typically close their invocations with a religious neutral ‘in Your name we pray.’ Guest ministers, however, are less likely to pray in a way that is considered inclusive or political correct. Recently the House session began with a prayer by a Baptist minister—Rev. Allen of Beckley, West Virginia—who concluded by saying, ‘in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.’ Some non-Christians take offense at such prayers, but many Christians feel it is a matter of obeying Jesus, who told His followers to pray in His name. Others leading public prayer clarify that they are invoking Jesus’ name only on behalf of themselves and fellow believers. The guest minister’s congressman, Democrat Nick Rahall, notes that Rev. Allen calls himself ‘a God-called, Spirit-filled preacher of God’s Word.’” (Agape Press. 2/10/05.)

Judging a Judge

“Nebraska Senator Ernie Chambers is complaining about a judge who quoted the Bible in court. Last year, the Nebraska Court of Appeals vacated Judge George Thompson’s 15-to-50-year sentence of Jay Bruna, a child molester who assaulted a child on a school bus. The appellate court threw out Thompson’s pronouncement and required the convicted man to be resentenced, a decision based on the fact that Thompson had made references to the Bible before sentencing the man. Senator Chambers has filed a complaint with the Nebraska Commission on Judicial Qualifications.” (Agape Press. 2/3/05.)

The Military and the Boy Scouts

“The House voted overwhelmingly by 418—7 for a resolution urging the military to continue supporting Boy Scout jamborees and other activities. Last year, the Pentagon agreed to warn military bases against directly sponsoring Boy Scout troops. That partly settled claims the American Civil Liberties Union that the government engages in religious discrimination by supporting a group whose members must believe in God. The Pentagon says Boy Scouts can still meet on base like other civilian groups, and military personnel can take part in Scout activities on their own time. The House bills’ supporters condemned the ACLU and praised scouting for developing good citizens. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate.” (Agape Press. 2/10/05.)

Montana Kills Hate-Crime Bill

“The Montana House recently killed a bill that would have extended the state’s hate crimes law to protect gays. The bill would have made it a crime to target people including sexual orientation. It was rejected 54-46. Republicans warned the bill would stifle free speech and could prevent clergy from speaking against homosexuality in sermons. Similar bills have failed in each of the six preceding legislative sessions.” (The Gazette. 2/25/05.)

Editor’s Note: This is a prime example of why conservatives need to maintain a majority in political positions and offices. If liberals were in control, what are the possibilities that this bill would have been passed?

Homosexual Guilt & Reverse Persecution

“A Dallas-area church called New Wine Fellowship focuses much of its outreach effort on a predominantly homosexual area of town. Every weekend, members of the congregation hit the streets in a ministry known as ’Soul Patrol.’ New Wine associate pastor, Jacob Watson, says, ‘They’re hostile. You know, we’ll just be preaching the gospel, just mentioning sin in general and homosexuals will come up and confront me, challenging me with statements like, “Well, you’re telling me because I’m a homosexual I’m going to hell?” According to Watson, this generally happens when he has not even mentioned homosexuality by name.” (Agape Press. 2/9/05.)

Will Atheism and Free Thinkers Rule the World?

It is my hope that you find the following news article interesting that was taken from The Washington Times and written by Uwe Siemon-Netto—the United Press International Religious Affairs Editor–on March 1, 2005:

“There seems to be a growing consensus around the globe that godlessness is in trouble. ‘Atheism as a theoretical position is in decline worldwide,’ Munich theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg told UPI recently. His Oxford colleague Alister McGrath agrees. Atheism’s ‘future seems increasingly to lie in the private beliefs of individuals rather than in the great public domain it once regarded as its habitat,’ he wrote in Christianity Today magazine.

Two developments are plaguing atheism these days. One is that is appears to be losing its scientific underpinnings. The other is the historical experience of hundreds of millions of people worldwide that atheists are in no position to claim the moral high ground. Writes Turkish philosopher Harun Yahya, ‘Atheism, which people have tried for hundreds of years as “the ways of reason and science,” is proving to be mere irrationality and ignorance.’

As British philosopher Anthony Flew, once as hard-nosed a humanist as any, mused when turning his back on his former belief: “It is, for example, impossible for evolution to account for the fact that one single cell can carry more data than all the volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannia put together.” Flew still does not accept the God of the Bible. But he has embraced the Intelligent Design concept of scholars such as William Dembski who only four years ago claimed to have been mobbed by pro-evolutionist colleagues at—of all places– Baylor University, a highly respected Southern Baptist institution in Waco, Texas.

The stunning desertion of a former intellectual ambassador of secular humanism to the belief in some form of intelligence behind the design of the universe makes Yahya’s prediction sound probable: ‘The time is fast approaching when many people who are living in ignorance with no knowledge of their Creator will be graced by faith in the impending post-atheist world.’

A few years ago, European scientists were snickering when studies in the United States—for example, at Harvard and Duke universities—showed a correlation between faith, prayer and recovery from illness. Now 1,200 studies at research centers around the world have come to similar conclusions, according to a German psychological journal.

Atheism’s other Achilles heel are the acts of inhumanity and lunacy committed in its name. As McGrath relates in a Christian magazine: ‘With time atheism turned out to have just as many frauds, psychopaths, and careerists as religion does...with Stalin and Madalyn Murray O’Hair, atheism seems to have ended up mimicking the vices of the Spanish Inquisition and the worst televangelists, respectively.’

John Updike’s observation, ‘Among the repulsions of atheism for me has been its drastic uninterestingness as an intellectual position,’ appears to become common currency throughout much of the West. The Rev. Paul M. Zulehner, dean of Vienna University’s divinity school and one of the world’s most distinguished sociologists of religion, told UPI recently: ‘True atheists in Europe have become an infinitesimally small group. There are not enough of them to be used for sociological research.’ Does that mean there is a revival of Christianity? Zulehner cautions that, ‘What we are observing is not a re-Christianization but a re-paganization.’

Rev. Gerald McDermott, an Episcopal priest and professor of religion and philosophy at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, says that, ‘In the United States, the rise of all sorts of paganism is creating a false spirituality that proves to be a more dangerous rival to the Christian faith than atheism.’ And yet, Zulehner says, ‘In the end, atheism will come in at the tail end of world philosophies or beliefs.’”

Colorado ’s Highest Court Shows Anti-Religious Bias

“Forgive me for sounding negative but I am beginning to distrust the judicial system. Our legal institutions have mutated into a secular juggernaut that is running roughshod over the religious heritage of our nation. This was made apparent to me when Colorado’s highest court upheld a lower court’s decision to throw out the sentence of a man who was given the death penalty because members of the jury consulted the Bible while considering their verdict.

Ten years ago Robert Harlan was found guilty of raping and murdering a cocktail waitress near Denver, Colorado. A jury subsequently sentenced him to death; but afterward, defense lawyers learned that, during the deliberations, five jurors had looked up Bible verses, including allusions to punishment meted out “eye for eye, tooth for tooth.” The jurors had copied out the biblical passages and discussed them while deliberating behind closed doors.

The defense attorneys later argued before the state Supreme Court that, by consulting the Bible, the jurors had improperly gone outside the law to reach their verdict. The jury had supposedly been instructed to consider only evidence presented in court. The Bible, the court said, constituted an improper outside influence and a reliance on what the court called a “higher authority.” I thought we were still “One Nation Under God” as our national motto proclaims. I was taught that our Founding Fathers, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, acknowledged that our rights come from our Creator who is our Higher Power. How far we have fallen!

So, with a 3-2 vote, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defense, deciding that the reading of the Bible passages could influence a typical juror to vote for the death penalty. The justices threw out Harlan’s capital sentence and ordered the convicted murderer to serve life without parole. And yet, there are statements from the media and questions that perturb me. For instance, after Harlan’s conviction, the judge in the case sent the jury off to deliberate with an instruction to “think beyond the narrow confines of the law.” Does that very statement not give a person permission to find outside sources for their deliberation? Each juror, the judge told the panel, must make an “individual moral assessment,” in deciding whether Harlan should live or die. Is it not possible that for some of the jurors, a “moral assessment” could not be made apart from an outside source they are familiar with—that is, the Holy Bible?

The minority opinion of the two judges agreed that the jurors consulted their Bibles, not to look for facts or alternative legal interpretations, but for wisdom. “The biblical passages the jurors discussed constituted either a part of the jurors’ moral and religious precepts or their general knowledge and thus were relevant to their court-sanctioned moral assessment,” the minority wrote. I agree with the dissenting judges. On top of this, legal experts said Colorado is unusual in its language requiring jurors in capital felony cases to “explicitly consult a moral compass.” It would appear that the majority opinion of Colorado’s Supreme Court failed to read and rightly interpret our own Colorado laws and procedures. For many, their “moral compass” would be the Bible.

What’s even more interesting is that the prosecutor in the Harlan case, Bob Grant, said that “the Bible is hardly monolithic about what constitutes justice.” Some legal experts say the jurors might just as easily have found guidance that led them to vote for sparing Harlan’s life as for ending it. Also, the frosting on the cake to me is that Harlan’s defense attorneys also specifically urged the jurors to consider biblical wisdom, according to the Supreme Court’s decision, with a request that they find mercy in their hearts “as God ultimately took mercy on Abraham.” Governor Owens said the ruling was “demeaning to people of faith and prevents justice from being served.” I agree with the governor. (The Gazette. 3/29/05.)

Universities Ignoring God

“In its critique of the best U.S. colleges, the Princeton Review suggested schools where students ‘ignore God on a regular basis’ uphold the implied virtue of ‘diversity’ better than institutions where they ‘pray on a regular basis.’ The publication’s only promo for its book for prospective students, ‘The Best 357 Colleges,’ features a chart with four different issues dealing with—race relations, diverse student population, homosexuality and religious attitudes—for the purpose of evaluating whether a school is a ‘Diversity University’ or a ‘Monochromatic Institute.’ The introduction to the chart says: ‘How do you know that you’ll be comfortable—and that others will be comfortable with you—at your chosen college? We dish the dirt about demographic backgrounds, lifestyle attitudes and religion.’” (WorldNetDaily. 3/25/05.)

Teens vs. Creation or Evolution

“ America’s public schools may be teaching evolution, but a significant number of teenagers aren’t buying it, and an overwhelming majority of them believe that God one way or another was involved in the creation of humanity, according to a recent Gallup poll. The survey of 1,028 teenagers ages 13-17 found that only 18% believe that evolution took place without God playing a role. Secularist evolution—that is, the idea that the universe was created naturally and apart from God—is a ‘minority position’ among not only teens but also adults, according to Mark Hartwig, a social research analyst for Focus on the Family. Evolution, he noted, has been advocated for years in school textbooks, school classrooms and even in various TV specials—such as the PBS documentary ‘Evolution.’ ‘And Americans are still saying, “No, I don’t believe it,”’ Hartwig said.

Adults actually are somewhat more likely not to believe in evolution. In a Gallup poll of adults last November, 45% said they believed in creationism while 38% believed that God guided the process of evolution. Only 13% of adults said they believed that evolution occurred without God’s guidance. A CBS News poll in November found an even larger percentage of adults disagreeing with evolution. In that poll, 55% of adults believed that God created humans in their present form. 65% of adults favored schools offering creationism as well. ” (BP News. 3/9/05.)

Australia ’s Christophobia

“In what’s perceived as a case of political correctness trumping history and everyday usage, students in Australia are now seeing the calendar term B.C.—which stands for ’Before Christ’ - being replaced with BCE, meaning ’Before Common Era.’ The change by the Department of Education was first noticed during a recent English Language and Literacy Assessment test, as 157,000 students in New South Wales were presented with the new term. ‘This is a case of history being rewritten and abandonment of the use of a calendar which has been around for centuries on the basis that the term might offend someone,’ said Shadow Education Minister Jillian Skinner. The headline in the Sydney Daily Telegraph declares: ‘Mad bureaucrats censor Jesus Christ.’” (WorldNetDaily. 3/3/05.)

IMAX Film Controversy

“The fight over evolution has reached the big, big screen. A number of IMAX theaters, including some in science museums, are refusing to exhibit movies that mention the subject—or the big bang or geology—fearing protests from people who object to films that contradict biblical descriptions of the origin of Earth and its creatures. People who follow trends at commercial and institutional IMAX theaters say that in recent years religious controversy has adversely affected the distribution of a number of films, including ‘Cosmic Voyage.’ Also, 137 people participated in the a survey of the movie ‘Volcanoes’ which reported that ‘some people said it was blasphemous.’ Officials at many IMAX theaters said they decided against the film for fear of offending religious sensibilities. ‘We have definitely a lot more creation public than evolution public,’ said Lisa Buzzelli, who directs the Charleston IMAX Theater in South Carolina.” (The Gazette. 3/19/05.)

Easter Bunny Removed

“The Easter bunny hopped into the crosshairs of the PC (politically correct) police this season. Mall officials at Town Center in Boca Raton, Florida, admitted to caving in to concern over what could perceived as religious promotion of Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus.” (WorldNetDaily. 3/12/05.)

University of Colorado Chaos

“A professor, who is a Christian, at the University of Colorado is speaking out after allegedly being fired for his political and religious conservatism. Controversial CU professor Ward Churchill may still have his teaching job, but CU history professor Phil Mitchell will not. Mitchell was recently told his contract would not be renewed after this school year because his teaching did not meet department standards and because he was proselytizing students in the classroom. According to Mitchell, a CU administrator was offended that he had students read Charles Sheldon’s book In His Steps. Mitchell makes no apologies for using the Christian book.” (Agape Press. 3/11/05.)

An Atheist Wins Scout Case

“The state Court of Appeals ruled recently there is ‘substantial evidence’ that the Portland School District illegally discriminated against an atheist student by allowing in-school recruiting by the Boy Scouts. The 6-3 decision is the latest development in a long-running battle by an atheist mother, Nancy Powell, to prevent the Boy Scouts from recruiting in Portland schools because the organization requires a belief in God. The school district is now considering adopting a policy that would ban Scouts from recruiting during school hours.” (The WorldLink.com. 3/3/05.)

Editor’s Note: What just one person with an agenda can do to change the system. Too bad this one person is an atheist. Also, too bad we have an activist judicial system helping to confirm secularism. More is on the way!

Teacher Loses Lawsuit

“In Arkansas, a school teacher who sued his district over prayers has now lost his lawsuit. A federal court jury in Little Rock has ruled that a former art teacher failed to prove he was fired by an Arkansas school district for complaining about religious discrimination and Christian prayers in public school. During the trial, Judge Susan Webber Wright held the Devalls Bluff District in contempt for allowing Christian prayers at a May 2004 graduation service.” (Agape Press. 3/7/05.)

Abstinence Website Fight

“Religious references are only a mouse click away for visitors to the Louisiana governor’s Website promoting sexual abstinence; whether that is an unconstitutional government endorsement of religious was debated recently before a federal judge. The ACLU argued that the Gov.’s Program on Abstinence, despite an earlier agreement with the ACLU to stop promoting religion, is in contempt of court because of the online religious content.

The state contended that the religious references do not constitute an excessive entanglement between government and religion—a standard by which federal courts judge compliance with the Establishment Clause of the Constitution forbidding government endorsement of religion. Caroline Corbin, arguing for the ACLU, said that ‘If the government teaches abstinence, it must teach it in a secular way.’ Several of the links on the site lead to other sites that openly promote such religious concepts as prayer and repentance. Corbin challenged the state’s claim that such materials on these links is not a violation.” ( Tuscaloosa News. 3/24/05.)

The Big Ten in Indiana

“A federal appeals court has upheld a display of the Ten Commandments as part of a historical exhibit in one Indiana government building. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that officials in Elkhart, Indiana, did not violate the establishment clause of the Constitution by displaying biblical laws in the County Administration Building.” (Agape Press. 3/29/05.)

Liberal College Faculty & Religious Prejudice

“College faculties, long assumed to be liberal bastions, lean further to the left than many conservatives might have imagined, a study says. By their own description, 72% of those teaching at U.S. universities and colleges are liberal and 15% are conservative, says the study being published this week. The imbalance is almost as striking in partisan terms, with 50% of the faculty members surveyed identifying themselves as Democrats and 11% as Republicans. The disparity is even more pronounced at the most elite schools, where, according to the study, 87% of the faculty members are liberal and 13% are conservative.

Religious services take a back seat for many faculty members with 51% saying they rarely or never attend church or a religious institution and 31% calling themselves regular church attenders. These findings come from Lichter and fellow political science professors Stanley Rothman of Smith College and Neil Nevitte of the University of Toronto and are based on a survey of 1,643 faculty at 183 four-year schools. Rothman sees the findings as evidence of ‘possible discrimination’ against conservatives in hiring and promotion.” (The Gazette. 3/30/05.)

The Big Ten in Mississippi

“ Mississippi’s state Senate has voted to allow the Ten Commandments, the national motto ‘In God We Trust,’ and excerpts from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to be posted in all public buildings. A few senators argued against the bill, saying it would violate the separation of church and state and that Muslims and other non-Christians could be offended. But Republican State Senator Gary Jackson, who is also a Baptist minister, said the Ten Commandments are part of America’s history and legal heritage, unlike the Quran. A companion bill is pending in Mississippi’s House.” (Agape Press. 3/31/05.)

Citizens Want the Cross in San Diego

“Residents of the populous California city of San Diego are unhappy with a city council decision to remove a historic cross and are rallying behind a grassroots movement to keep the war memorial. This cross is located on the site of the war memorial atop Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. By a 5-3 vote, the council agreed with the newly installed city attorney, Mike Aguirre, that the cross, which is located on city grounds, should come down. Local talk radio apparently has contributed to the success of the grassroots effort. If organizers cannot persuade any of the five council members who voted to remove the cross to change their position, a special election will most likely take place.” (Agape Press. 4/1/05.)

Air Force Insensitivities?

“Responding to complaints of religious bias, the Air Force Academy recently kicked off a long-awaited sensitivity program designed to instill respect for religious diversity among cadets and staff. About 40 faculty and staff members gathered in Fairchild Hall to hear a 50-minute presentation that featured movie clips and outlines of Defense Department policies to emphasize that academy personnel cannot push religious beliefs on one another or cadets.

The training, a year in the making, stems from claims that the academy fosters an atmosphere that favors Christianity. Some cadets and faculty members have reported religious slurs against those of other religions, insensitivity to certain religions’ observances, and Christian proselytizing. Chaplain Capt. Melinda Morton, who led the training, said it is about respecting everyone’s right to believe as they choose. That’s essential in an environment dominated by power hierarchies, she said, because cadets can perceive they’d score points by adopting an instructor’s or military leader’s religious beliefs.” (The Gazette. 3/30/05.)

Editor’s Note: I wish these whiny trainees and ivory-tower faculty would go to Iraq,

Iran, or Saudi Arabia for a long stint, and then come back to the academy and see if they still whine about the those Air Force Christians!

Scalping the Scouts

“The Boy Scouts of America is pulling the charters of thousands of scouting units from public schools in an effort to spare them from lawsuits threatened by the ACLU. In a letter sent to the BSA recently, the ACLU vowed to take legal action against public schools and other taxpayer-funded governmental agencies that charter Scout groups, claiming their sponsorship amounts to religious discrimination and violates the separation of church and state.

The American Civil Liberties Union specifically takes issue with the Scouts’ pledge of allegiance to God and country and the organization’s prohibition of homosexuals as scout masters. BSA national spokesman Gregg Shields told the Baptist Press that their organization was pulling its charters from schools ‘as a matter of stewardship.’ Mr. Shields hopes churches and other community-based groups will make up for the lost charters, estimated to be in the thousands. The BSA has been in the crosshairs of the ACLU for 25 years and they have sued the BSA 14 times on similar grounds.” (WorldNetDaily. 3/11/05.)

Prisoners Can’t Have Bible?

“ California prison officials have been sued for stopping the delivery of Bible study material to inmates. Pacific Justice Institute filed suit in federal district court against officials who it says have denied prison ministries the right to send, and inmates the right to receive, Bible-related materials. The law group says for years ministries have been able to send religious literature to inmates at a state prison in Corcoran, Calif., free of charge but policy has since changed.” (WorldNetDaily. 3/10/05.)

Michigan City Can’t Pray?

“Officials in Troy, Michigan have denied a group of Christians a permit to meet for National Day of Prayer observances—and may face legal action as a result. Troy city officials said this year’s planned meeting was strongly challenged by the Jewish, Muslim, and Indian community. Legal action is being sought.”(Agape Press. 3/21/05.)

Filibustering, Focus on the Family & a Fuming Foe

“On April 26, 2005, I saw a report on Channel 11 TV News (CBS) by Jeff Marcou concerning the flap between Senator Ken Salazar and Focus on the Family. What’s the main issue? Dr. Dobson is concerned what Salazar said during his campaign speech that he’d vote up or down on judicial nominees but now he is waffling on the filibuster. Dr. Dobson prepared ads (for radio and print) that held Sen. Salazar accountable for his election promises.

In a very calculated and pointed way, Ken Salazar said on this news report: “From my point of view, they (Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family) are the anti-christ of the world.” Come on!...I mean, how dumb is that?! Finally, on April 28, he offered a lame apology for “that particular wording” but still said he believed that Dobson’s “actions were unchristian.” Throughout this whole media blitz, Dobson’s radio ads and printed ads say nothing about one’s faith but point out that Sen. Ken Salazar is reneging on a key campaign promise. This whole confrontation is not about Salazar’s religion (or lack of it); it’s about his liberal, lock-step, compromising politics! So, instead of dealing with the real issue, Senator Salazar says that Dr. Dobson is “unchristian” and that Focus on the Family is the “anti-christ of the world.”

Let’s see if I can come up with some political statements that would be similar to Senator Salazar: 1) Professor Ward Church is the pro-American teacher of our state, 2) Barney Frank is the pro-heterosexual of Congress, or 3) Senator Ted Kennedy is the pro-Republican of the Senate. Do these statements sound like a Brain Synapses Disorder? BINGO!! To label an evangelical organization as the “anti-christ” after it has stood for conservative, biblical values, evangelism and the principles of Jesus Christ for three decades shows you the mental processes (or lack of them) that this person is actively displaying.

Syndicated columnist Mike Rosen said this about the radio warnings from Focus: “The ads say nothing about Salazar’s religious beliefs. They accurately relate his current position as compared to his campaign promise and they urge constituents to call him and express their disapproval. I’ve also read Salazar’s standard e-mail response to this constituents. It’s unresponsive, platitudinous, political doubletalk.” (The Gazette. Mike Rosen, syndicated columnist. 4/29/05.)

After Dr. Dobson’s ads began to run, the response from Senator Salazar began. On April 20, Scripps Howard News Service reported Salazar saying: “I think what has happened

is Focus on the Family has been hijacking Christianity and become an appendage of the Republican Party. I think it’s using Christianity and religion in a very unprincipled way.” On April 24 th in Colorado Spring’s Gazette, the Editorial Staff had this to say about Salazar’s shifting position: “Apparently,

the education of Ken Salazar has also included lessons in the importance of maintaining party discipline and the art of deflecting criticism and muddying the waters by impugning the motives of your critics and changing the subject.”

On April 28 th in the Gazette, political cartoonist, Chuck Asay, displayed a four-frame cartoon of this whole situation. Describing a cartoon never does it justice but I must relay the content to you: 1) First, we see a cartoon of Salazar as Humpty Dumpty and the words: “Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall!” (A picture of Ken Salazar holding a sign that says, “Vote for Moderate Ken Salazar for Senate.”) 2) “Humpty Dumpty made a great call!” (Salazar says: “I think the Senate should vote up or down on judicial nominees!” 3) But after elected, he changed his position (Salazar holding a sign that says “Filibuster!” and him saying: “April Fools!”), 4) “And if we complain now, he says we’re ‘Unchristian!”’ (The final frame shows Democrats/donkeys holding signs that say, “Dobson Shut Up!, Separation of Church and State, and Down with Theocracy.” I think this cartoon totally sums it up!

Colorado Conservative Criticism?

“A group of conservative Colorado House Republicans has formed a caucus to promote such principles as lower taxes, personal responsibility and limited government. ‘We’re tired of being looked

at as “right-wing fanatics,”’ said Rep. David Schultheis of Colorado Springs, chairman of the Republican Study Committee of Colorado. The caucus, modeled after the powerful Republican Study Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, aims the help Republicans in state government focus on conservative principles, he said. Among its priorities will be Western conservation and legislative integrity. Rep. Alice Borodkin, D-Denver, said she plans to revive her pro-choice House caucus, the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, to counter the influence of the GOP caucus. She called organizers of the Study Committee of Colorado ‘a dangerous crew and I consider them the principle actors in a religious-right movement to Christianize everything and impose their moral values on us.’” (The Gazette. 4/12/05.)

Editor’s Note: Rep. Borodkin, who is so typical of most liberals, presents her ideological hypocrisy. It’s so ironic that Alice doesn’t see that she is trying to “secularize” everything as well as “imposing” her amoral and immoral and liberal agenda on the rest of us. I’d say the Left is the “dangerous crew!”

Advocacy Against the Air Force

“Two national organizations are expressing concern about claims of religious intolerance at the

Air Force Academy . The Anti-Defamation League’s Denver office issued a statement recently and Americans United Against the Separation of Church and State, an advocacy organization, plans to send a letter to the academy detailing accusations of religious bias and ‘demanding a response’ within thirty days.” (The Gazette. Colorado Springs, CO. Pam Zubeck, reporter. 4/22/05.)

Editor’s Note : I believe that this particular reporter is going for a record number of articles being written against the Air Force Academy and their alleged “religious bias.” It’s interesting that in past articles she refers to certain conservative, religious groups or leaders as “right-wing” or “ultra-conservative” but doesn’t label the above groups as liberal or leftist. My goodness, this supposed “religious liberty” group known as Americans United, led by “Rev.” Barry Lynn, seems to be competing for the most vicious, anti-Christian, liberal group in the nation—not excluding the ACLU! Of course, these liberal, anti-Christ groups will try to foment division and fear within the public square. It amuses me that Americans United “demands” any kind of response. Take a hike!

Prayer is Immoral?!

“The American Civil Liberties Union (better known as the Anti-Christian Litigation Union—my comments) wants a federal judge to punish public school officials for a prayer that was recited recently before a high school baseball game. ACLU of Louisiana executive director Joe Cook says it was ‘un-American and immoral’ to allow an adult to pray over Loranger High School’s public address system. Cook says members of the school board should be fined or jailed for failing to stop it.” (Agape Press. 4/6/05.)

Editor’s Note: If this isn’t a classical case of Orwellian doublespeak! Up is now down...hot is really cold...the sky is green...blah, blah, blah! How far we have permitted this fine nation to fall! When prayer offered in a school is considered “un-American,” and “immoral,” I pray the common American will consider the source. The ACLU has become so “immoral” and “un-American” in their court cases, that they really should change their name—they are not American, they are not civil, they do not stand for true liberty, but they are a “union” of deceived and dangerous attorneys that promote a socialist, anti-Christian agenda!

Excising God from Pledge

“A middle school counselor’s politically correct version of the Pledge of Allegiance has caused

a stir among students and outrage among parents in a Colorado school district. The controversy arose when eighth-grade employee, Margo Lucero filled in for the absent principal of Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge. Among other duties, when Lucero came to recite the Pledge over the public address system, she came to the part that usually states ‘one nation under God,’ and she replaced the traditional words with ‘one nation under your belief system.’ Rick Kaufman, a spokesman for Jefferson County Public Schools, says the school counselor’s actions were unacceptable and, ‘regardless of her intent, it was inappropriate.’” (Agape Press. 4/27/05.)

Christians Denied Prayer Day

“The Michigan city of Troy faces a possible civil-rights lawsuit for denying a permit to a Christian group that wants to celebrate the National Day of Prayer with a meeting in front of city hall. The Troy National Day of Prayer Christian Task Force says it has gathered at Troy City Hall in Veteran’s Plaza for each of the past 10 years for the national commemoration, held this year on May 5th.

City officials rejected the permit request a month ago then reversed course, deciding to also give a permit to the Troy Interfaith Group, a liberal organization that says it represents six religions. The council reportedly decided to accommodate the interfaith group because some citizens were unhappy the annual gathering would be restricted to Christians. But the interfaith group later backed out, prompting the city to withdraw the Christian Task Force’s permit.

In response, the American Family Association’s Center for Law & Policy faxed a formal letter informing city officials they will face a federal civil rights lawsuit if they continue to unconstitutionally deny the permit. Veterans Plaza is a traditional public forum for speech and religious, ‘free speech’ is being denied.” (WorldNetDaily. 4/16/05.)

Jews for Christians

“A longtime columnist and author has birthed a new organization made up of Jews who are committed to battling anti-Christian bias and discrimination in the culture. Don Feder, a Boston Herald writer and syndicated columnist for 19 years, is president of the newly formed Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation (JAACD). Feder said for years he has written about incidents of anti-Christian discrimination in the public square—from the prohibition of creches on public land to the silencing prayer in the nation’s schools. ‘When I consider an epidemic of anti-Christian bigotry and persecution is something that has concerned me for a long time,’ Feder told WND, noting that in 1996 he wrote a book entitled Who’s Afraid of the Religious Right? which covers what he sees as the left’s attack on traditional Christians. ‘The fate of America hinges on whether or not Christians—I mean authentic Christians—succeed in the political arena,’ said Feder. So far, the group consists of Mona Charen, Barry Farber, Rabbi Joshua Haberman, Rabbi Yehuda Levin, Rabbi Daniel Lapin (Toward Tradition), Rabbi Jacob Neusner, David Horowitz, Michael Medved (movie critic), Morton Klein, Herb London, and Bruce Herschensohn (Pepperdine University).”

(WorldNetDaily. 4/27/05.)

ACLU & Board Prayers

“A federal court is being asked to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the ACLU against a Delaware school board vice president, Reginald Helms, and his colleagues on the Indian River School District Board of Education. The board members were targeted in the suit because they were opening monthly board meetings with prayer.The ACLU filed suit in February 2005 against Helms and the entire Indian River School Board in their personal and professional capacities, alleging the district’s practice of opening the school board meetings with a pray is unconstitutional The Rutherford Institute filed a motion in response, asking the court to dismiss the case. The decision is pending.” (Agape Press. 4/13/05.)

ACLU & Public Address System

“A Louisiana pro-family advocate says the ACLU is doing everything in its power to intimidate anyone who dares to pray. Now the ACLU is asking a judge to throw some Louisiana school board members in jail because someone said a prayer over the public address system before a high school baseball game. Gene Mills, president of the Louisiana Family Forum, says the current ban on all prayers in school settings is the ACLU’s heavy-handed tactics that are just meant to intimidate and bully the school board away from its policy of allowing the public to speak.’” (Agape Press. 4/1/05.)

ACLU & Student Prayers

“ Arkansas lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit school officials from interfering with prayers that are initiated and led by students. A sponsor of the bill, which was approved by a House committee, says students should feel free to pray at baccalaureate ceremonies and other events. Rita Sklar, who heads the Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, warned that the bill could be struck down by the courts for violating the separation of church and state. A lawmaker responded that the ACLU seems uninterested in protecting religious liberty.”(Agape Press. 4/8/05.)

ACLU & Bible Bias

“Although the ACLU has declared the practice unconstitutional, the Bible is being used as a textbook in classes taught in 300 school districts nationwide, according to a curriculum provider. About 1,000 high schools in 35 states are using material produced by the North Carolina-based National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools (NCBCPS) in classes during regular school hours. The organization says that while the ACLU is ‘up in arms’ about it, there have been no complaints from administrators, teachers, students or parents. NCBCPS says 93% of all the school boards it has approached to implement the curriculum have accepted it.” (WorldNetDaily. 4/21/05.)

ACLU & the Cross

“A federal judge in Riverside, California, has issued orders for the destruction of the solitary Roman cross at the Mojave Desert World War I Veterans Memorial. The court ruled in favor of the ACLU to nullify an act of Congress last year sponsored by Congressman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., which authorized a land exchange which would place the cross site on private land and in private hands in a land exchange.

The ACLU contended the land exchange was a ‘sham’ to evade the court’s injunctive order to destroy the cross, first issued in 2002. The court has so found, and significantly, ordered the legislative branch—Congress—not to carry out the land exchange, and ordered the executive branch to destroy the cross at the veterans memorial. Veterans in the 2.7-million member American Legion have vowed to fight against the destruction of the veterans memorial, and stand up to the ACLU. Although there had never been a complaint about the veterans memorial cross in more than 70 years, the ACLU seized the opportunity to file a federal suit to destroy it as a violation of the Establishment Clause—and to seek attorney fees under the Civil Rights Act. Indeed, the ACLU is now so fanatic and loosed from common sense that it has become the Taliban of liberal secularism.”(WorldNetDaily. Rees Lloyd, editorial. “Judicial Voodoo vs. The Cross.” 4/15/05.)

Anti-Christian Editorialist

“I hope and believe that, by identifying itself with ‘faith’ in general and the Ten Commandments in particular, a runaway element in the Republican leadership has made a career-ending mistake. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of ‘conservatism.’ I am neither a Republican nor a Christian and I don’t propose that there is a mythical Nazarene. The need of the hour is for some senior members of the party of Lincoln to disown and condemn the creeping and creepy movement to impose Christian orthodoxy on a free and pluralist and secular Republic.” (Christopher Hitchens. Columnist for Vanity Fair. The Wall Street Journal. 5/5/05. “Why I’m Rooting Against the Religious Right.”)

Editor’s Note: Have you ever heard this man on talk radio or TV? He’s a raving lunatic for atheism and secularism...and he’s spreading his hostility through the power of the pen.

Atheists Discuss Strategy

“Attendees of the ‘All Atheists Weekend’ gathered in San Francisco recently to discuss what they call ‘the rise of Christian fundamentalism in the United States. The Religious Right’s increasing involvement in U.S. politics has triggered an angry backlash among the godless, say Bay area atheist groups.

‘It’s time for us to push back,’ said psychologist Jaime Arcila. ‘We don’t hate Christians,’ said David Fitzgerald, an insurance broker. Nonetheless, during a showing of a documentary movie, they crowd booed and hissed when a photo of Pat Robertson was displayed on the screen. Fitzgerald offered no apologies. ‘Robertson and other Theocrats scare the hell out of us,’ Fitzgerald said. ‘They want to turn a democracy into a theocracy.’” (The Bakersfield Californian. 5/22/05.)

Editor’s Note: The atheists and “Free Thinkers” in this country want to turn our nation into a godless, secular society. Bible-believing Christians do not believe in the possibility of a “theocracy” (or total rule by God) until Jesus Christ comes again to set up His Kingdom on earth. What believers want is a return to Christian principles, values, morals and ideals that founded this country and has made us the envy of the world. The atheists don’t want to just “push back,” they want to totally eliminate any vestige of Christianity within this country. THAT is their agenda!

Faith-War Rages in America

“Just days after a bitterly divided Senate committee voted along party lines to approve her nomination as a federal appellate court judge, California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown told an audience recently that people of faith were embroiled in a ‘war’ against secular humanists who threatened to divorce America from its religious roots, according to a newspaper account of the speech.Brown’s remarks come as a partisan battle over judges has evolved into a national debate over the proper mix of God and government. Her comments to a gathering of Roman Catholic legal professionals in Darien, Connecticut, came on the same day as ‘Justice Sunday,: Stop the Filibuster Against People of Faith,’ a program produced by evangelical leaders and simulcast on the Internet and in homes and churches around the country.” ( Los Angeles Times. 4/26/05.)

Christian-Bashing Continues!

“If I didn’t know better, I would think liberal politicians and columnists were out to prove the thesis of my book Persecution—that there truly is a war being waged against Christianity and Christians in the United States. What are these people so exercised about? Why must they insist on demonizing Christians? Why do they seem to think that only Christians must keep their views to themselves once they are elected to office? This idea that Christians must keep their views to themselves, and that politicians must keep their Christian worldview in a lockbox has caught on even among many Christians. But a Christian inhibits his Christian walk if he places his religion on just one ‘shelf’ of his life. What the secular Left wants to do is marginalize Christian conservatives by suggesting they are hell-bent on reserving religious liberty (and presumably other types of freedom) only for themselves.” (David Limbaugh. WorldNetDaily. 4/29/05.)

Professor Belittles Believers

“A Brooklyn College professor who described religious people as ‘moral retards’ said he is dropping his bid to become chairman of the department of sociology after the college’s president expressed outrage over his views. Timothy Shortell, an associate professor in the sociology department at the CUNY senior college, sent a bitter e-mail recently to several departmental heads saying he had decided to step down as chairman-elect and claiming he was a victim of a political attack against his academic freedom.

Critics of Mr. Shortell’s appointment, including at least one CUNY trustee, opposed giving a leadership role to a professor who has used inflammatory language to describe religious people, fearing he would be incapable of fair treatment of people of faith in his department. The controversy surrounding Mr. Shortell involves an essay he published in 2001 in the online journal Fifteen Credibility Street, in which he presented the following:

‘On a personal level, religiosity is merely annoying—like a bad taste. This immaturity represents a significant social problem, however, because religious adherents fail to recognize their limitations. So, in the name of their faith, these moral retards are running around pointing fingers and doing real harm to others. They discriminate, exclude, and belittle. They make a virtue of closed-mindedness and virulent ignorance. They are an ugly, violent lot.’” (The New York Sun. 6/8/05.)

Editor’s Note: Too bad that Colorado University doesn’t have the integrity and guts to do the same thing with Professor Ward Churchill—demote him and fire him. And, too bad that Mr. Churchill doesn’t have the same integrity to at least step down.

Canadian Hospital Bans Bible

“If you’re scheduled for surgery in New Brunswick, Canada, bring your own Bible if you need a source of comfort—one hospital has removed copies of the Good Book from patients’ bedside tables in order to control infection. ‘We have disinfection processes to disinfect other surfaces, but we don’t have anything to disinfect books,’ Jane Stafford, a spokeswoman for the River Valley Health Authority, which operates the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. One pastor said, ‘Is it possible for these germs to also reside and live on lampshades, curtains, walls? Where does it stop?’” (WorldNetDaily. 4/23/05.)

Escalating Culture War

“Joan Bokaer of a social action center called TheocracyWatch.org was speaking at a recent conference that denounced Christian Republicans on matters like abortion, gay marriage, euthanasia, broadcast indecency, faith-based charities, pro-Israelism and church-state relations. The book table sold assorted Bush-bashing titles. It was an academic conference at the City University of New York on ‘the real agenda of the religious far right’ - and it offered a fresh example of just how venomous America’s conservative-liberal religious split has become and how entangled faith is with politics. One speaker even described the Rev. Billy Graham as a ‘theocrat’ because he wants more Christians involved in public life.

No speaker representing religious conservatives was invited to offer a rebuttal. Nor did conferees clarify what religious lobbying is proper or improper. Responding to the meeting, conservatives said their political activism merely expresses their rights as citizens to advocate, vote and participate in government—the same rights liberals and secularists exercise.” (Kentucky.com. Richard Ostling. “Religion Today.” 5/5/05.)

Dobson’s Devilish Delusions?

“The American left hate people of faith—true faith, genuine faith. And the ones they hate most of all are evangelical Christians. And the one they hate most out of that group is Dr. James Dobson. A recent edition of the Denver Post was particularly ripe with quotes from the left as to their true feelings: ‘If one thing makes people uncomfortable, it is the manipulation of religious faith for political gain,’ said Ralph Neas, president of People for the American Way. ‘What James Dobson has been doing is tantamount to religious McCarthyism.’

Religious McCarthyism? Well you know what that means! Dr. Dobson actually might believing in such a thing as absolute truth. As a result, when he speaks about what is good for a family or an individual it comes from a place that is genuine and truly based on what is best for them. True Christians to liberals are just evangelical devils!” (WorldNetDaily. Kevin McCullough. “Dr James Dobson—Evangelical Devil.” 5/6/05.)

Christians Losing America?

“Despite decades of relentless attacks on its moral and spiritual foundations, America is still overwhelmingly a Christian nation. Or is it? With 80% of Americans describing themselves as Christians, 45% of the population attending church on any given weekend, America appears to be bursting its seams with vibrant Christianity. There’s just one problem. Although Christian comprise the vast majority of the nation’s citizens and voters, America is becoming increasingly un-Christian and even anti-Christian with every passing year—from its culture, to its laws, its public education system, its news media and most other major institutions. Whether the battlefield is abortion or ‘gay rights,’ public prayer or euthanasia, most of the fights are being won by the bad guys. Why? The church has abdicated its former influential role in the creation of American culture—the media and entertainment. Plus, only 9% of Christians have a biblical worldview.” (WorldNetDaily. 4/12/05.)

ACLU & Arresting Christian Teachers

“The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal judge to jail public school teachers and administrators for allegedly violating a court-imposed ban on school prayers. It’s the fourth time the ACLU has told Judge Ginger Berrigan that officials in Louisiana’s Tangipahoa Parish are flouting her prayer ban. This time, the ACLU says an elementary school teacher repeatedly held prayers in her fourth-grade class, encouraged students to bring their Bibles to school, held Bible studies in the school cafeteria and admonished students who did not show up. In addition, the ACLU cites a prayer ‘in Jesus’ name’ that was recently given over a high school’s public address system while the principal sat by silently. The ACLU says school officials’ violation of the prayer ban ‘must result in their removal from society.’” (Agape Press. 5/19/05.)

Christian Student Sues School

“A 10-year-old elementary school student filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against district officials for barring students from reading and discussing the Bible during recess. Luke Whitson and his parents, represented by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), claim Principal Cathy Summa at Karns Elementary School in the Knox County district in Tennessee violated constitutional rights by stopping a playground Bible study.

The lawsuit alleges: ‘Principal Summa abruptly interrupted certain fourth-grade students while they were in the midst of a Bible discussion during recess, demanded that they stop their activity at once, put their Bibles away and from that point forward, cease from bringing their Bibles to school.’ The lawsuit, filed in late May in U.S. District Court, asks for an injunction against the school system to prevent employees from ‘banning or threatening to ban religious expression in the form of Bible reading and discussion during recess time.’ Whitson’s parents, according to ADF, were unable to resolve the matter with the principal and contacted district officials via legal counsel.” (WorldNetDaily. 6/3/05.)

Leftist, Godless Christians?

“For several generations the religious left has been engaged in an effort to dethrone God in America. They have done this by embracing man’s wisdom and laws over God’s. Murder of the unborn and disabled is now ‘Christian compassion’ in action. Homosexuals, rather than being sinners in grave need of redemption, are the left’s pastors and role models. And other Christian believers—because they rightly cite the Bible’s positions on these issues, rather than being brothers and sisters with denominational differences—are the enemy!

I bring all this up because of an important article written by James Watt, President Reagan’s secretary of the Interior: ‘The Religious Left’s Lies’ (Washington Post. 5/21/05. P. A-19). In it, Mr. Watt describes the vicious lies the left has concocted about Christians and the environment, circulated by so-called environmentalists and—sadly—many Christians on the political left. Mr. Watt concludes with this warning:

‘Be alert. I learned this lesson two decades ago—the hard way. Never underestimate the political impact of the twisted charges by extreme environmentalists now advanced

by the religious left to divide the people of faith.’

Psalm 2 indicates the world’s efforts will ultimately e unsuccessful against God’s rule. But Mr. Watt’s warning is well-timed.”(WorldNetDaily. Craige McMillan. “Godless Christians?” 6/2/05.)

Graduation Speech Religious Discrimination

“A valedictorian at one Wisconsin high school did not have to hide her faith in Christ when it came to her recent graduation speech. When Miriam Cattanach, valedictorian of the Class of 2005 of Spencer High School, submitted her graduation speech to school officials, they said any reference to religion, God, or Jesus must go. Miriam, a committed Christian, said in her speech that Christ is the hope for the future. But when administrators censored her speech, her family contacted Liberty Counsel headquartered in Florida.

After the legal group got involved, the school changed its tune, says Liberty Counsel president Mat Staver. ‘We simply said in a letter that if they insist on censoring this religious message of her graduation speech, that it would be unconstitutional—and we would have to file suit in court,’ Staver reported.” (Agape Press. 5/27/05.)

Judge Allows Religious Symbols

“A federal court judge recently denied a request to stop Palm Bay High School’s graduation at a local church, but admonished the Brevard School District for scheduling it at a religious facility. Circuit Judge Gregory Presnell said the Palm Bay parents waited too long to file the request to have the religious symbols at Calvary Chapel in West Melbourne covered during the ceremony or to move the graduation to another site. Four schools have graduations scheduled at the church. The families have said they will proceed with a lawsuit based on the unconstitutionality of having the graduation at a religious site, which could impact next year’s graduations.” ( Florida Today. 5/18/05.)

The Right to Christian Drama

“Members of a California high school Bible club were allowed to perform an inspirational drama at their California high school after having their initial request rejected by school officials. Last month’s festival at Corning High School was open to a wide variety of artistic expression by students. But when members of the Bible Reading, Education and Devotion Club (BREAD) asked to perform a Christian drama in the festival, the school’s principal turned down their request. The Christian club’s members contacted the Pacific Justice Institute (PJA), asking the legal organization to intervene on their behalf. Attorney and PJI president Brad Dacus says, ‘We quickly moved into action and put the school district on notice that this was a clear violation of the Equal Access Act.’ After lengthy discussion and a closed session, the school board decided that prohibiting the BREAD Club presentation based on Establishment Clause concerns was unwarranted. The students were then allowed to make their presentation.” (Agape Press. 4/18/05.)

Mississippi & Public Property

the motto ‘In God We Trust.’ Barbour signed the bill without a public ceremony.” (The Sun Herald. 4/21/05.)

Anti-Christian Inquisition!

“One pro-family leader is worried that American Christians could be facing a new form of inquisition.

Gary Bauer of the Campaign for Working Families senses that anti-Christian feelings are on the rise among some segments of America. He says he is concerned that born-again believers could be facing tough days ahead. ’I’m concerned about the possibility of real persecution in the United States toward conservative Christians,’ Bauer states. ‘Harper’s Magazine this week has a cover story entitled “The Religious Right’s War on America.” So there’s a lot of rhetoric out there, very hateful rhetoric, aimed at traditional Christian conservatives—and that can be very dangerous.’ Many Christian leaders have expressed their worry over the increase in ‘hate speech’ aimed at Christians and the lack of public uproar over it.” (Agape Press. 5/18/05.)

Mom Prohibited To Read Bible

“A Pennsylvania school has been sued over its alleged censorship of a Christian mother and her young son. Last October, Donna Busch was invited to visit her son Wesley’s kindergarten class in Philadelphia and to take part in ‘Me Week.’ As the featured student of the week, Wesley was allowed to choose his favorite book and have his mother read an excerpt from it aloud to the class at Culbertson Elementary School. But when Wesley chose the Bible as his preferred book, his mother was barred from reading a passage from Psalm 118 because of its religion content. Principal Thomas Cook told Mrs. Busch that reading the Bible in class is against the law because it violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment—that is, the so-called ‘separation of church and state.’ According to Busch’s attorney, John Whitehead of The Rutherford Institute, the Christian mom was then offered the option of reading from another book instead—one about witches, witchcraft and Halloween. However, she declined. Wesley’s teacher even told the student that it was bad to read the Bible.”(Agape Press. 5/6/05.)

Is Christianity Being Labeled as a Mental Disease?

“What is mental illness? Who defines and determines these deviations in thinking patterns? With all the variables involved, who is qualified to diagnose these ailments? What is the criterion? Is it possible that culture and even political correctness could determine what is a mental illness? Recently, I was on a talk radio program debating with the host concerning this topic. My premise was: Defining mental illness can be very subjective. For instance, certain definitions or parameters for behavior have been used by

a variety of totalitarian countries and political leaders to oppress people with certain ideas – usually religious (read Christian) ideology. And relatively recently, our own country has redefined a former mental illness and declared this psycho-social disorder “normal” and that is – homosexuality. Almost three decades later, our culture has flipflopped on this behavior whereby disagreeing with homosexuality (now labeled as homophobia) is virtually considered an emotional ailment.

Another “talking point” I presented to this radio host, that he quickly debunked and demonized, was that certain “forces” have tried, and will continue to try, to label religious beliefs as a mental illness. Historically, this is what communist Russia and China have foisted on their citizens – that is, if you believe in God, you are crazy! In some Muslim countries, if you convert to Christianity then you are deemed mentally unbalanced. Do you think I’m suffering from paranoia and delusions of persecution? “An Egyptian Christian was released on June 9, 2005, from the El-Khanka Hospital for Mental and Neurological Health in Cairo, Egypt, following international pressure over his five-month forcible commitment to this mental hospital after being charged for leaving the Islamic faith.” (Christianity Today. 6/23/05.)

Just recently in a leftist, weekly paper in Colorado Springs (The Independent) there was an article entitled “Religious Beliefs and Brain Seizures” written by a local Free Thinker (read atheist). His whole premise came from the work of Michael Persinger’s The Neuropsychological Basis of God Beliefs where he showed that religious beliefs arise from “temporal lobe abnormalities.” Persinger believes that prayer causes micro-seizures in the brain. Translation: Religion is dangerous; religious belief is a mental disorder. Do you think it could ever be cultural or politically correct to deem Christians as a mentally ill body of people? Do you think that’s being promoted right now? Consider the following quotes:

“I am violently anti-Christian…it is the most virulent spiritual poison…fundamentalists are dangerous lunatics.” (William S. Burrough. Friend of Allen Ginsberg.)

“I regard religion as a disease born of fear and as a source of untold misery to the human race.” (Bertrand Russell. Philosopher.)

“Religion is another fertile cause of insanity.” (Haslam. Annotations to Spurzheim’s Observations on Insanity.)

“Any child who believes in God is mentally ill.” (Dr. Paul Brandwien. The Social Sciences. 1970.)

“You must work until ‘religion’ is synonymous with ‘insanity.’” (Kenneth Goff. Brainwashing – A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook of Psychopolitics.)

“Religious observance is aberrant behavior…devotion and meditation are psychopathic trances.” (Jeremiah Gutman. Deprogramming: Documenting the Issue. 1977.)

“The world (should) have been spared the 2000-year sickness of Christendom.” (Charles Lam Markmann. The Noblest Cry. 1965.)

“The root of our social ills and problems is Christianity.” (Ted Turner. National Review.

p. 26. 6/8/92.)

“Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people.” (Governor Jesse Ventura. The Washington Post. 9/20/99.)

Am I suffering from paranoid delusions or is there a philosophical trend here? Again, I ask you: How easy is it to redefine mental illness?” (Rev. Tom Pedigo. American Family Association of Colorado State Director. The Salt Factor newsletter. July 2005.)

Crusades Not Politically Correct?

“A medieval knight bearing a crucifix is apparently too offensive for non-Christians, Muslims, and others in charge of a Vermont high school, as campus officials try to find a better mascot than the Crusaders for Champlain Valley Union High. ‘I believe the controversy came from a T-shirt that had a religious symbol on it,’ Alex Anderson of the CVU’s mascot committee told a local TV station in Burlington. ‘Some students thought that was offensive. We’re a public school and we’re trying to maintain separation of church and state.’ The local school board voted in December to make the switch. Other schools have done the same. Even Wheaton College, the evangelical school in Illinois, was the Crusaders for 70 years but dropped the name in 2000.” (WorldNetDaily. 6/16/05.)

Editor’s Note: Well, I hope Campus Crusade for Christ doesn’t change their name!

A Colorado Library Sued

“The Liberty Counsel, a religious freedom watchdog, is suing the Colorado library that refused to let it meet in the library’s community room. The Woodland Park Library says its community room is ‘available to nonprofit civic, cultural and educational organizations for events open to the public.’ But the policy also says, ‘Meetings open to the public that are religious or political in nature must provide a balanced view and meet with the Board of Trustees’ approval.’

The Liberty Counsel said it applied to use the library’s community room at the end

of May and again on June 6. The Liberty Counsel noted on the application that the meeting would present a biblical perspective on marriage and homosexuality and would include prayer and scripture reading. But library officials responded that since the proposed meeting was religious, someone else must present an opposing view. The lawsuit filed against the Rampart Library District Board of Trustees requests that the policy be found unconstitutional and that the court order the library to allow Liberty Counsel to use the community room. Matthew D. Staver, president and general counsel of Liberty Counsel, called it ‘astounding’ that a public library would exercise such ‘callous disregard’ of the First Amendment.

‘Under the policy, any member of the public may say anything on any topic in the library community room. That is, of course, unless the topic is religious or political, in which case the library requires the speaker to present the opposing view. Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if a Veteran’s Day message were punctuated with antiwar rhetoric? The library policy would require the NAACP to invite the KKK to present its view on civil rights,’ Staver said. ‘The policy is not only unconstitutional, it is shamefully ridiculous,’ he concluded.” (Religion Today. 6/23/05.)

ACLU Defends Polygamy

“In comments at an Ivy League school, the president of the American Civil Liberties Union has indicated that among the ‘fundamental rights’ of people is the right to polygamous relationships—and that the ACLU has defended and will continue to defend that right. According to Paul McGuire, Crawford Broadcasting radio talk-show host, he says: “Nadine Strossen and the ACLU have declared legal war on the traditional family...but I think the majority of Americans view ACLU lawyers as people who hate America and who want to destroy all Judeo-Christian values and beliefs. The ACLU seems to only defend things that tear down the fabric of society.’” (Agape Press. 6/24/05.)

Allstate Fires Manager for Moral Stance

“A former manager with Allstate has sued the insurance giant, alleging the company, which financially supports homosexual advocacy groups, fired him solely because he wrote a column posted on several websites that was critical of same-sex marriage and espoused his Christian beliefs. J. Matt Barber was a manager in Allstate’s Corporate Security Division, its investigative arm, at the Fortune 100 company’s headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. Barber wrote columns for a variety of websites. He was called into a meeting with two Human Resources officials, one of whom Barber says ‘slapped down’ a printed copy of the column in front of him and asked if he had written it. Recognizing the piece, Barber confirmed he had written it on his own time, at his home and on his own computer.

Barber claims he was told, ‘Here at Allstate we have a very diverse community.’ Barber says the Human Resources assistant vice president told him the column didn’t reflect Allstate’s view and that he was suspended with pay. Barber was immediately ushered off company grounds—’which was humiliating,’ the former employee said. Three days later, Barber who had worked for Allstate for five years, says he got a call informing him he was fired ‘for writing the article,’ he said. Now, the Christian Law Association and David Gibbs III is representing Mr. Barber in a lawsuit. According to the agency’s report: ‘The claimant was discharged from Allstate because an outside organization had complained.’” (WorldNetDaily. 6/24/05.)

Infiltration of State into Church

“Armed with a 66-year-old law, the state revenue department of South Dakota is pushing churches to pay taxes on candles, Bibles, song books and other liturgical items purchased outside of their state. The crackdown, which was announced to churches recently in a letter from the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation, has alarmed church leaders who see the collection effort as a threat to their independence. ‘It’s corroding the separation between the church and the state, frankly,’ said Gary Nesdahl, executive director of the Association of Christian Churches of South Dakota, which represents about 1,000 churches in the state. Church leaders from about a dozen different denominations are sharing their concerns with an official from the state revenue department. At issue is whether churches are exempt from the payment of use taxes on items such as candles, sacramental wine, bread and prayer and song books. When those items are bought out of state, the department of revenue says, a ‘use tax’ must be paid. The letter orders the churches to obtain a tax license. And if a church is found to owe back taxes, the state wants to collect the amount owed from the past three years. “ ( Sioux Falls Argus Leader. 6/28/05.)

Student Flunks for God

“A college in southern California is now investigating the case of a student who says she was given an ‘F’ grade for mentioning ‘God’ against the expressed wishes of her atheist instructor. Bethany Hauf, a freshman at Victor Valley Community College near San Bernadino, wrote the G-word 41 times in a paper titled ‘In God We Trust,’ examining the role of religion in government. Her adjunct English instructor, Michael Shefchik, told her not to include ‘God’ in her paper. ‘He said it would offend others in class,’ Hauf, 34, told the Daily Press. ‘I didn’t realize God was taboo.’ The mother of four from Apple Valley, California, is now demanding an apology from the school, as well as a regrading of her 10-page report.

‘I don’t lose my First Amendment rights when I walk into that college,’ she said. ‘My teacher told me that I might as well write about the Easter Bunny,’ Hauf told the Daily Press. ‘He wanted to censor the word God.’ Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice is representing her. Sekulow says Hauf should have had no ban on her freedom of speech or religious views in the assignment.” (WorldNetDaily. 6/30/05.)

Religious Rental & Discrimination

“The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal court to bar New York City Public Schools from discriminating against religious speech. The DOJ has filed a second brief on behalf of the Bronx Household of Faith, a church that has been barred from renting school facilities on the same basis as other community groups. The Bronx church had sought to rent New York City Public School facilities after hours for the purpose of holding its worship services. However, even though secular organizations and community groups were allowed to use school facilities for a fee, the New York City Board of Education has refused to allow the Bronx Household of Faith the same access. Eric Treene, the DOJ’s Special Counsel for Religious Discrimination, says school boards, administrators and local government officials across the U.S. generally have a mindset that religion is not allowed in public places. The Justice Department officials say the New York school system is ignoring the law.” (Agape Press. 6/9/05.)

Courting Confusion

“The U.S. Supreme Court’s ‘yes’ and ‘no’ rulings on public displays of the Ten Commandments will have legal scholars and elected officials scratching their heads for years to come. And that’s too bad, because the First Amendment’s language seems clear enough to us. The first part of the Bill of Rights prohibits government ‘establishment’ of religion. In the context of colonial America, clearly it was a rebuke of an official state religion, the kind so many colonists from England had fled.

Posting a copy of the Ten Commandments in a courthouse among a number of documents referencing the nation’s roots is not a state establishment of religion. But the Supreme Court recently ruled 5-4, that it’s impermissible. That might lead a reasonable person to assume then that a granite monument to the Ten Commandments on the grounds of a state capitol would therefore also be impermissible. Well no—that’s OK, the high court ruled, again by a 5-4 margin.

In essence, the U.S. Supreme Court has been slowly chang