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The Pope on financial crisis: "Money is nothing"
The international cash crisis has shown that the foundations of the financial system were shaky, Pope Benedict XVI said Monday.
Taking his cue from a famous Bible parable on false prophets, the pope said: "He who builds only on visible and tangible things like success, career and money, he builds the house of his life on sand."
"We are now seeing, in the collapse of major banks, that money vanishes, it is nothing," the pope said at a televised Bible reading.
"All these things that appear to be real are in fact secondary. Only God's words are a solid reality."
Msgr Claudia Maria Celli, head of the Vatican's culture department, told reporters the Catholic Church doesn't have solutions to the crisis because they would be outside its remit.
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Thank you, Benedict, I'm sure your boss will not fire you after this speech.
By the way, is that a solid gold cross you're holding? The international cash crisis has shown that the foundations of the financial system were shaky, Pope Benedict XVI said Monday. ... more -
MIRACLES: Docs gave up, but not God
SHE WAS GIVEN just a few days to live.
Doctors had given up on her.
In fact, they told her family there was nothing more they could do for her.
That was back in January.
As 63-year-old Maureen Clarke lay unconscious at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), her eight children, her church family, friends, prayer partners in Bermuda, and even visitors to the hospital, kept prayer vigils. They refused to accept the doctors' report.
Clarke, also a born-again believer, knows she is alive today because of her faith and those prayers.
As she lay unconscious in Ward B5 she dreamt of her own funeral. She heard the announcement on the radio, and saw her family standing over her mourning her death. But Clarke also vividly remembers the voice of God telling her He was not ready for her yet.
Today, Clarke, of Old Navy Road, Dayrell's Road, St Michael, is called the "Miracle baby of Ward B5".
It all started on December 27 last year when this grandmother of 23 and great-grandmother of three started having problems with her back. She paid a visit to the doctor and was told she had a slipped disc. As a result, she was sent to the QEH where X-rays were done on her back and chest.
Another doctor, however, gave a different report.
"The X-rays on her chest showed there were white spots on her lungs which represented cancerous legions, meaning that cancer was somewhere in her body," Clarke's youngest daughter Sherrese explained.
X-rays on the lower back revealed there was a tumour.
Clarke was admitted to Ward B5 to be seen by an orthopaedist and neurologist. A biopsy was also ordered and that too showed there was cancer in her body. However, doctors were still not sure where the cancer was, and so a series of tests followed.
On January 16, things took a turn for the worse. Clarke became more and more unresponsive.
When two of her six daughters, Donna and Sherrese, visited her in hospital that day, they did not like what they saw.
"After we left the hospital we called Dr Persaud who told us the prognosis was pretty poor because the cancer had spread throughout her body, and her lungs and kidneys were failing," Sherrese said.
"We did not know what to do. During the early part of that day she was up and talking, but by the evening following further tests, she was again unresponsive.
"Neither Donna nor I went to work that day," recalled Sherrese, who later gave up her job as a cashier to take care of her mum.
The following morning, Glenville, one of Clarke's two sons, visited her in hospital. She repeatedly asked for two of her children: Sherrese, who is the youngest, and her other son Elan. Family members felt she was now close to death.
"That Thursday evening all of us went to the hospital and everybody broke down. Even though her eyes were open she was not responding at all," recalled Sherrese.
"By the Saturday the doctor called and told us he needed to speak to the family about her condition. He wanted to know if her heart stopped beating if he should resuscitate her. We had a family meeting and everybody decided the answer was "yes".
"That apart, the doctor said he could not do anything more for her and that the cancer had spread throughout the whole body and into the bones," Sherrese explained.
Call for prayers
Recognising that only God could help their mum at this stage, Clarke's children sent out calls for prayers to be made on her behalf.
Daughter Donna even went online to Benny Hinn Ministries as she sent out a request for prayer. SHE WAS GIVEN just a few days to live. Doctors had given up on her. ... more -
Europeans keep faith out of politics
Europeans remain strongly religious but like to keep faith out of politics while cultivating an open mind to various forms of spirituality, according to a new survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation.
Seventy four percent of people in Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Austria, Poland and Switzerland said they were "religious." Italy (89%) and Poland (87%) topped the German NGO's "Religion Monitor" chart, with France at the lower end on 54 percent. Europeans remain strongly religious but like to keep faith out of politics while cultivating an open mind to various forms of spiritua... more -
Digging deep to spread the Gospel
The Bishop of Sherwood takes spreading the word of God to new heights - and depths.
Last year, Right Reverend Tony Porter flew 150 miles from Nottingham to Northumberland in a light aircraft to promote church to the masses.
This time, he has gone underground to take the message of faith to miners.
"They're underground but not invisible," Bishop Porter told the BBC News website. "They deserve to know that God is interested in them."
The bishop took a trip down Welbeck Colliery in Nottinghamshire as part of Back to Church Sunday.
This is a nationwide effort to extend personal invitations to potential new worshippers - and in particular to those who once attended regularly but no longer do. The Bishop of Sherwood takes spreading the word of God to new heights - and depths. ... more -
Sweet surrender...
What does a word like surrender conjure up for you?
Growing up and through much of my early adult life here is a picture I had of the word “surrender”:
[more]... What does a word like surrender conjure up for you? ... more -
Elizabeth Edwards Breaks Silence About Husband's Affair
"There's a lot of adjustments to make," said Edwards according to the paper. “When you mention trust, that’s probably the most difficult hurdle.” "There's a lot of adjustments to make," said Edwards according to the paper. “When you mention trust, that’s probably ... more
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ABC News: Five Years for a Joke About the Pope?
Italian Actress Faces Possible Five-Year Jail Term for Off-Color Joke About Pope
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ABC News: Scientology Facing Murky Future in France
The Church of Scientology faces trial on deletion fraud charges in Paris, with the possibility that the organization, which claims around 5,000 active members in France in addition to a bevy of Hollywood celebrities such as Tom Cruise, could be banned in France if it loses. The Church of Scientology faces trial on deletion fraud charges in Paris, with the possibility that the organization, which claims aro... more
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Warning for Christian Right: Do not depend on Political Messiah
Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor of the 3,000-member Hope Christian Church in the Washington, D.C area and founder and chairman of the High Impact Leadership Coalition, told the crowd of social conservative voters that he believes America is at a very important moment in its history with both major presidential candidates vowing change if elected.
While he said he was “glad” and “happy” that Sarah Palin was selected as the Republican vice presidential candidate, Jackson warned that values voters should not allow what happened in the past eight years with President George W. Bush in the White House to repeat itself with the new administration.
“I don’t think Bush meant to deceive us,” Jackson said. “He was a Christian."
“But what happened was that you and I thought that all we had to do was to get somebody into White House and everything would be O.K,” he noted.
Continued........ Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor of the 3,000-member Hope Christian Church in the Washington, D.C area and founder and chairman of ... more -
Follow Your Heart
This video is about following your heart, and becoming peaceful and compassionate.
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Pope in Paris condemns love of money, power
Pope Benedict XVI condemned unbridled "pagan" passion for power, possessions and money as a modern-day plague Saturday as he led more than a quarter of a million Catholics in an outdoor Mass in Paris.
Benedict was making his first visit as pontiff to the French capital, renowned for its luxury goods, fashion sense and cultural riches.
"Has not our modern world created its own idols?" Benedict said in his homily, and wondered aloud whether people have "imitated, perhaps inadvertently, the pagans of antiquity?"
"This is a question that all people, if they are honest with themselves, cannot help but ask," the pontiff said.
The 260,000 or so people who gathered on the lawns of the Esplanade des Invalides displayed a joyful outpouring of faith for this traditionally Roman Catholic country, which has witnessed a sharp decline in churchgoing in recent years.
Benedict has continued with a campaign started by his predecessor, John Paul II, who worried that the affluent West was turning consumerism into a kind of religion and ignoring its Christian roots of spiritual values.
Paraphrasing from the New Testament, Benedict decried "insatiable greed" and said "the love of money is the root of all evil."
"Have not money, the thirst for possessions, for power and even knowledge, diverted man from his true destiny?" the pope asked.
Continued..... Pope Benedict XVI condemned unbridled "pagan" passion for power, possessions and money as a modern-day plague Saturday as he... more -
Welcome to Military Religious Freedom Foundation
Click on the top right video for the story. Amazing theocratic (Evangelical Christian) pressures on military men and women, even at the military academies! These folks have a great newsletter, too. Click on the top right video for the story. Amazing theocratic (Evangelical Christian) pressures on military men and women, even at th... more
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Jesus Christ quits Christianity after viewing Republican platform
For years, Jesus Christ had kept quiet while his “followers” had killed and committed horrendous acts of intolerance in his name. They were the “birth pangs” of a new religion, his surrogates would say. One day he would be accepted by all as a liberator.
But in an announcement that has left his followers shaken, the Christ himself has come forward to announce that he is leaving Christianity, effective immediately. The reasoning: The 2008 Republican Platform. Reached for comment at a West Hollywood coffee shop, Christ said that he couldn’t deal with a world that so misinterpreted his words and actions.
“They mention the word ‘faith’ 12 times in their platform,” said Christ. “Do they think we’re idiots or something?”
Christ went on to say that he had grown tired of being portrayed as a “marauding archangel of vengeance,” and that he held out little hope that the world would ever accept his message of peace.
“There’s a new breed of Christian out there that seems to think I represent free-for-all capitalism and slaying my enemies,” said Christ, munching on an arugula quiche. “I mean, they made Isaiah into a Cold War-era strategist, for Dad’s sake. Did they even read the New Testament?”
With the 2008 U.S. Presidential election coming up in short order, many have expressed skepticism over the timing of Christ’s announcement. Reached for comment, John McCain’s campaign lobbyist Rick Davis said that his candidate would not be responding to the “obvious liberal smear.”
“John McCain has made it clear that he will not speak to or about Jesus Christ until Christ shows him the respect he deserves,” said Davis. “John McCain was a POW and deserves respect. Jesus obviously can’t understand the kind of sacrifice John McCain made.”
For his part, Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama has said he plans to stay above the fray.
“This is above my pay grade,” said Obama during a campaign stop in Canton, Kansas. “Way, way, way above my pay grade.”
The reaction from many political entertainers was swift. Sean Hannity of Fox News made clear his disappointment in Christ.
“Seriously, let him go,” said Hannity to co-host Sean Colmes on the popular show “Hannity & Colmes” on Fox News. “If he doesn’t have the courage to face up to the Republican platform, how can he ever stand up to Osama bin Laden. This is a partisan attack, plain and simple.”
In response, Colmes vehemently disagreed with Hannity.
“But, but, but … , ” said Colmes.
The major religious corporations of the world have yet to comment on Christ’s decision. At the Vatican Web site, a simple message appeared: “Thank you for allowing us time to reflect on this matter. Pray for us, and know that we need your tithing now more than ever.”
Many devout Christians have stated that Christ’s abandonment will not affect their faith.
“Jesus Christ is the one true savior and those who don’t accept him into their heart will perish in eternal damnation,” said religious entertainer Joel Osteen. “That is the truth, regardless of Christ’s actual involvement.”
A thoughtful Christ said he had yet to decide what would be next for him, but expressed pride in his philosophy and accomplishments.
“We had a good run,” said Christ. “It really far exceeded anything I had hoped for, but humanity was supposed to become more evolved over time, not less.
“It’s just time to pull the plug.”
Christ said he would likely dedicate his time to working on an autobiography that will focus on his philosophies and work with people from all walks of life.
“I figure after 2,000 years it’s about time there was a book about me,” said Christ. “You know, from someone who was actually there.”
When pressed for details, Christ said he wasn’t allowed to reveal anything about the upcoming tome due to a contractual commitment with But Christ did allow for one tidbit to be released - what the “H” stood for in “Jesus H. Christ.”
“Hector,” said Christ, walking out the door.
–WKW For years, Jesus Christ had kept quiet while his “followers” had killed and committed horrendous acts of intolerance in his name. They... more -
A Church's miracle $3M lottery jackpot from parishioner
A New York pastor says one of his congregants has donated a winning lottery ticket worth $3 million dollars to his church on Long Island.
Pastor Bert Crabbe of the True North Community Church in Port Jefferson Station says the donor, who asked to remain anonymous, donated the "Ba Da Bling" scratch-off ticket immediately after realizing he'd won.
The Rev. Crabbe says the donor believed, "this was why God put the ticket in his hands."
A New York state Lottery official says the church will get a little over $100,000 a year through 2028. The amount could be higher if withheld taxes are refunded because of the church's nonprofit status.
On The Early Show Friday, Crabbe told co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez the timing was noteworthy.
Three weeks before learning of the church's good fortune, he'd given a sermon in which he said, " 'Our church is out of room. We've grown to a size that we can't fit our building anymore,' " and I said to the church, 'Hey, we're gonna have to go rent a facility somewhere else, unless God drops a couple million on us.' And I was joking. I wasn't praying for it, I wasn't asking for it, I was just kind of being funny. And four weeks later, that's exactly what happened!"
Crabbe says the donor, who'd been at that sermon, called him out of the blue and asked him to come to their house in a hurry.
He was expecting the worst.
"When a pastor gets a call like that," Crabbe observed, "it usually means something bad happened. So, I was expecting something horrible. And, obviously, that wasn't the case."
Instead, "He sat me down and told me of his intentions. And I could tell right away he was serious. And his spouse was right there with it. And it was wonderful."
The parishioner insisted he wanted to give the church the whole thing, Crabbe recalls, even though Crabbe kept asking if he was sure.
Was this someone who could have used the money?
"I'd rather not say," Crabbe replied, looking to avoid giving any indication of who the donor is.
What will the church do with the money?
Basically, the same thing the donor did: "In Year One, we're gonna give all of it away. Our favorite charity is an organization called Love 146. They work toward the abolition of human trafficking, particularly among children in Southeast Asia, they're our favorite charity. So, they're gonna get a huge check. We're going to commit to continue with them for the length of the award. And the rest of it we'll give to various charities and nonprofits in our community and around the country and throughout the world, actually.
"A good example has been set for us. We're trying to do right with the money." A New York pastor says one of his congregants has donated a winning lottery ticket worth $3 million dollars to his church on Long Isla... more -
Palin's policies influenced by faith
Deeply impacted by religion, Sarah Palin addressed the war in Iraq as "God's plan" during speech before the Pentecostal church. She has also brought prayer into energy policy for the construction of a gas pipeline project.
Check out the video.
If elected, how will her faith play into her decision-making process as Vice-President? Deeply impacted by religion, Sarah Palin addressed the war in Iraq as "God's plan" during speech before the Pentecostal... more -
Pope slams crucified frog
Pope Benedict XVI has condemned a metre-high sculpture of a crucified frog by German artist Martin Kippenberger. The work is currently on display at a museum in Bolzano, North Italy.
"In a letter dated August 7, Benedict said the sculpture 'has injured the religious feeling of many people who see in the cross the symbol of the love of God and of our salvation which deserves recognition and religious devotion.'
The amphibian, which according to the museum curators represents a self-portrait of the artist 'in a state of profound crisis,' is said to have shocked many visitors.
Does it offend you? Pope Benedict XVI has condemned a metre-high sculpture of a crucified frog by German artist Martin Kippenberger. The work is currently... more -
Talk Less, Listen More
Why Do People Scream?
People scream in order to be heard. The thinking seems to go: "He/she isn't listening; I need to say it again and again, louder and louder. That way I will get my message across." Unfortunately the only message we get across that way is, "You are my enemy." If Rachel yells at Eli, she may feel some relief – she's had a chance to release her tension and express her feelings. However, Eli – on the receiving end – has just received a generous dose of verbal abuse. In other words, my anger is your abuse. Being yelled at is always a horrible experience; we feel hurt, bullied, disrespected, rejected and more. We react by withdrawing our affection from those who are willing to hurt us in this way.
Alternative Strategies
Clearly, yelling at a spouse is not going to get us what we want or enhance our marriage in any way. Indeed, our sages teach us, "The words of the wise are heard when spoken softly." Our strength lies in restraint. We must hold back and plan our communication so that it can make a truly positive impact. Instead of rushing to get our point across, knocking down our loved one in the panic to be heard, we need to slow down, listen and learn. Speaking is the last thing we want to do when we're feeling misunderstood.
The person who "doesn't get it" is actually sitting in his or her own world trying to be understood by YOU! Busy trying to express him or herself and be acknowledged, this person cannot even begin to pay attention to your need to be heard. There is only one way through this door: you must give the speaker his or her turn. The speaker's "turn" involves two aspects:
1. having the opportunity to say everything that he or she wants to say, PLUS
2. receiving an acknowledgment of the entire message that was conveyed.
Only after these two tasks have been completed can YOU begin your own communication. This process in which you listen and acknowledge the speaker, allows the speaker to feel finished, relieved and satisfied. The speaker is much more likely then to be in a psychological position to receive your message. It is possible, of course, that the speaker will never want to hear you no matter what you do (some people do have emotional difficulties that interfere with relationship skills and others just lack good communication skills). However, you greatly increase the chances that two-way communication will occur when you do the required listening and acknowledging. Without this step, the chances that no one will feel heard are tremendously increased, making yelling, fighting and struggling much more likely to happen. Why Do People Scream? ... more -
Georgia, Russia and Ezekiel 38
"Observers of Biblical prophecies such as Ezekiel 38 and 39 will note that directly or effectively controlling Georgia would be key when Moscow one day begins moving Russian military forces through Turkey and into Lebanon, Syria and eventually against Israel."
Chuck Pierce, president of "Harvest Watchman" and author of "God's Unfolding Battle Plan:"
"This is what I wrote in God's Unfolding Battle Plan: One such nation that will align with others to come against Israel is Russia. She and her children, Gog and Magog, will arise with new strength in days ahead and attempt to rule. Ezekiel 38:3-6 says: 'Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops-many people are with you.'
"As a result of Russia's newfound aggression, the United States and other nations will begin to distance themselves from Russia. In fact, 2008 will be the defining year for Russia. For a season, a new favor will arise and rest upon Russia so that new alignments can be formed.
"The nations listed in Ezekiel will begin to align with this power from the north that is seeking a renewed role in world influence. The Cold War is over, and the thaw has occurred. Now these nations will become "hot" in the next 10 years. A new river of terror will begin to flow from the north." But God!
"The above quotes from God's Unfolding Battle Plan are very important to read because of the impact that the events beginning in that region will have on the realignment of the nations worldwide.
"Here are some things to ponder: Russia will continue to be the pursuing, dominant force that attempts to rule the Caucasus. Russia is in the process of redefining that region of the world. The Georgia 'war' is the first major Russian intervention with this level of impact that has occurred in several years.
"What you must notice is the new boldness and confidence that Russia is now poised to demonstrate to the world.
"You also must be aware of their indifference to general worldwide opinion.
"The Georgia conflict will become a defining moment in the future of world history. If you want to look at this from the standpoint of playing cards, Russia now holds the "trump" in the suit concerning America and Iran. Start watching very carefully for the reaction of the former Russian satellite states."
While the world watches the Olympics, with this latest development, it's certainly also a time to heed the Biblical exhortation to "watch and pray." "Observers of Biblical prophecies such as Ezekiel 38 and 39 will note that directly or effectively controlling Georgia would be k... more -
Bibles Returned to US Christians as They Leave China
BEIJING - Four American Christians who had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese customs officials say they got them back when they returned to the airport Wednesday to leave the country.
Members of Vision Beyond Borders had planned to give away the Chinese language Bibles, but were told that the communist nation forbids importing religious items for other than personal use.
The group's director, Patrick Klein, says Chinese officials gave back the group's 315 Bibles when the Americans returned to Kunming airport to board their flight to Thailand.
In China, Bibles are printed at just one plant, run by a government-backed Christian association for use in officially sanctioned churches.
Klein says his group encountered the real China that viewers of the Beijing Olympics aren't seeing. BEIJING - Four American Christians who had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese customs officials say they got them back when t... more -
State court says medical decisions, religion shouldn't mix
"The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that doctors can't use their religious beliefs to deny treatment to same-sex couples because doing so violates the state's anti-discrimination laws.
The unanimous decision came in the case of an Oceanside lesbian couple who are suing two doctors at a North County clinic. They claim the doctors would not perform a certain artificial insemination procedure because their strong Christian beliefs prevented them from impregnating a lesbian couple.
The closely watched case pitted religious freedom rights guaranteed in the constitution against California's strong anti-discrimination laws, which bar businesses from discriminating against customers and clients based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, age and sexual orientation.
Guadalupe Benitez, 36, sued the Vista-based North Coast Women's Care Clinic in August 2001 after a fruitless months-long effort to become pregnant . A doctor from a different practice eventually treated Benitez and she became pregnant, giving birth to her son, Gabriel. She has also since given birth to twin girls.
At a news conference Monday, Benitez said she was overwhelmed with the decision.
“I'm just so happy and so glad,” she said as her domestic partner, Joanne Clark, and Gabriel stood next to her. “It's been a long time coming.”
One of her lawyers, Jennifer Pizer of the same-sex legal rights group Lambda Legal, said the court clearly announced that “discrimination has no place in the doctor's office.”
It is also the second major win for same-sex civil rights groups at the state's high court in the past three months.
In a historic decision in May, the justices struck down state laws prohibiting same sex couples from being legally married. That controversial decision is now the subject of a proposition on the November ballot that would overturn the ruling if it is passed by voters.
The ruling today sends the case back to Superior Court in San Diego for a trial. The issue arose as the case was heading for a trial in 2003."
Are there any circumstances where religion and medicine should mix? "The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that doctors can't use their religious beliefs to deny treatment to same-sex coup... more
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