An intriguing news item in this morning’s New York Times reports on a University of Texas at Austin study of why people have sex. The researchers asked subjects why they had sex (or if they were inexperienced, why they would have sex if they could). They boiled down a longer list of 715 responses into a shorter list of 237 reasons, then analyzed and categorized them.

There are few surprises in the list of top responses. The researchers write: “An astonishing 123 items, or 52% of the items, showed significant gender differences.” Duh!

Women tended toward more relational answers (‘‘I wanted to express my love for the person’’; ‘‘I realized that I was in love.’’). Men were more libidinous, more status oriented, and more utilitarian. Fortunately, relational factors still ranked high for men. Both “I wanted to please the person” and “I wanted to express my love for the person,” were in the top ten reasons for men.

What was missing from the top 50 reasons for both sexes? Jon Tierney, writer of the Times article, noted wryly: “[The researchers] even found a few people who claimed to have been motivated by the desire to have a child.” Shockingly, this item showed up in the bottom 50 for men. Maybe that’s just the sample bias that comes from relying largely on university students as subjects.

Nevertheless, the rarity of procreation as a conscious reason for sex poses a challenge for Christian believers. One of the key reasons that God invented sex is procreation. And while I can relate to many of the other reasons given in the study (“I was horny”; “I desired emotional closeness”), I have clear memories of having intercourse with my wife at various times precisely because we wanted a child (or another child).

My wife and I came of age just about the time the Pill was widely introduced to American society. We still thought in terms of the nexus between sex and children. In our contraceptive society, however, that intuitive connection has been culturally severed. I believe in using birth control to plan our families, but this cultural disconnect is one of the unforeseen side effects of the Pill. It sometimes seems that only among countercultural minority groups (such as conservative Protestants and Catholics, the Mormons, and Orthodox Jews) do the blessings of family and the acts of sex retain their fundamental connection.

So, to my countercultural fellows, I say, go make babies; go make families.

Posted by David Neff at July 31, 2007 10:48AM | Comments (3)

Even those being satirized have to admit some of these motivational poster parodies are pretty funny.

More here. And the Pyromaniacs site links the images to "random samples of the kind of rhetoric that inspired these posters."

It beats suggesting they're in bed with bin Laden.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 27, 2007 2:33PM | Comments (27)

While an apple a day may (or may not) keep the doctor away, a growing body of research indicates that exercise may keep the psychologist away. Alessandra Pilu of the University of Cagliari in Italy and other investigators reported their conclusions in the online journal of Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health.

"The study found that depressed women who started a supervised exercise regimen had significant improvements in their symptoms over the next 8 months. Those who didn't exercise showed only marginal improvements.

"Before the study, all of the women had tried taking antidepressant medication for at least two months but had failed to improve.

"A number of studies have found that physically active people are less likely than couch potatoes to suffer depression. Some clinical trials have shown regular exercise can help treat the disorder, and perhaps be as effective as antidepressant drugs in some cases.

"The new findings suggest that exercise can even help people whose symptoms have been resistant to medication, according to the study authors."

Since an estimated two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, high rates of mental illness shouldn't surprise us. Mental illness is not just mental. We are integrated, living souls, and approaches must be holistic, treating mind, body, and spirit.

Perhaps being overweight is a largely unexplored factor in the epidemic of depression afflicting children and teens in the United States. Observers say that about 5 percent of adolescents suffer from clinical depression, and suicide is said to be the third-leading cause of death among teenagers.

Combine those figures with statistics from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the number of overweight children has tripled in just 30 years, with 12.5 million teens considered overweight, and you'll see how significant the problem is. No wonder the Ad Council and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a $324 million ad campaign aimed at stopping obesity.

So if you're feeling down, depressed, or blue, turn off the TV, computer, or video game, get off the couch, and take a hike. Exercise will not solve all your problems, of course (and you may need to check with your doctor first). But for a healthier and happier you, it may be a great place place to start.

Hat tip: Christine Guthrie

Posted by Stan Guthrie at July 25, 2007 10:01AM | Comments (6)

Zimbabwe's state paper runs an op-ed today saying that the country's independent media aren't sufficiently criticizing Catholic Archbishop Pius Ncube. (The archbishop, who has been the chief critic of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe's extensive human rights abuses, was accused last week of adultery.) In The Herald, Caesar Zvayi writes that Zimbabwe's independent media, are "punishing the innocent while letting Barabas go scot-free."

Hmm. So if Mugabe's newspaper wants to call Ncube Barabbas, then that would make Mugabe...

It wouldn't be the first, or most egregious example, or Mugabe's cronies comparing him to Jesus. As Chenjerai Hove wrote in Pambazuka News earlier this year,

In the quest for glory and grandeur, the presidential palace is full of charlatans, praise-singers and flatterers. First they used to call him 'the son of God', and then one minister publicly said 'Mugabe is our Jesus Christ'. Next the minister of education and culture has recently designed and installed a 'throne' in parliament, for 'king Mugabe.' Then the minister of local government would not be outdone. He has decided to build 'a shrine' in Mugabe's home village. A shrine is a place of worship. So the president has become a god who deserves a 'shrine.' Thus, from VaMugabe ndibaba' (Mugabe is our father) to 'the son of God' to 'Jesus Christ' to a 'shrine' a place of worship, God.

Perhaps the most famous example is deputy minister of local housing Tony Gara calling Mugabe "the other son of God." In a 2002 African Sociological Review article, Ezra Chitando describes how the words of Christian songs were changed for political ends. "I will never cry when Jesus is there," for example, became, "I will never cry when Mr. Mugabe is there."

All of this might be confusing. If you're trying to remember the difference between Jesus and Robert Mugabe, here's a helpful tip: Jesus is the one who fed the 5,000. Mugabe is the one starving millions.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 24, 2007 1:30PM | Comments (5)

From Frank Pastore's latest column:

If those in the emergent “we’re-a-missional-not-an-institutional” church had their way, American church buildings would be just like European church buildings – empty. And the church, the people themselves, would be so intellectually, morally, emotionally, and spiritually lost, confused and uncertain, that they would be incapable of doing hardly anything more than inviting their Muslim oppressors in for a cappuccino and a good conversation about the sociology of knowledge, the absurdity of propositional truth, and the misplaced certitude of the Muslim metanarrative. All the while, no doubt, nodding in agreement that America probably deserved to die and mumbling something about carbon footprints. ... The whole point of terrorism is to destroy the will of the enemy to fight. Whose side are they on, anyway?

I'm no fan of Emergent, but a demagogic, counterfactual column like this sure makes me more friendly toward it. Maybe Pastore, a former major league pitcher, is just mad about Tony Jones's argument that there's no such thing as a strike zone.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 23, 2007 2:55PM | Comments (27)

On Sunday mornings, I usually don't read in the newspapers about the hymns we're going to sing. This Sunday was an exception.

Tammy Faye Messner, better known by her first married name as Tammy Faye Bakker, died Friday. And The New York Times recalled this little detail from her life:

Mr. Bakker’s wife vowed to stand by her man. When he was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy, she appeared at a news conference and, in tears, sang, “On Christ the solid rock I stand/All other ground is sinking sand.”

Who knows what Tammy Faye meant in that moment, but the "Man" she sang about standing on was Jesus, not Jim. I had selected that hymn for Sunday's worship service because the Gospel lesson included Jesus' admonition to Martha of Bethany that there was "only one thing that was necessary." Edward Mote's 1834 hymn seemed like a good way to underscore that truth.

Mote wrote: "In every high and stormy gale / my anchor holds within the veil." Tammy Faye knew from stormy gales--from coping with an adulterous and fraudulent husband to her final struggles with cancer of the colon and lung. That hymn was full of Good News for her.

Tammy Faye wore a persona, a public mask. She was, after all, a performer and an entertainer. She insisted on wearing her hideously flamboyant make-up even when undergoing surgery. Entertainers, like all public figures, can easily lose track of themselves behind the mask.

But Tammy Faye had great moments of humility and authenticity--most famously, her refusal to condemn homosexuals. The Times, again:

“I refuse to label people,” Ms. Messner said in a 2000 documentary, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” when asked about her attitudes toward gay rights. “We’re all just people made out of the same old dirt, and God didn’t make any junk.”

Most standard-issue evangelicals were not paying much attention to her by 2000, but a few told-you-so tongues began wagging when that movie came out. But I think her statement shouldn't be taken as a blessing on homosexuality so much as a fundamental affirmation of God's love for all sinners. Her experience with "high and stormy gales" to recognize we're all made of "the same old dirt," and that our only hope is to be "dressed in his righteousness alone."

Posted by David Neff at July 22, 2007 2:44PM | Comments (15)

Each year readers of the Chicago Tribune's "Tempo" section are treated to the editors' list of 50 favorite magazines. Few religious magazines make their list. And this year, no religious perspectives appeared on their June 26 honor roll.

Yesterday, the Tribune ran a list of readers' favorites to balance the shortsightedness of their list. Not surprisingly, the Atlantic and Real Simple were among those faves that the readers chided them for omitting. And here at CT, we were pleased to see our efforts were also given recognition.

Here's what they wrote about us:

Christianity Today: "Covers a broad range of issues with an open-minded and inclusive point of view for the evangelical reader, acknowledging that 'evangelical' can mean many different things."

Not sure how to parse "open-minded and inclusive for the evangelical reader," but I think that qualifies as a left-handed compliment. And as a southpaw, I'll take it.

Posted by David Neff at July 20, 2007 4:54AM | Comments (6)

Michael Glatze, former head of Young Gay America, says he's no longer interested in a "gay identity" and has been healed from homosexual desires. He also says he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormons) earlier this year.

The Christian Post, a website affiliated with the World Evangelical Alliance, this week published an editorial saying that its rejoicing over the former outweighs its concern over the latter.

"The story of change should be used by believers to open the eyes of others like him and to lead them out of the homosexual lifestyle into a more godly one. And doing so is not an endorsement of the Mormon church," the publication said. "Glatze should be accepted for who he is -- not the result of Mormon conversion, but one of the latest and most prominent examples of former homosexuals who came to acknowledge homosexuality as sin and made the decision to turn away from the sinful lifestyle. And because Glatze's conversion is more likely to pull people away from homosexuality than draw people towards the Mormon church, believers should be more concerned about Glatze returning to homosexuality than him joining the Mormon church."

Ex-Gay Watch's Eugene Wagner says the Christian Post is essentially telling its readers the ends justify the means. "One wonders if ex-gay Scientologists would receive a similarly warm welcome," he writes.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 19, 2007 11:17AM | Comments (51)

The Christianity Today cover story: "Gospel Riches: Africa's rapid embrace of prosperity Pentecostalism provokes concern--and hope."

The Christian Century cover story: "Expecting miracles: The prosperity gospel in Africa."

Let a thousand conspiracy theories bloom.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 18, 2007 9:54AM | Comments (25)

The Christian Century
Wasn’t CT founded as an evangelical alternative to the Century? Yes, but while differences remain, the dividing lines have grown blurrier. For example, senior editor Richard Kauffman, who presides over the Century’s excellent books coverage, was formerly at CT. See the May 1 issue—the spring books issue—for a good sampling, starting with Bill Placher on the concluding volume of Gary Dorrien’s The Making of American Liberal Theology. You’ll find enough that’s familiar to make the reading congenial and enough that’s different to keep it interesting. Because the Century is published biweekly, you will also encounter a lot more reviews. Value added: The magazine regularly features poetry, selected by poetry editor Jill Peláez Baumgaertner.

First Things
Catholic at its core, ecumenically orthodox in its scope, with friendly visitors from the Jewish community (David Novak, for example), First Things routinely features substantial essay reviews as well as shorter pieces and a handful of mini-reviews. Richard John Neuhaus’s back of-the-book feature “The Public Square,” where most readers turn first, often comments on books and their authors, always with wit and penetration, occasionally with withering scorn. And like the Century, First Things has poetry in every issue.

The Atlantic
This was already the best general-interest magazine on the market. Several years ago, its books section was beefed up and otherwise improved to match the rest of the menu. I miss the hand of longtime editor Cullen Murphy, who left when the magazine moved to Washington, D.C., forsaking its ancestral home in Boston. But the coverage of books remains superb. Literary editor Benjamin Schwarz leads off every section with a delightfully unpredictable “Editor’s Choice” column (the June issue focuses on books that show “how a revolution in American domestic architecture put women in command”). Another regular is Christopher Hitchens, an atheist who’s often provocative and never boring.

(This originally appeared on p. 59 of the July 2007 issue of Christianity Today.)

Posted by John Wilson at July 18, 2007 9:23AM | Comments (6)

CT has reported on the tensions Habitat for Humanity's growth placed on the home-building ministry and it's transition from founder Millard Fuller's leadership to the leadership of Jonathan Reckford.

Now, The New York Times is reporting that Reckford's new direction is spurring opposition from Habitat local chapters:

Habitat for Humanity International is asking affiliates to sign an agreement that would establish a quality-control checklist, and a new policy gives headquarters a cut of each donation it receives that is earmarked for an affiliate. And the changes are meeting with opposition. ...

“They’re contending with what is almost a takeover,” said T. Weir LaBatt III, former chairman of the San Antonio board. “They’re building up a giant corporate structure run by corporate guys wanting complete control, which is completely the opposite of what Habitat has been.”

Posted by Rob Moll at July 18, 2007 8:54AM | Comments (0)

Wal-Mart is about to start selling toys based on the Bible, according to a story in USAToday. The giant retailer will sell "a set of 3-inch figures based on Daniel in the lion's den for about $7. A 12-inch talking Jesus doll is about $15. And 14-inch Samson or Goliath action figures are about $20."

Why do corporations such as film studios, publishers, and big-box stores target Christians? Because that's where the money is--or at least a lot of it. USAToday notes,

"It's the first time the world's largest retailer has carried a full line of religious toys. 'We're seeing interest from parents in faith-enriching toys,' says Melissa O'Brien, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman.

"Religious products have become a multibillion-dollar business, and the toy move comes as it targets a younger audience. Fox recently created FoxFaith, a 20th Century Fox unit to distribute family movies with Christian themes. In January, Universal Pictures will release The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything — A VeggieTales Movie, based on the spiritual characters by Big Idea."
...
"About one-sixth of Wal-Mart's 3,300 stores will carry the One2believe line, which will get 2 feet of toy aisle shelf space, says O'Brien.

"One way Wal-Mart decided where to carry them, she says: Stores that sell a lot of Bibles will carry the new line.

"'We view this as an opportunity to reach that audience,'" she says."
...
"Since 9/11, there's been a surge in faith-based products, says Bob Starnes, vice president of licensing at Big Idea, the firm behind VeggieTales. That's because most Americans have a 'faith perspective,' he says.

"Laurie Schacht, president of The Toy Book, a toy industry publication, says some parents also are dissatisfied with toys from conventional toymakers: 'There are a lot of wild things out there. Parents want to give kids wholesomeness.'"

Call me an old curmudgeon, but I'm tired of being pandered to as just another market segment. Yes, I appreciate the fact that some of this culture's movers and shakers have finally noticed us Christians, and I'm all for "wholesomeness" (as long as we remember that this was not Jesus' first concern). But let's not forget that our Christian faith is a whole lot more than a mushy "faith perspective."

And have you ever seen what kids do with their action figures? I'm not sure I want to see Samson beating up Jesus.

Posted by Stan Guthrie at July 17, 2007 5:30PM | Comments (10)

A critique of Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and the rest of the new atheists makes the key point that these authors, in attempting to tear down all religious belief as toxic, have failed to distinguish the good from the bad. And they haven't even come up with any new and particularly compelling arguments. For a movement that provides itself on its supposed intellectual superiority, that's quite an indictment.

According to reviewer Peter Berkowitz in today's Wall Street Journal:

"In making his case that reason must regard faith as an enemy to be wiped out, Mr. Hitchens declares Socrates's teaching that knowledge consists in knowing one's ignorance to be 'the definition of an educated person.' And yet Mr. Hitchens shows no awareness that his atheism, far from resulting from skeptical inquiry, is the rigidly dogmatic premise from which his inquiries proceed, and that it colors all his observations and determines his conclusions.

"Mr. Hitchens is by far the most erudite and entertaining of the new new atheists. But his errors and his excesses are shared by the whole lot. And these errors and excesses have pernicious political consequences, amplifying invidious distinctions among fellow citizens and obscuring crucial differences among believers world wide.

"Playing into the anger and enmities that debase our politics today, the new new atheism blurs the deep commitment to the freedom and equality of individuals that binds atheists and believers in America. At the same time, by treating all religion as one great evil pathology, today's bestselling atheists suppress crucial distinctions between the forms of faith embraced by the vast majority of American citizens and the militant Islam that at this very moment is pledged to America's destruction."

Memo to the angry atheists (and I know many atheists are calm and reasonable): Not all religion is alike.

Posted by Stan Guthrie at July 16, 2007 4:55PM | Comments (31)

Elizabeth Marquardt writes in today's New York Times, "On April 30, a state Superior Court panel ruled that a child can have three legal parents. The case, Jacob v. Shultz-Jacob, involved two lesbians who were the legal co-parents of two children conceived with sperm donated by a friend. The panel held that the sperm donor and both women were all liable for child support."

There have been no legal and cultural reactions. So, it seems that having multiple parents will soon become legally accepted practice. "If more children are granted three legal parents," Marquardt writes, "what is our rationale for denying these families the rights and protections of marriage? America, get ready for the group-marriage debate."

"If we allow three legal parents," she says, "why not five?"

Posted by Rob Moll at July 16, 2007 1:28PM | Comments (3)

Compass Direct News is corroborating earlier reports from China Aid Association that there is significant crackdown underway right now inside China against Christians and other religious groups.

Compass says:

Christians throughout China fear tough restrictions on their freedom to worship in the coming year following the launch of a government crackdown ahead of August 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Christians across China are reporting a shortage of Bibles, even in cities where Bibles previously were readily available. There are reports of ongoing house church raids and arrests, and an unprecedented number of foreign Christians have been expelled from China in recent months. In addition, research presented at a government meeting in January revealed that the number of Christians in China may have reached 130 million, including 20 million Catholics – much higher than previous government estimates, according to a report from the China Aid Association (CAA).

If there are 130 million Christians within the borders of China, that is a staggering number and it suggests an utter failure of the central government's grand strategy of managing religion through the Public Security Bureau, the United Front, and the Three Self system.

If there are 130 million Christians within the borders of China, that forms the largest population of Christians in all of Asia's 3.9 billion people. Japan itself has a population of 127 million.

Who knew the church could grow so persistently?

Posted by Tim Morgan at July 13, 2007 2:02PM | Comments (1)

In addition to its Tuesday editorial against surgeon general nominee James Holsinger and five op-eds today on the Holsinger confirmation hearing, The New York Times also feels the need to weigh in with another editorial on the subject. You have to love the brazen irony of this section:

The main subject to be probed, aside from Dr. Holsinger’s professional qualifications, is whether he still holds the views he has expressed in the past that seem hostile to gay men and lesbians. Now, in the wake of Dr. Carmona’s revelations, it will also be important to ask Dr. Holsinger what steps he would take to keep the office from being politicized.

Did Linda Greenhouse write this?

Liveblogging the hearing after the jump.

* * *

Liveblogging the hearing: Time elapsed between Kennedy railing against "political litmus tests" for the position of surgeon general and him railing against Holsinger's writings on homosexuality: about two minutes. You can watch the hearing live here.

Holsinger: "I’m deeply troubled" by comments about my faith. they "don’t represent who I am, what I believe, or how I have practiced medicine."

Oddest question so far: What's more important? Fighting al-Qaeda or gay people? (I don't have the exact quote. Sorry.)

On his paper: "The paper I was asked to write was asked to deal with certain specific issues ... it was a literature review of the health issues surrounding homosexuality. Not a paper on sexuality. ... The situation is very different today. We’re now 20 years later. I don’t even think the same questions would be asked as 20 years ago."

1 hour, 35 minutes in, Holsinger makes a proposal that might change the hot topic of the day: He wants to ban advertisements for prescription drugs (or at least ads directed at the public), saying they put too much pressure on physicians.

More on his paper: It wasn't intended for distribution beyond a few people asking a few specific questions, and was never published. "Read scientific papers I’ve published as examples of my scientific work."

As things are wrapping up, Holsinger is finally asked about embyronic stem-cell research. In 2002, he reportedly called for the government to reduce its regulation on embryonic research and cloning -- which is probably why conservative religio-political groups have not actually supported Holsinger's nomination. Holsinger's response: Since 2002, I have not had reason to stay engaged in the stem cell discussions ... [so] I don’t feel comfortable giving you my opinion."

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 12, 2007 7:15AM | Comments (0)

From a press release:

“Lady Bird Johnson was a wonderful woman devoted to her husband, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was one of the greatest women I have ever known.

“During my wife''s long illness, Lady Bird would often phone her, and Ruth was always encouraged by those calls.

''Last Monday I spoke with Lady Bird Johnson and her family, who were at her bedside. Lynda and Luci were full of love for their mother, and conscious of the coming reality of heaven for her.

“Lady Bird''s family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hold each one of them with deep personal affection.''

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 12, 2007 6:51AM | Comments (0)

"As a result of seeking the Lord as to His will for my continuing to serve out the remaining two years of the present term, I have reached a decision to step down as general superintendent of the Assemblies of God," Thomas Trask announced yesterday.

The Assemblies of God site and the News-Leader of Springfield, Missouri, have more coverage.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 11, 2007 11:27AM | Comments (1)

The other day Pope Benedict XVI reiterated official church teaching that the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church, that the Orthodox Church is defective, and that Protestant churches are not true churches. The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued two documents holding that that "ecclesial communities originating from the Reformation [i.e. Protestant congregations] are … not churches in the proper sense of the word." Some Protestants have taken offense. Not me.

I would have been far more worked up if Benedict had said (to borrow a phrase from Khan in Star Trek II) that we are all just "one big, happy fleet." You were expecting him to endorse Willow Creek? He is the pope, after all.

In this age of mushy moral equivalence, I think drawing some bright lines is helpful (even if I disagree with where the pope drew them). While Catholics and Protestants agree on many key areas of doctrine (such as the deity of Christ), we differ on other vital matters of faith (such as the canon, papal succession and authority, etc.). While some evangelicals convert to Catholicism and others can ask whether the Reformation is finally over, I find the pontiff's forthrightness refreshing. Especially in light of such recent silliness as an Episcopal priest embracing Islam while declining to give up her leadership position in the church--as if Jesus and Allah are one and the same! No, real and crucial differences between the RCC and other branches of the Christian tree remain.

By all means, let's keep talking, remembering that there can be no real dialogue without difference. And let's keep working together to better society and build (as John Paul II said) a culture of life. We Protestants and Catholics may differ on religious doctrine, but in our best moments we are united in our desire to glorify God by serving our fellow human beings.

So to the pope who isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers, I respectfully say, "Thank you, sir. May we have another?"

Posted by Stan Guthrie at July 11, 2007 10:12AM | Comments (44)

From reporter Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra:

English Language Institute China (ELIC) denied that any of its English teachers have been expelled from China for illegal religious activity, as reported today by the China Aid Association Inc.

China Aid released a statement accusing the Chinese government of systematically deporting more than 100 suspected foreign missionaries since February 2007. Two of them were English teachers sent to Tibet by ELIC, the statement said. ELIC is a Christian organization that sends English teachers to China.

"We haven't had anyone who was asked to leave," said Gary Lausch, Vice President of Human Resources for ELIC. "We did call China Aid and let them know that was not accurate and they said they would correct it."

The story of government expulsion came as a surprise, Lausch said. He said ELIC has not been feeling any unusual pressure from China lately.

Posted by Ted Olsen at July 10, 2007 1:46PM | Comments (1)

The highly credible China Aid Association on July 10 posted a news release that reports:

According to reliable China Aid sources and collaborated reports by at least five different mission agencies, over 100 foreigners accused of being involved in illegal religious activities in China have been expelled or
deported this year between April and June. Sources inside the Chinese government informed CAA that the Chinese government launched a massive expulsion campaign of foreign Christians, encoded Typhoon No. 5, in February 2007.

This development is an ill omen for supporters of religious freedom inside China.

In recent years, China's communist leaders have encouraged Westerners to come to China to teach English, work as university professors, and work in business. The government's crackdowns on religion have focused on indigenous pastors, evangelists, and others who create faith-based organizations that are outside the government mechanisms of control, including the Three-Self movement for Protestants and the state-recognized Catholic church.

But according to CAA, even American teachers of English are at risk. Two instructors working in Tibet were kicked out.

CAA reports:

This is the largest expulsion of foreign missionaries since 1954 when the Chinese Communist government expelled all foreign religious workers after taking power in 1949.

My hypothesis is that China's government needs to be watched for what it does, not what is says -- especially when it comes to management of religion.

Are China's leaders worried about religious protests during the 2008 Olympics, or what?

Posted by Tim Morgan at July 10, 2007 9:07AM | Comments (4)

Michael Luo has a piece in Saturday's New York Times on Hillary Clinton's faith:

Mrs. Clinton, the New York senator who is seeking the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, has been alluding to her spiritual life with increasing regularity in recent years, language that has dovetailed with efforts by her party to reach out to churchgoers who have been voting overwhelmingly Republican.

Mrs. Clinton’s references to faith, though, have come under attack, both from conservatives who doubt her sincerity (one writer recently lumped her with the type of Christians who “believe in everything but God”) and liberals who object to any injection of religion into politics. And her motivations have been cast as political calculation by detractors, who suggest she is only trying to moderate her liberal image.

Posted by Rob Moll at July 9, 2007 9:15AM | Comments (16)

It turns out I may have spoken too soon (and not for the first time). On June 22 in the CT Liveblog, in a posting entitled "Gas and Hot Air," I wondered why no one is talking about nuclear power as a partial answer to the nation's energy woes. Actually, people are talking about it. According to a report in today's Chicago Tribune, fears over global warming are sparking thoughts among environmentalists that maybe splitting the atom is the lesser of two evils, even though storing nuclear waste and protecting against possible terrorist attacks remain issues:

"Patrick Moore, a Greenpeace co-founder who has become a fervent nuclear energy advocate and industry consultant, said the industry needs to prepare for such worst-case scenarios, but those shouldn't drive the debate over nuclear energy.

"Moore said his former environmentalist allies, some of whom now deride him as a corporate shill, are stuck in a Cold War mentality that lumps together the benefits and dangers of nuclear technology.

"'You don't ban the beneficial uses of a technology just because that same technology can be used for evil," he said. 'Otherwise, we would never have harnessed fire.'"

Posted by Stan Guthrie at July 2, 2007 3:14PM | Comments (4)

Tragically, Bruce R. Kennedy, 68, the retired CEO of Alaska Air, was killed in a single-plane crash on Thursday, June 28, in Cashmere, north central Washington State. For years, Kennedy was very active in supporting Christian missions overseas.

A statement from the Kennedy family details how Mr. Kennedy remained active in missions support work since his retirement from Alaska Air in 1991, especially with MAF(Missionary Aviation Fellowship).

The family said:

While we are deeply saddened by the loss of someone we love and admire so much, we rejoice in the knowledge that Bruce is united with his Lord Jesus and take comfort in the fact that he died doing something he loved and in which he took great pleasure.

Also, Kennedy served as chairman of Quest Aircraft. This firm was working on developing new aircraft designed to address the unique needs and demands of missions personnel serving in remote parts of the world.

Posted by Tim Morgan at July 2, 2007 12:08PM | Comments (3)