I am disappointed, another article dissing atheism today
'the deserts of atheism' !! this just pisses me off
And in this new 245-page memoir, Rice presents her former life as vampire writer as that of a soul-searching wanderer in the deserts of atheism; as someone akin to her most famous literary creations -- Lestat, her "dark search engine," Louis the aristocrat-turned-vampire and Egyptian Queen Akasha, "the mother of all vampires."
"I do think that those dark books were always talking about religion in their own way. They were talking about the grief for a lost faith," she said.
In 2002, Rice broke away completely from atheism -- nearly four decades after she gave up her Roman Catholic faith as the 1960s started. It happened when she went off to college and found her peers talking about existentialism -- Martin Heidegger, Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre. Religion, she writes, was too restrictive to the young Rice. Too out of step.
Yet, religion had to come back into her life, she writes. For her, it was something she'd have to face up to again like an absent parent or a long-lost love child or Banquo the ghost in "Macbeth."
By the late 1990s, when she went back to Mass, Rice -- the author whose books sold in the tens of millions and who had recharged Hollywood's appetite for vampire-inspired horror -- had fallen on hard times.
Her husband, poet and artist Stan Rice, died of a brain tumor in 2002. And she had become victim to diabetes.
Always over-the-top and beyond the rational, she writes that her return of faith was preceded by a series of epiphanies -- many while on travels to Europe's cathedrals, Israel and Brazil. In one episode, when she visited the giant Jesus statue above Rio de Janeiro, she writes that she felt "delirium" as the clouds broke and revealed the statue.
Her professed revelations recall the religious intoxication she describes of her childhood.
Oct 31, 2008
GAPAC
This is very bad news for the GAPAC group, now anyone who holds an office and even is seen talking to anyone from this group will be labeled as Godless. To make matters worse there is no comments section below this article for anyone to try and defend GAPAC or Ms. Hagan. This is a despicable add not because she was seen in the company of atheists but because it is a lie that Ms. Hagan is Godless. And even if she was, it should not make a difference. One doesn't have to be an unbeliever to support those who are fighting to keep our government secular.
I met Wendy Kaiminar at my first Humanist Conference almost 10 years ago. She is a good godless person. A Heroine
CNN) -- Kay Hagan erupted in anger Thursday over a television ad from Sen. Elizabeth Dole suggesting Hagan is "godless."
Kay Hagan, seen here in September, has served in the North Carolina state senate for 10 years.
"I think Elizabeth Dole has just gone to the lowest of the lows," Hagan said of the ad during an appearance on a talk show on WPTF-AM in Raleigh, North Carolina. "This is an attack on my Christian faith."
Hagan, who described herself as a Sunday school teacher and an elder at a Presbyterian church in Greensboro, North Carolina, urged Dole to "pull this kind of despicable ad."
Hagan, who is challenging Dole's re-election bid, filed an application in a Wake County, North Carolina, court Thursday, seeking permission to file a complaint within 20 days, after the election is over.
"The advertisement purposely misstates facts about the plaintiff," said the three-page application, which was filed in District Superior Court.
In the 30-second ad, a narrator says that a leader of the Godless Americans Political Action Committee recently held a "secret fundraiser" for Hagan.
The ad then shows members of the group, which promotes rights for atheists and the separation of church and state, declaring that neither God nor Jesus exists.
Don't Miss
Commentary: Mudslinging to get elected
"Godless Americans and Kay Hagan," the ad continues. "She hid from cameras. Took 'Godless' money. What did Kay Hagan promise in return?"
The ad ends with a picture of Hagan and a voice that sounds like hers declaring, "There is no God."
But the application said Hagan never made that statement or accepted money from the group.
Lawyers representing Dole and her campaign defended the ad Thursday as "100 percent factually accurate and truthful." The campaign for the GOP incumbent said it based its claims on Hagan's attendance at a fundraiser in the home of a GAPAC adviser.
"Kay Hagan attended a fundraiser event in Massachusetts in September held in the home of two anti-religion activists, Wendy Kaminer and her lawyer husband, Woody Kaplan," Dole's attorneys said in a letter to Hagan's lawyer.
They described Kaplan as a founder and advisory board member of the GAPAC. The letter said Kaplan and Kaminer were advisory board members of The Secular Coalition for America, which it described as "the national lobby for atheists, humanists, freethinkers and other nontheistic Americans with the unique mission of protecting their civil rights."
The lawyers also said Kaplan gave $2,300 to Hagan's campaign.
"This is politics of the worst kind, and I know it has been rejected by North Carolinians at every level," said Hagan.
Polls suggest Hagan -- a Democratic state senator from Greensboro who began the race at a major financial disadvantage to Dole -- is slightly ahead of the incumbent.
I met Wendy Kaiminar at my first Humanist Conference almost 10 years ago. She is a good godless person. A Heroine
CNN) -- Kay Hagan erupted in anger Thursday over a television ad from Sen. Elizabeth Dole suggesting Hagan is "godless."
Kay Hagan, seen here in September, has served in the North Carolina state senate for 10 years.
"I think Elizabeth Dole has just gone to the lowest of the lows," Hagan said of the ad during an appearance on a talk show on WPTF-AM in Raleigh, North Carolina. "This is an attack on my Christian faith."
Hagan, who described herself as a Sunday school teacher and an elder at a Presbyterian church in Greensboro, North Carolina, urged Dole to "pull this kind of despicable ad."
Hagan, who is challenging Dole's re-election bid, filed an application in a Wake County, North Carolina, court Thursday, seeking permission to file a complaint within 20 days, after the election is over.
"The advertisement purposely misstates facts about the plaintiff," said the three-page application, which was filed in District Superior Court.
In the 30-second ad, a narrator says that a leader of the Godless Americans Political Action Committee recently held a "secret fundraiser" for Hagan.
The ad then shows members of the group, which promotes rights for atheists and the separation of church and state, declaring that neither God nor Jesus exists.
Don't Miss
Commentary: Mudslinging to get elected
"Godless Americans and Kay Hagan," the ad continues. "She hid from cameras. Took 'Godless' money. What did Kay Hagan promise in return?"
The ad ends with a picture of Hagan and a voice that sounds like hers declaring, "There is no God."
But the application said Hagan never made that statement or accepted money from the group.
Lawyers representing Dole and her campaign defended the ad Thursday as "100 percent factually accurate and truthful." The campaign for the GOP incumbent said it based its claims on Hagan's attendance at a fundraiser in the home of a GAPAC adviser.
"Kay Hagan attended a fundraiser event in Massachusetts in September held in the home of two anti-religion activists, Wendy Kaminer and her lawyer husband, Woody Kaplan," Dole's attorneys said in a letter to Hagan's lawyer.
They described Kaplan as a founder and advisory board member of the GAPAC. The letter said Kaplan and Kaminer were advisory board members of The Secular Coalition for America, which it described as "the national lobby for atheists, humanists, freethinkers and other nontheistic Americans with the unique mission of protecting their civil rights."
The lawyers also said Kaplan gave $2,300 to Hagan's campaign.
"This is politics of the worst kind, and I know it has been rejected by North Carolinians at every level," said Hagan.
Polls suggest Hagan -- a Democratic state senator from Greensboro who began the race at a major financial disadvantage to Dole -- is slightly ahead of the incumbent.
Greed per Micheal
The six deadly sins
By Michael Rissman - 10/31/08
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride: which doesn’t belong? Greed of course. Greed is good. The others are all deadly sins. Greed is not good, of course: not good for the economy and not good for the soul. Free markets and free societies work when individuals act in their enlightened self-interest. Greed is in no one’s enlightened self-interest. On that secular humanists and those of all faiths agree.Of late in the United States, greed has been used to justify obscene transfers of wealth, not among classes but among generations. What could be more craven than running huge deficits to make our generation wealthier at the expense of the next?Obama seems to be wakening young Americans from torpor induced by the notion that greed is good. I wish for them a return to the classic values: prudence, temperance, courage and justice.But if McCain wins, I’ll make my peace with his belief that paying taxes is un-American. I’ll get to have my cake and eat it to. I won’t be greedy when I stop paying taxes; I’ll be a super-patriot.Michael Rissman
By Michael Rissman - 10/31/08
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride: which doesn’t belong? Greed of course. Greed is good. The others are all deadly sins. Greed is not good, of course: not good for the economy and not good for the soul. Free markets and free societies work when individuals act in their enlightened self-interest. Greed is in no one’s enlightened self-interest. On that secular humanists and those of all faiths agree.Of late in the United States, greed has been used to justify obscene transfers of wealth, not among classes but among generations. What could be more craven than running huge deficits to make our generation wealthier at the expense of the next?Obama seems to be wakening young Americans from torpor induced by the notion that greed is good. I wish for them a return to the classic values: prudence, temperance, courage and justice.But if McCain wins, I’ll make my peace with his belief that paying taxes is un-American. I’ll get to have my cake and eat it to. I won’t be greedy when I stop paying taxes; I’ll be a super-patriot.Michael Rissman
Oct 29, 2008
Dole's 'Godless' Ad
There is nothing wrong with being God Free! Darn it
In a dirty campaign ad from Elizabeth Dole alleges her opponent is Kay Hagan is "Godless."
Supposedly the Godless Americans PAC held a fundraiser for Kay Hagan,” the ad also claims the group declares God and Jesus are not real. Hagan was said to have hidden from cameras, took godless money,” (How could it be godless money with "Under God' on all of U.S currency?) Dole's ad asks the threaten question “What did Kay Hagan promise in return?” I'm sure implying evil deeds.
"There is no God." is a quote in the ad that sounds like Hagan, but she never said that.
Hagan's did attend a fundraiser at he home of an advisor to the 'Godless Americans’ Pac that promotes rights for atheists. Who else attended?
In response to the ad, Hagan said she did know even know about the Godless PAC and said the fundraiser in question had more than 40 hosts, such as Sen. John Kerry. She asked her lawyers to issue a cease-and-desist order on the ad.
Hagan said. “This is politics of the worst kind." This is a fabricated, pathetic ad."
Hagan then fought back, by saying she was a Sunday school teacher and have the church confirm it.
In a dirty campaign ad from Elizabeth Dole alleges her opponent is Kay Hagan is "Godless."
Supposedly the Godless Americans PAC held a fundraiser for Kay Hagan,” the ad also claims the group declares God and Jesus are not real. Hagan was said to have hidden from cameras, took godless money,” (How could it be godless money with "Under God' on all of U.S currency?) Dole's ad asks the threaten question “What did Kay Hagan promise in return?” I'm sure implying evil deeds.
"There is no God." is a quote in the ad that sounds like Hagan, but she never said that.
Hagan's did attend a fundraiser at he home of an advisor to the 'Godless Americans’ Pac that promotes rights for atheists. Who else attended?
In response to the ad, Hagan said she did know even know about the Godless PAC and said the fundraiser in question had more than 40 hosts, such as Sen. John Kerry. She asked her lawyers to issue a cease-and-desist order on the ad.
Hagan said. “This is politics of the worst kind." This is a fabricated, pathetic ad."
Hagan then fought back, by saying she was a Sunday school teacher and have the church confirm it.
SOB Stokes Back in the News
Stokes is Rush on meth
The Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party in bed together. Gross out! Stokes is a bigot in Kalispell who moved here from out of state and makes a living pushing peoples buttons. He was given all kinds of press for way too long, and now someone has gone and done it again. I wish someone like me could get the attention he does. (Maybe not)
Its too much fun watching the Republican party falling apart. Capitalism and Christianity at its very best
“People are just fed up with the mainstream parties,” said John Stokes, owner of Z-600 AM radio station in Kalispell. “Folks see this country is on a downward slope, and not adhering to the Constitution.”
Give us a break Stokes, a few crazies like you that is.
Ron Paul could play spoiler Nov. 4
By MATT GOURAS - Associated Press - 10/29/08
AP Photo/Matt Gouras - Z-600 AM radio station owner John Stokes poses outside his radio station in Kalispell on Oct. 23. He uses his talk show to advance Ron Paul, who is on the ballot in Montana under The Constitution Party banner and could steal votes from Republican John McCain. Montana is typically safe territory for Republican presidential candidates — President Bush won the state by about 20 points in both 2000 and 2004, and only two Democratic presidential candidates have carried the state since 1948.
But Obama staked out Montana early on as a potential battleground state and he's sticking with it to the end.
KALISPELL — Along a stretch of Highway 93, signs supporting former GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul almost outnumber those of the party’s presidential nominee, John McCain.
It’s been months since Paul officially left the race, and yet a series of circumstances has the Texas congressman right in the middle of the presidential race in Montana. Political observers say Paul, on the ballot as a third-party candidate, will likely draw some votes away from McCain. (appreciate that guys)
And if the race is close, Paul could be the difference. (like the Stan and Tester race)
“Ron Paul is the wild card,” said David Hart, who oversaw Paul’s campaign in Montana during the primary. “A lot of people are not happy with that.” (Stokes loves pissing people off)
In parts of western Montana, Paul attracts independent-minded (irrational)voters who are drawn to a libertarian message. Only in Montana does Paul appear on the ballot as a Constitution Party candidate.
Stokes has erected a large “Ron Paul Revolution” sign outside the station and uses his talk show to promote Paul. He said he wouldn’t be surprised if Paul gets 8 to 10 percent of the vote in Montana on Nov. 4.
None of this would have been possible without Paul’s supporters, who put his name forward as the Constitution Party of Montana candidate. Paul later asked the secretary of state’s office to remove his name from the ballot, but state officials said they couldn’t. (Hysterical)
Paul has not been campaigning in the state and has even asked supporters to write in Chuck Baldwin, the national Constitution Party candidate. Paul did not respond to requests for an interview.
During the GOP primary, some of Paul’s strongest support came in Montana. He received about a quarter of the vote in the state’s June primary — even after it was clear McCain was the party’s presumptive nominee.
Now he could play spoiler to McCain, whose lead in the polls in Montana has diminished. A recent MSU-Billings poll had the presidential race within the margin of error, with Paul drawing 4 percent.
Democrat Barack Obama has been sinking money and resources into Montana in attempt to turn the traditionally red state blue. McCain has largely ignored the state, although the Republican National Committee will begin independently airing ads in Montana this week.
“Absolutely he (Paul) will pull some votes from McCain,” said MSU-Billings political scientist Craig Wilson. “It potentially could make it competitive.”
Gov. Brian Schweitzer agrees. The Democrat is supporting Obama and believes Paul could help Obama carry a state that has backed the Republican presidential candidate all but two times since 1948. The last time a Democrat won Montana was in 1992, when third-party candidate Ross Perot siphoned some votes from Republican George H.W. Bush.
“That’s why they are tied,” Schweitzer said, referring to Paul’s popularity in Montana.
Schweitzer said those who vote on the gun issue will have trouble backing either Obama or McCain. The Montana Shootings Sports Association has told members that a principled voter should choose Paul over McCain.
The McCain campaign has brushed aside worries about Paul, insisting the race is between McCain and Obama.
Hart, who worked for Paul during the primary, said plenty of people in Flathead County will still vote for Paul. While many Paul supporters have said they will vote for McCain, others want to choose “principle over party,” Hart said.
Hart still receives requests for yard signs, and he often obliges by handing out leftovers from Paul’s primary campaign. Hart, who is also getting more involved in the local Republican Party, understands there could be some hurt feelings if Paul steals some votes from McCain.
“If Obama were to carry Montana, they are going to point a finger at me,” he said. “But the reality is they should be looking in the mirror.”
Why do Republicans keep saying they are finanical & social conservatives, when they are obviously not. What was that happened recently, thats right, a 700 Billion handhout, 2 privately contracted wars, and to top it off abortion is still legal. Wow! Impressive
The Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party in bed together. Gross out! Stokes is a bigot in Kalispell who moved here from out of state and makes a living pushing peoples buttons. He was given all kinds of press for way too long, and now someone has gone and done it again. I wish someone like me could get the attention he does. (Maybe not)
Its too much fun watching the Republican party falling apart. Capitalism and Christianity at its very best
“People are just fed up with the mainstream parties,” said John Stokes, owner of Z-600 AM radio station in Kalispell. “Folks see this country is on a downward slope, and not adhering to the Constitution.”
Give us a break Stokes, a few crazies like you that is.
Ron Paul could play spoiler Nov. 4
By MATT GOURAS - Associated Press - 10/29/08
AP Photo/Matt Gouras - Z-600 AM radio station owner John Stokes poses outside his radio station in Kalispell on Oct. 23. He uses his talk show to advance Ron Paul, who is on the ballot in Montana under The Constitution Party banner and could steal votes from Republican John McCain. Montana is typically safe territory for Republican presidential candidates — President Bush won the state by about 20 points in both 2000 and 2004, and only two Democratic presidential candidates have carried the state since 1948.
But Obama staked out Montana early on as a potential battleground state and he's sticking with it to the end.
KALISPELL — Along a stretch of Highway 93, signs supporting former GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul almost outnumber those of the party’s presidential nominee, John McCain.
It’s been months since Paul officially left the race, and yet a series of circumstances has the Texas congressman right in the middle of the presidential race in Montana. Political observers say Paul, on the ballot as a third-party candidate, will likely draw some votes away from McCain. (appreciate that guys)
And if the race is close, Paul could be the difference. (like the Stan and Tester race)
“Ron Paul is the wild card,” said David Hart, who oversaw Paul’s campaign in Montana during the primary. “A lot of people are not happy with that.” (Stokes loves pissing people off)
In parts of western Montana, Paul attracts independent-minded (irrational)voters who are drawn to a libertarian message. Only in Montana does Paul appear on the ballot as a Constitution Party candidate.
Stokes has erected a large “Ron Paul Revolution” sign outside the station and uses his talk show to promote Paul. He said he wouldn’t be surprised if Paul gets 8 to 10 percent of the vote in Montana on Nov. 4.
None of this would have been possible without Paul’s supporters, who put his name forward as the Constitution Party of Montana candidate. Paul later asked the secretary of state’s office to remove his name from the ballot, but state officials said they couldn’t. (Hysterical)
Paul has not been campaigning in the state and has even asked supporters to write in Chuck Baldwin, the national Constitution Party candidate. Paul did not respond to requests for an interview.
During the GOP primary, some of Paul’s strongest support came in Montana. He received about a quarter of the vote in the state’s June primary — even after it was clear McCain was the party’s presumptive nominee.
Now he could play spoiler to McCain, whose lead in the polls in Montana has diminished. A recent MSU-Billings poll had the presidential race within the margin of error, with Paul drawing 4 percent.
Democrat Barack Obama has been sinking money and resources into Montana in attempt to turn the traditionally red state blue. McCain has largely ignored the state, although the Republican National Committee will begin independently airing ads in Montana this week.
“Absolutely he (Paul) will pull some votes from McCain,” said MSU-Billings political scientist Craig Wilson. “It potentially could make it competitive.”
Gov. Brian Schweitzer agrees. The Democrat is supporting Obama and believes Paul could help Obama carry a state that has backed the Republican presidential candidate all but two times since 1948. The last time a Democrat won Montana was in 1992, when third-party candidate Ross Perot siphoned some votes from Republican George H.W. Bush.
“That’s why they are tied,” Schweitzer said, referring to Paul’s popularity in Montana.
Schweitzer said those who vote on the gun issue will have trouble backing either Obama or McCain. The Montana Shootings Sports Association has told members that a principled voter should choose Paul over McCain.
The McCain campaign has brushed aside worries about Paul, insisting the race is between McCain and Obama.
Hart, who worked for Paul during the primary, said plenty of people in Flathead County will still vote for Paul. While many Paul supporters have said they will vote for McCain, others want to choose “principle over party,” Hart said.
Hart still receives requests for yard signs, and he often obliges by handing out leftovers from Paul’s primary campaign. Hart, who is also getting more involved in the local Republican Party, understands there could be some hurt feelings if Paul steals some votes from McCain.
“If Obama were to carry Montana, they are going to point a finger at me,” he said. “But the reality is they should be looking in the mirror.”
Why do Republicans keep saying they are finanical & social conservatives, when they are obviously not. What was that happened recently, thats right, a 700 Billion handhout, 2 privately contracted wars, and to top it off abortion is still legal. Wow! Impressive
Oct 24, 2008
Parade draws fire for dropping 'Christmas'
My Gawd! Its not even Halloween yet and the war against Christmas has started. Christmas is 2 months away. What ever happened to the 40 days of Christmas? Even 40 days is way too much in my opinion. Christmas Eve and Christmas day should be the only two days anyone should have to hear the words "Merry Christmas"
I will stay out of the stores and buy xmas/soltice gifts online to avoid being constantly reminded I am NOT a Christian.
Fireworks company is pulling out of event word was dropped from event (GOOD)
updated 7:28 p.m. MT, Thurs., Oct. 23, 2008
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - A famed fireworks company is pulling out of a holiday boat parade because "Christmas" was dropped from the event's name.
Fireworks by Grucci won't lend its sparkle to Patchogue's Nov. 23 parade — decorated yachts on the Patchogue River — because the organizers have renamed it the Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade. It was the Patchogue Christmas Boat Parade last year, when the Grucci company donated $5,000 worth of fireworks.
The company's vice president, Philip Butler, who has criticized the secularization of Christmas in the past, said parade organizers were "using all the themes of Christmas and plagiarizing all those themes."
Organizers in the Long Island town said the parade has had several names over its roughly 15-year existence. The name was changed again this year after complaints that the use of "Christmas" seemed to make the parade less inclusive.
"When I think about fireworks, I don't think about Christmas anyway," Mayor Paul Pontieri said. "I think about the Fourth of July."
The venerable Grucci company is famous for providing spectacular fireworks displays at major national celebrations. It is based in Brookhaven, not far from Patchogue
I will stay out of the stores and buy xmas/soltice gifts online to avoid being constantly reminded I am NOT a Christian.
Fireworks company is pulling out of event word was dropped from event (GOOD)
updated 7:28 p.m. MT, Thurs., Oct. 23, 2008
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - A famed fireworks company is pulling out of a holiday boat parade because "Christmas" was dropped from the event's name.
Fireworks by Grucci won't lend its sparkle to Patchogue's Nov. 23 parade — decorated yachts on the Patchogue River — because the organizers have renamed it the Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade. It was the Patchogue Christmas Boat Parade last year, when the Grucci company donated $5,000 worth of fireworks.
The company's vice president, Philip Butler, who has criticized the secularization of Christmas in the past, said parade organizers were "using all the themes of Christmas and plagiarizing all those themes."
Organizers in the Long Island town said the parade has had several names over its roughly 15-year existence. The name was changed again this year after complaints that the use of "Christmas" seemed to make the parade less inclusive.
"When I think about fireworks, I don't think about Christmas anyway," Mayor Paul Pontieri said. "I think about the Fourth of July."
The venerable Grucci company is famous for providing spectacular fireworks displays at major national celebrations. It is based in Brookhaven, not far from Patchogue
Oct 23, 2008
birth control is 'murder' sermon
The 6th commandment "thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17), is better understood to mean "you shall not murder
MURDER
1: the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought2 a: something very difficult or dangerous b: something outrageous or blameworthy
MALICE
1 : desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another 2 : intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse
KILL
1 a: to deprive of life : cause the death of b (1): to slaughter (as a hog) for food (2): to convert a food animal into (a kind of meat) by slaughtering2 a: to put an end to b: defeat , veto c: to mark for omission ; also : delete d: annihilate , destroy 3 a: to destroy the vital or essential quality of b: to cause to stop c: to check the flow of current through4: to make a markedly favorable impression on 5: to get through uneventfully ; also : to get through (the time of a penalty) without being scored on 6 a: to cause extreme pain to b: to tire almost to the point of collapse7: to hit (a shot) so hard in various games that a return is impossible8: to consume (as a drink) totallyintransitive verb1: to deprive one of life2: to make a markedly favorable impression
FORT WORTH - The Southern Baptist Convention is reacting after News 8 showed a message from a Southern Baptist preacher teaching Fort Worth seminary students that the birth control pill equals murder.
In a controversial sermon to students at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Thomas White, acting as the student services vice president this month, preached that birth control is murder and called attempts at family planning selfish.
"Some of you are involved in that exact same sin," he said.
Brett Younger, a Mercer University theology professor and former senior pastor at Broadway Baptist, said he believes it's absurd to think Christian couples should hope for 10 children and they have a responsibility to "thoughtfully, prayerfully consider what's best for their family, and the world."
The Ethics & Religious Commission president for the Southern Baptist Convention reacted Wednesday to Dr. White's preaching.
"I don't believe prudent planning is rebellion against God's will as long as couples accept God may cause them to have unplanned pregnancies anyway," said Richard Land.
But, Land said he ultimately agrees with Dr. White on the subject of the birth control pill.
"It stops ovulation, meaning it stops the eggs from being released," said Kathryn Allen, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood, while explaining how the pill works.
The controversial part comes into play if an egg is somehow released, which is when the pill "can" prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
The view that when this happens it constitutes murder is what Allen said worries her as it gains increasing attention. However, she has estimated there is still little support.
Meanwhile, Land has issued a statement on his thoughts on the subject.
"The Southern Baptist Convention is not opposed to the use of birth control within marriage as long as the methods used do not cause the fertilized egg to abort and as long as the methods used do not bar having children all together unless there's a medical reason the couple should not have children," he said.
MURDER
1: the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought2 a: something very difficult or dangerous
MALICE
1 : desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another 2 : intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse
KILL
1 a: to deprive of life : cause the death of b (1): to slaughter (as a hog) for food (2): to convert a food animal into (a kind of meat) by slaughtering2 a: to put an end to
FORT WORTH - The Southern Baptist Convention is reacting after News 8 showed a message from a Southern Baptist preacher teaching Fort Worth seminary students that the birth control pill equals murder.
In a controversial sermon to students at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Thomas White, acting as the student services vice president this month, preached that birth control is murder and called attempts at family planning selfish.
"Some of you are involved in that exact same sin," he said.
Brett Younger, a Mercer University theology professor and former senior pastor at Broadway Baptist, said he believes it's absurd to think Christian couples should hope for 10 children and they have a responsibility to "thoughtfully, prayerfully consider what's best for their family, and the world."
The Ethics & Religious Commission president for the Southern Baptist Convention reacted Wednesday to Dr. White's preaching.
"I don't believe prudent planning is rebellion against God's will as long as couples accept God may cause them to have unplanned pregnancies anyway," said Richard Land.
But, Land said he ultimately agrees with Dr. White on the subject of the birth control pill.
"It stops ovulation, meaning it stops the eggs from being released," said Kathryn Allen, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood, while explaining how the pill works.
The controversial part comes into play if an egg is somehow released, which is when the pill "can" prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
The view that when this happens it constitutes murder is what Allen said worries her as it gains increasing attention. However, she has estimated there is still little support.
Meanwhile, Land has issued a statement on his thoughts on the subject.
"The Southern Baptist Convention is not opposed to the use of birth control within marriage as long as the methods used do not cause the fertilized egg to abort and as long as the methods used do not bar having children all together unless there's a medical reason the couple should not have children," he said.
Oct 22, 2008
Obama Wins Scholistic Election
Obama Wins Scholastic News Election Poll
Almost a quarter of a million kids voted
Barack Obama won with 57 percent of the vote, to 39 percent for John McCain.
The kids voted by ballot or online at www.scholastic.com/news. The poll closed October 10.
Since 1940, the results of the student vote have predicted the outcome of the election all but two times. Once in 1948, kids chose Thomas E. Dewey over Harry S. Truman and in 1960, the students picked Richard M. Nixon rather than John F. Kennedy.
Almost a quarter of a million kids voted
Barack Obama won with 57 percent of the vote, to 39 percent for John McCain.
The kids voted by ballot or online at www.scholastic.com/news. The poll closed October 10.
Since 1940, the results of the student vote have predicted the outcome of the election all but two times. Once in 1948, kids chose Thomas E. Dewey over Harry S. Truman and in 1960, the students picked Richard M. Nixon rather than John F. Kennedy.
Palin and the Alaska Independence Party
Crabby1 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:17 AM:
" I wish those "journalists" would write an in-depth story about the traitor Alaska Independence Party, whose sole purpose is to susceed (sp) from the Union, as well as the FACT that both Palins were dues-paying active members. "
Crabby is both wrong and right
This group is affiliated more with the Constitution Party today and had more Libertarian leanings in the past. Originally the party wanted to secede from our great nation, but now is more interested in forming a more theocratic state.
The Constitution Party!, Booooooooo!
I could tell right off the bat, I did not like Sarah Palin. The more I learn about her the more I dislike what she stands for. It blows my mind McCain picked her for VP. She is a wild card. She herself was not a member of AIP, but her husband was and she probably would have if it did not hurt her chances of becoming Governor.
Very Very Creepy People
" I wish those "journalists" would write an in-depth story about the traitor Alaska Independence Party, whose sole purpose is to susceed (sp) from the Union, as well as the FACT that both Palins were dues-paying active members. "
Crabby is both wrong and right
This group is affiliated more with the Constitution Party today and had more Libertarian leanings in the past. Originally the party wanted to secede from our great nation, but now is more interested in forming a more theocratic state.
The Constitution Party!, Booooooooo!
I could tell right off the bat, I did not like Sarah Palin. The more I learn about her the more I dislike what she stands for. It blows my mind McCain picked her for VP. She is a wild card. She herself was not a member of AIP, but her husband was and she probably would have if it did not hurt her chances of becoming Governor.
Very Very Creepy People
Library votes to keep book
I am sure this will not be the last time we hear from Mr. Cohen. But, it will be tough for him to find a more controversial book to protest. I know he loves Halloween and Christmas, so I expect a letter to the editor soon about these pagan/secular holdiays.
Library votes to keep controversial book
By ALANA LISTOE - Independent Record - 10/22/08
Carole Byrnes, chairwoman of the Lewis and Clark Library Board of Directors, said banning books from library shelves is censorship.
Byrnes, along with the other four board members, voted to retain the book, “The Joy of Gay Sex,” in the library’s collection with unrestricted access at a meeting Tuesday night.
After reading the book Byrnes acknowledged that the pictures and descriptions were graphic, but she viewed it as an instructional, education manual.
The request to remove the book from the library’s circulation came from Helena resident Paul Cohen, who said the book was “pornographic.” He said the library is negligent of providing a “safe place” for children and adolescents when they have access to the material.
The library’s collection review committee and Director Judy Hart reviewed the book and library policies and ultimately recommended keeping the book, saying it is the library’s obligation to provide information to all segments of society.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Cohen appealed to trustees in August and a public hearing was held last month.
The board received and reviewed about 200 written submissions on the matter.
Library policy says that no material will be excluded from consideration because of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political or social view of the material, the author or the intended audience. The policy also states that no materials will be removed because of controversy.
Cohen said the policy is in error if it says anything can be put on the shelves for anyone to look at.
He said after the meeting he wasn’t surprised by the decision to retain the book, however said the notion that things, such as books, can’t be judged is “absurd.”
Board member Jesse Franzen said according to policy, library patrons are free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children, but not free to restrict the freedom of others to read or inquire.
“Only parents and guardians, not the library, have the right to guide and direct the reading, listening and viewing choices of their own minor children,” Franzen said the policy states. “I believe the library policies have been followed impeccably with grace and great respect, and again I thank our staff. I vote in approval of our director’s decision.”
Hart said she was pleased with the decision and how the process was open for all participants.
She said board members read and listened to all policies, written and oral testimony and based their decision on policies.
Library votes to keep controversial book
By ALANA LISTOE - Independent Record - 10/22/08
Carole Byrnes, chairwoman of the Lewis and Clark Library Board of Directors, said banning books from library shelves is censorship.
Byrnes, along with the other four board members, voted to retain the book, “The Joy of Gay Sex,” in the library’s collection with unrestricted access at a meeting Tuesday night.
After reading the book Byrnes acknowledged that the pictures and descriptions were graphic, but she viewed it as an instructional, education manual.
The request to remove the book from the library’s circulation came from Helena resident Paul Cohen, who said the book was “pornographic.” He said the library is negligent of providing a “safe place” for children and adolescents when they have access to the material.
The library’s collection review committee and Director Judy Hart reviewed the book and library policies and ultimately recommended keeping the book, saying it is the library’s obligation to provide information to all segments of society.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Cohen appealed to trustees in August and a public hearing was held last month.
The board received and reviewed about 200 written submissions on the matter.
Library policy says that no material will be excluded from consideration because of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political or social view of the material, the author or the intended audience. The policy also states that no materials will be removed because of controversy.
Cohen said the policy is in error if it says anything can be put on the shelves for anyone to look at.
He said after the meeting he wasn’t surprised by the decision to retain the book, however said the notion that things, such as books, can’t be judged is “absurd.”
Board member Jesse Franzen said according to policy, library patrons are free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children, but not free to restrict the freedom of others to read or inquire.
“Only parents and guardians, not the library, have the right to guide and direct the reading, listening and viewing choices of their own minor children,” Franzen said the policy states. “I believe the library policies have been followed impeccably with grace and great respect, and again I thank our staff. I vote in approval of our director’s decision.”
Hart said she was pleased with the decision and how the process was open for all participants.
She said board members read and listened to all policies, written and oral testimony and based their decision on policies.
Oct 1, 2008
Voting Biblical Values per Milton
By Milton Crum, 915 Saddle Drive - 10/01/08
I vote on the basis of biblical values as in these examples. (1) Feeding the hungry: Democrats supported the Hunger Relief Act. (2) Care for the sick: Democrats cared with Workers Compensation, Medicare, and Medicaid. (3) Justice for the oppressed: Democrats passed the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. (4) Relief for the poor: Democrats responded with Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families.
Psalm 72 prays for rulers who practice justice for the afflicted, needy, and oppressed. Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology sums it up, “to the extent that God’s people collectively obey his commands, which include caring for the poor, then individual needs will be met. God provides enough for all his people to live a decent life; the question is if they will distribute his resources equitably ... God will judge people on the basis of how they have cared for the needy in their midst ...” The Democratic party and its candidates have done better walking this walk. Republicans have favored the wealthy, arguing that their wealth would trickle down to the rest of us, but it doesn’t.
________________________________________
Reader Comments:
al wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:39 AM:
" Mr. Crum, I understand and sympathize with your views, and know that you are speaking of the love of Christ, but when you say that people should "vote on the basis of biblical values", you're opening up a big can of worms.
The nation is in the mess it's in today partly because a lot of people voted their biblical values, and pulled the lever for George W. Bush.
The Bible is infinitely subjective. As somebody once said: The Bible is like a man; if you torture it long enough, you can make it say almost anything. Plus, no matter which way you read it, the Bible is full of violence, death, hatred, oppression and war.
I appreciate your sentiments, Mr. Crum, but reason, honesty and rationality are better values to keep in mind when voting. "
MtMadeMan wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:07 AM:
" Charity is from person to person.
Government mandated charity is theift. It's only purpose is to make some dependent on the government and buy their votes.
Democrats support of home ownership to those that could not afford houses is what caused the crash of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. "
organicmommy wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:47 AM:
" Voting Democratic based on Biblical values is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! What a contradiction. So all God cares about is helping the needy? Yes, that is a large part of Christian and Biblical values and the Bible contains many passages that stress the importance of helping those less fortunate than us, but you failed to mention other strong Biblical principals that the current Democratic party seems to ignore. What about the scriptures that state homosexuality is a sin? Or the one that says "Thou shall not murder"? Apparently you think God has no problem with the millions of babies that have been murdered through legal abortions since Roe vs. Wade - something the Democrats have fought to remain in place? Where is the justice for those children who never had a chance to live? And I don't think God would agree with the blatantly anti-Semitic associates a certain Democratic Presidential candidate has kept. If you truly think that the only thing God will be judging us on is how much money we've given to charity, or how much time we spent volunteering at God's Love, you need to spend less time reading Bakers Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology and more time reading your Bible. "
electstat wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:25 AM:
" Don't Dems also support the woman's right to an abortion? What's the bible say about that one? "
AnimalLover wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:07 AM:
" IMPOSSIBLE, You must vote Republican to be faithful to God!!! Just kidding, it's actually nice to see someone that believes in God and doesn't blindly vote Republican. Thank you for restoring some of my faith in people. "
Colton wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:00 AM:
" Just 3 points; (1) President Lincoln freed the slaves. Lincoln was a Republican. (2) Reverend Wright's (B.O.'s minister for over 20 years) racial hatred while of biblical proportions, doesn't seem very charitable. (3) God does not care who you vote for as the popular vote is worthless in Presidential elections. Only the electoral votes matter. "
I vote on the basis of biblical values as in these examples. (1) Feeding the hungry: Democrats supported the Hunger Relief Act. (2) Care for the sick: Democrats cared with Workers Compensation, Medicare, and Medicaid. (3) Justice for the oppressed: Democrats passed the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. (4) Relief for the poor: Democrats responded with Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families.
Psalm 72 prays for rulers who practice justice for the afflicted, needy, and oppressed. Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology sums it up, “to the extent that God’s people collectively obey his commands, which include caring for the poor, then individual needs will be met. God provides enough for all his people to live a decent life; the question is if they will distribute his resources equitably ... God will judge people on the basis of how they have cared for the needy in their midst ...” The Democratic party and its candidates have done better walking this walk. Republicans have favored the wealthy, arguing that their wealth would trickle down to the rest of us, but it doesn’t.
________________________________________
Reader Comments:
al wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:39 AM:
" Mr. Crum, I understand and sympathize with your views, and know that you are speaking of the love of Christ, but when you say that people should "vote on the basis of biblical values", you're opening up a big can of worms.
The nation is in the mess it's in today partly because a lot of people voted their biblical values, and pulled the lever for George W. Bush.
The Bible is infinitely subjective. As somebody once said: The Bible is like a man; if you torture it long enough, you can make it say almost anything. Plus, no matter which way you read it, the Bible is full of violence, death, hatred, oppression and war.
I appreciate your sentiments, Mr. Crum, but reason, honesty and rationality are better values to keep in mind when voting. "
MtMadeMan wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:07 AM:
" Charity is from person to person.
Government mandated charity is theift. It's only purpose is to make some dependent on the government and buy their votes.
Democrats support of home ownership to those that could not afford houses is what caused the crash of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. "
organicmommy wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:47 AM:
" Voting Democratic based on Biblical values is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! What a contradiction. So all God cares about is helping the needy? Yes, that is a large part of Christian and Biblical values and the Bible contains many passages that stress the importance of helping those less fortunate than us, but you failed to mention other strong Biblical principals that the current Democratic party seems to ignore. What about the scriptures that state homosexuality is a sin? Or the one that says "Thou shall not murder"? Apparently you think God has no problem with the millions of babies that have been murdered through legal abortions since Roe vs. Wade - something the Democrats have fought to remain in place? Where is the justice for those children who never had a chance to live? And I don't think God would agree with the blatantly anti-Semitic associates a certain Democratic Presidential candidate has kept. If you truly think that the only thing God will be judging us on is how much money we've given to charity, or how much time we spent volunteering at God's Love, you need to spend less time reading Bakers Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology and more time reading your Bible. "
electstat wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:25 AM:
" Don't Dems also support the woman's right to an abortion? What's the bible say about that one? "
AnimalLover wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:07 AM:
" IMPOSSIBLE, You must vote Republican to be faithful to God!!! Just kidding, it's actually nice to see someone that believes in God and doesn't blindly vote Republican. Thank you for restoring some of my faith in people. "
Colton wrote on Oct 1, 2008 7:00 AM:
" Just 3 points; (1) President Lincoln freed the slaves. Lincoln was a Republican. (2) Reverend Wright's (B.O.'s minister for over 20 years) racial hatred while of biblical proportions, doesn't seem very charitable. (3) God does not care who you vote for as the popular vote is worthless in Presidential elections. Only the electoral votes matter. "
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