Archive for May 7th, 2009
From Gary Stern of LoHud.com’s Bloggin Religiously section:
A Nation of Prayer (and politics)
Today is the 58th annual National Day of Prayer, which, like so many things, has become quite politicized in recent years.
The National Day of Prayer became federal law in 1952, after heavy lobbying by Billy Graham and others. President Truman signed the bill.
The idea, at first, was pretty general: to inspire Americans to spend one day—the same day—in prayer and reflection, whether at church or at home.
In recent years, the day has become closely associated with the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a conservative evangelical group run by Shirley Dobson, the wife of Focus on the Family founder Jim Dobson. Many liberal and moderate Christians, among others, have complained that the day was hijacked by those with a very specific point of view.
President Bush invited religious leaders to the White House every year for a special prayer service.
President Obama chose not to, a move that is seen by some as anti-Day of Prayer. Obama did sign a proclamation this morning declaring a National Day of Prayer, but did not make a big deal of it.
Shortly after noon today, many Americans will gather in small groups outside their city and town halls to pray together.
So there you go.
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From Wayne Slater of the Dallas Morning News Religion Blog:
Obama: Not praying like the Pharisees
Fox & Friends is on fire this morning stoking the controversy over President Obama not publicly observing the National Day of Prayer as predecessor George W. Bush did. Lots of graphics about how many churches are near the White House. Much gnashing of teeth over the president slighting godly expression. No mention of Matthew 6:5-6:
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.”
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And from the Interfaith Alliance:
Interfaith Alliance Praises President’s National Day of Prayer Proclamation
Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement in response to the proclamation issued this afternoon by President Obama for the National Day of Prayer:
President Obama did the right thing today by issuing a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer that is inclusive of all Americans. We must cherish the freedom in this country to pray or not to pray.
The reality is that we don’t need our elected leaders to instruct us in the ways of religion just as we don’t need our religious leaders to tell us for whom to vote. However, if we are going to have such a day, I am glad to see that this president understands that it should be inclusive.
May 7th, 2009
- Miles will eventually talk to DeadDaniel.
- It’s taken me about four years, but I think I just got the significance of Jack’s last name, Shepherd. I’m still trying to figure out significance of Geeding.
- I loved that scene of Dr Chang quizzing Hurley. But here was my favorite exchange of the episode:
BEN: ”What’s wrong, John? Afraid I’ll stage a coup?”
JOHN: ”I’m not afraid of anything you can do anymore, Ben.”
BEN, dripping sarcasm: ”Well, in that case, I’d love to come.”
- It seemed weird that Richard was working on a ship in a bottle on the beach. Of course we know it’s related to the Black Rock, but as nomadic as these people are, it doesn’t make sense for him to keep something so fragile . . . unless he’s going to give it to someone. We’ll see that ship in a bottle wash up in a future episode. I’m also betting that Richard was part of the crew of that ship.
- I’m still trying to figure out what Richard meant by when he said he saw the Losties die back in 1977. I’m guessing lie or half-truth.
- Does this picture mean that Ellie was pregnant in this episode?
- That guy that Locke tied up, Phil, reminds me of that Squeak from the movie BASEketball. Great comedy btw. I bet will be getting some Sawyer vengeance after beating his girl.
- The submarine special effects were weaaaaaaaaaaaak.
- There’s no reason why Kate would want to change things were Oceanic 815 landed in LA – she would be in jail.
- The bomb must have gotten their via the “shadow of the statue.”
- So much for my “the bomb is in the statue” theory.
- It was nice that Miles got to see the goodness of his daddy.
- It was a bid weird as Sawyer and Juliet made their way to the sub, I kept expecting something to happen – an ambush or explosion or something. But I did like Sawyer’s goodbye to the Island.
- I bet Kate will open her mouth to Sawyer and tell him about the whole “Jack wants to blow up the island with a hydrogen bomb” rant which will cause Sawyer to take a Dharma dude hostage and have the sub turn around.
- It sure was nice of Locke to show up to camp with dinner.
May 7th, 2009
Is it a divine message or a meaty coincidence trapped in casing?
A South Florida woman said she was cooking fried salami when she noticed the word “GOD” on the meat, Miami television station WFOR reported.
Full WSBTV.com Article
I’m not sure why, but for some reason this story reminded me of something my father would sometime say, “Holy Mackerel, Kingfish!”
May 7th, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Sukaina al-Zayer is an unlikely beauty queen hopeful. She covers her face and body in black robes and an Islamic veil, so no one can tell what she looks like. She also admits she’s a little on the plump side.
But at Saudi Arabia’s only beauty pageant, the judges don’t care about a perfect figure or face. What they’re looking for in the quest for “Miss Beautiful Morals” is the contestant who shows the most devotion and respect for her parents.
Full Article
May 7th, 2009
BOURNEMOUTH, England (ABP) — British Baptists marked the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first Baptist congregation in 1609 in an annual meeting of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and BMS World Mission May 1-4.
Full Associated Baptist Press Article
May 7th, 2009
Congress’ official designation and the President’s predictable proclamation of a National Day of prayer is misguided and unnecessary, says a Washington, D.C.-based church-state organization.
J. Brent Walker, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, said “it is not the government’s job to tell the American people what, where or when to pray or even if they should pray.”
In 1952, Congress passed a joint resolution, signed by President Harry Truman, setting aside one day a year for prayer. Since then, presidents have proclaimed a day for prayer annually observed on the first Thursday of May. The administration has announced President Obama will sign a proclamation but will not hold an event this year. “There is nothing wrong with the American people getting together to pray on a designated day, even public officials,” Walker said. “In fact every day should be a day of national prayer. President Obama, like others before him, welcomes prayers for our country and its leadership. He has expressed his personal appreciation for such support, and people of faith feel called to pray for our country.
“The problem with the National Day of Prayer is that it is an official act of the government urging citizens to engage in a religious exercise,” Walker said.
Walker said people of faith do not require the government’s stamp of approval for their religious practices.
“A day of prayer is more appropriately called for by pastors, rabbis and imams among us – not civil magistrates, Congress, or even an American president.”
www.bjconline.org
The National Day of Prayer has been going on for over 50 years, so I wonder why they now have an issue with it.
Of course, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) has their own take of the National Day of Prayer with the new administration.
Somewhat related: Federal “Religious History Week” Bill
A federal bill, the Spiritual Heritage Resolution introduced by Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) details how religion and politics have played vital roles in American history. The measure has won enthusiastic support from members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, as well as Gary Bauer and James and Shirley Dobson of the Colorado-based National Day of Prayer. The bill will be re-introduced after NDOP events this Thursday.
May 7th, 2009
“Magnificent” is the second single to be released fromU2’s new album, No Line On The Horizon.
Watch the newly released video here.
May 7th, 2009
If you’ve attempted to view the live stream video of this year’s Bible Reading Marathon at the US Capitol, you’re probably as disappointed as I am. The constant deluge of cold rain knocked us off the air almost immediately. In fact, we had serious technical problems due to weather from the very beginning, missing the dedication ceremony and only getting a few hours covered before the US Capitol police shut down our power out of safety concerns.
I blamed it all on the farmers! (You know, they’re always praying for rain!) Anyway, the Marathon did launch right on schedule, thank God! After presiding over the opening ceremonies, I was also the first up to read. 20-year Marathon organizers Pastor Michael Hall and his wife Terri asked me to read Genesis 1:1 in the original Hebrew, to which I obliged, of course. Then it was on to the next two chapters, after which other hearty souls took up the torch of God’s Word. Come rain or shine (and there’ll be a lot more of the former), volunteer readers from every walk of life will declare the Biblical record non-stop, verbatim and without interruption for a total of 90 straight hours!
Link
May 7th, 2009
They have stood the test of time and it seems that today, despite all the changes to church services, men still prefer to sing ‘proper macho hymns’.
Nearly 60 per cent of those who took part in a survey said they enjoyed singing – but added comments showing they preferred anthemic songs and ‘proclamational’ hymns as opposed to more emotional love songs.
Sixty per cent said they did not like flowers and embroidered banners in church, while 52 per cent did not like dancing in church.
Comments gathered from the online survey of 400 UK readers of the men’s magazine Sorted also showed many did not like hugging, holding hands or sitting in circles discussing their feelings in church. Most were churchgoers.
The magazine suggested a top ten of male-friendly hymns including: Onward Christian Soldiers, Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer, All People That On Earth Do Dwell, Amazing Grace and Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind Forgive Our Foolish Ways.
Full Article
May 7th, 2009
Dressed in a suit, this person would not look out of place in a busy street in a modern city.
The clay sculpture, however, portrays the face of the earliest known modern European – a man or woman who hunted deer and gathered fruit and herbs in ancient forests more than 35,000 years ago.
It was created by Richard Neave, one of Britain’s leading forensic scientists, using fossilised fragments of skull and jawbone found in a cave seven years ago.
Full MailOnline Article
May 7th, 2009
- When I look at weather maps online, I always prefer looking at the animated version.
- I hear that Jerry Rice will be featured on the new Michael Irvin reality show.
- I never heard of a hard drive dock before yesterday, but it seems like a good idea.
- For those of you that happen to have a pair of 3-D glasses laying around, check this out.
- Five Texans will be on the next Bachelorette – Will that show please go away.
- A Baptist pastor writes Christians Have No Reason to Fear Public Education
- I’m confused, is today the National Day of Prayer or the National Day of Reason?
- I have in infection where my stitches are, per the doctor.
- The lawn needs mowing, but I’m told I can’t sweat because of the stitches.
- OtherDogGeeding really needs a haircut.
- WifeGeeding is really ready for the school year to be over.
- I may be the only person outside of Minnesota, but I would like to see Farve come back and play for the Vikes.
- Grace
May 7th, 2009
