Holy Relics

Integration Struggle Persists for Muslims in Germany
The German government’s response to a new coalition of major Muslim organizations — that the coalition doesn’t represent enough Muslims — set the stage for little progress in a three-year discussion. And many Muslims there disagree on the meaning of integration.

The German government’s response to a new coalition of major Muslim organizations — that the coalition doesn’t represent enough Muslims — set the stage for little progress in a three-year discussion. And many Muslims there disagree on the meaning of integration.

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Source: www.npr.org

Brownback Camp Reprimands Aide for Sending E-mail Questioning Mormonism
An aide to GOP presidential candidate Sam Brownback has been reprimanded for sending e-mail to Iowa Republican leaders in an apparent attempt to draw unfavorable scrutiny to rival Mitt Romney’s Mormonism.
Source: pewforum.org

Converted Iraqi Politician Knows Religious Divide
Maha al Douri is a Shiite lawmaker who once was a Sunni. She says she was first attracted to Shiite Islam as a college student and converted because Shiite Islam seemed more peaceful than the Sunni strand. When Douri converted, her Sunni family disowned her. When she married a Shiite man, her relatives threatened to kill her.

Maha al Douri is a Shiite lawmaker who once was a Sunni. She says she was first attracted to Shiite Islam as a college student and converted because Shiite Islam seemed more peaceful than the Sunni strand. When Douri converted, her Sunni family disowned her. When she married a Shiite man, her relatives threatened to kill her.

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Source: www.npr.org

Clinton: Let’s Not Confuse Faith, Science (Video)
Sen. Hillary Clinton explains her faith in relationship to science and her position on evolution.
Source: pewforum.org

An Outsider’s Look Inside Amish Community
Writer Joe Mackall gained unprecedented access to one of the most conservative Amish communities through his neighbor Samuel. In his new book, Plain Secrets, Mackall chronicles the tightly knit society of Ohio’s Swartzentruber Amish.

Writer Joe Mackall gained unprecedented access to one of the most conservative Amish communities through his neighbor Samuel. In his new book, Plain Secrets, Mackall chronicles the tightly knit society of Ohio’s Swartzentruber Amish.

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Source: www.npr.org

Unmarried Couples Lose Legal Benefits
States that have banned gay marriage are beginning to revoke the benefits of domestic partners of public employees.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: wiccan, religious artifacts, holy relics, christianity

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Integration Struggle Persists for Muslims in Germany
The German government’s response to a new coalition of major Muslim organizations — that the coalition doesn’t represent enough Muslims — set the stage for little progress in a three-year discussion. And many Muslims there disagree on the meaning of integration.

The German government’s response to a new coalition of major Muslim organizations — that the coalition doesn’t represent enough Muslims — set the stage for little progress in a three-year discussion. And many Muslims there disagree on the meaning of integration.

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Source: www.npr.org

U.S. Strategy on Sunnis Questioned
Shiite and Kurdish officials expressed deep reservations on Sunday about the new U.S. military strategy of partnering with Sunni Arab groups to help defeat the militant organization al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Source: pewforum.org

Palestinian Split Rattles Region
President Mahmoud Abbas named a new cabinet Sunday and banned Hamas militias.
Source: pewforum.org

Obama: Faith Plays Role in Public Life
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama insisted Saturday that religious faith can play a central role in politics, but only if it’s used to tackle moral issues and not to divide the nation.
Source: pewforum.org

Praying in the Rosary Rose Bowl
Thousands of Roman Catholics have signed up for an event called the Rosary Rose Bowl, held Saturday at the actual Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. It’s a church-led effort to encourage the faithful to return to the practice of praying the rosary.

Thousands of Roman Catholics have signed up for an event called the Rosary Rose Bowl, held Saturday at the actual Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. It’s a church-led effort to encourage the faithful to return to the practice of praying the rosary.

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Source: www.npr.org

Creation Museum Ready for Debut
Australian Ken Ham says that 25 years ago, God inspired him to present the Biblical view of creation. Ham’s new Creation Museum opens Monday near Cincinnati, Ohio, with this call to action: “Prepare to believe.”

Australian Ken Ham says that 25 years ago, God inspired him to present the Biblical view of creation. Ham’s new Creation Museum opens Monday near Cincinnati, Ohio, with this call to action: “Prepare to believe.”

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Source: www.npr.org

When it Comes to Faith, Partisan Lines are Blurring
Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: metaphysics, hebrew, religious products, Buddist

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Christian ministries who see homosexuality as a treatable disorder are starting to think that choice may not be a factor. read more…

“There is a long history of dissent among Southern Baptists, so the discordant voices about politics are not necessarily a harbinger of change,” said John Green, a senior fellow with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. read more…

Speaking Monday at a conference on Islam, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promoted “the still, small voice of reason and moderation” that speaks out in opposition to extremism. A new government study paints a picture of Islamic studies departments at British universities as out of touch.

Speaking Monday at a conference on Islam, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promoted “the still, small voice of reason and moderation” that speaks out in opposition to extremism. A new government study paints a picture of Islamic studies departments at British universities as out of touch.

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Mitt Romney’s Mormonism isn’t something his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination talk much about in public, but his faith appears to have stoked a whisper campaign, engineered by an Iowa staffer for Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.). read more…

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

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Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter are on hand for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. The facility serves as a memorial and historical center for the longtime evangelist.

Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter are on hand for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. The facility serves as a memorial and historical center for the longtime evangelist.

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Thousands of Roman Catholics have signed up for an event called the Rosary Rose Bowl, held Saturday at the actual Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. It’s a church-led effort to encourage the faithful to return to the practice of praying the rosary.

Thousands of Roman Catholics have signed up for an event called the Rosary Rose Bowl, held Saturday at the actual Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. It’s a church-led effort to encourage the faithful to return to the practice of praying the rosary.

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Dialogue centers on prominence in the public square, influence. read more…

Tags: religious products, Buddist, Hindu, religious artifacts

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Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter are on hand for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. The facility serves as a memorial and historical center for the longtime evangelist.

Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter are on hand for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. The facility serves as a memorial and historical center for the longtime evangelist.

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Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is now facing questions on whether he has shifted his stand on expanded federal support for stem cell research. read more…

The German government’s response to a new coalition of major Muslim organizations — that the coalition doesn’t represent enough Muslims — set the stage for little progress in a three-year discussion. And many Muslims there disagree on the meaning of integration.

The German government’s response to a new coalition of major Muslim organizations — that the coalition doesn’t represent enough Muslims — set the stage for little progress in a three-year discussion. And many Muslims there disagree on the meaning of integration.

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Factional clashes could turn Gaza and West Bank into ministates ruled by Hamas and Fatah. read more…

For many people in Turkey, the battle for their country’s future comes down to one symbol — a head scarf. A parliamentary election in July could determine whether Islam will play a more prominent role in Turkish government and society. read more…

Tags: religious artifacts, metaphysics, wiccan, Hindu

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Vote keeps proposed ban off 2008 state ballot. read more…

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

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Leaders from both sides of the political aisle thanked Hispanic evangelicals Friday for their push for comprehensive immigration reform and urged their continued support as the Congress reopens debate on the controversial issue. read more…

Factional clashes could turn Gaza and West Bank into ministates ruled by Hamas and Fatah. read more…

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who rose from a small town to the national stage, left a major impact on conservative politics. Republican candidates are paying homage to the Baptist preacher who became a potent political force.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who rose from a small town to the national stage, left a major impact on conservative politics. Republican candidates are paying homage to the Baptist preacher who became a potent political force.

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Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

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Tags: wiccan, religious artifacts, Buddist, religious products

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Struggle for Turkey Heads to the Ballot Box
For many people in Turkey, the battle for their country’s future comes down to one symbol — a head scarf. A parliamentary election in July could determine whether Islam will play a more prominent role in Turkish government and society.
Source: pewforum.org

Palestinian Statehood Hopes in Peril
Factional clashes could turn Gaza and West Bank into ministates ruled by Hamas and Fatah.
Source: pewforum.org

Romney Faces Another ‘Flip-Flop’ Question: Has He Changed on Stem Cells?
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is now facing questions on whether he has shifted his stand on expanded federal support for stem cell research.
Source: pewforum.org

Right Group’s Abortion Stance Ruffles Vatican
A Vatican cardinal said Wednesday that Roman Catholics should stop donating money to Amnesty International following its adoption of a new policy calling for women to have access to abortion services.
Source: pewforum.org

Critics Assail Creation Museum
Ken Ham’s $27 million Creation Museum project was built entirely with private money. Yet it was bound to attract skeptics and detractors. And protesters will be out in force Monday. What might people find objectionable about the exhibits?

Ken Ham’s $27 million Creation Museum project was built entirely with private money. Yet it was bound to attract skeptics and detractors. And protesters will be out in force Monday. What might people find objectionable about the exhibits?

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Source: www.npr.org

Hamas to Grant Amnesty to Fatah Leaders
Amnesty a sign the movement is seeking to reconcile with secular rivals; Palestinian president moves to restructure crumbling government.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: metaphysics, hebrew, holy relics, wiccan

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With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

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“Being a conservative is also about having a much broader agenda than the very narrowly focused one that sometimes conservatives are either accused of or — frankly — can be guilty of,” Huckabee said last week at a luncheon hosted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. read more…

The three leading Democratic presidential contenders — New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barak Obama and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards — sat down with liberal religious leaders Monday evening to talk about faith.

The three leading Democratic presidential contenders — New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barak Obama and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards — sat down with liberal religious leaders Monday evening to talk about faith.

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The campaign of Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts seeking the Republican Party’s nomination in 2008, today announced a new brand of steering committee: the national Faith and Values Steering Committee. read more…

Abortion rights advocates cheered when Democrats took control of Congress. But hopes that their agenda would become a legislative priority have since faded. read more…

John Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum for Religion and Public Life, says America’s “nonreligious population” — agnostics, atheists and those who don’t identify with organized religion — doubled in the past decade to roughly 13 percent. read more…

The Rev. Jerry Falwell’s death highlighted both a power and a political shift within the Evangelical Christian community. Debbie Elliott gets a glimpse at some of the new evangelical leaders and their broader political agendas from Barbara Bradley Hagerty.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell’s death highlighted both a power and a political shift within the Evangelical Christian community. Debbie Elliott gets a glimpse at some of the new evangelical leaders and their broader political agendas from Barbara Bradley Hagerty.

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Australian Ken Ham says that 25 years ago, God inspired him to present the Biblical view of creation. Ham’s new Creation Museum opens Monday near Cincinnati, Ohio, with this call to action: “Prepare to believe.”

Australian Ken Ham says that 25 years ago, God inspired him to present the Biblical view of creation. Ham’s new Creation Museum opens Monday near Cincinnati, Ohio, with this call to action: “Prepare to believe.”

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read more…

Tags: wiccan, Hindu, Buddist, christianity

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Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

read more…

Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter are on hand for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. The facility serves as a memorial and historical center for the longtime evangelist.

Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Carter are on hand for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. The facility serves as a memorial and historical center for the longtime evangelist.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

read more…

John Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum for Religion and Public Life, says America’s “nonreligious population” — agnostics, atheists and those who don’t identify with organized religion — doubled in the past decade to roughly 13 percent. read more…

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who rose from a small town to the national stage, left a major impact on conservative politics. Republican candidates are paying homage to the Baptist preacher who became a potent political force.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who rose from a small town to the national stage, left a major impact on conservative politics. Republican candidates are paying homage to the Baptist preacher who became a potent political force.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

read more…

Speaking Monday at a conference on Islam, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promoted “the still, small voice of reason and moderation” that speaks out in opposition to extremism. A new government study paints a picture of Islamic studies departments at British universities as out of touch.

Speaking Monday at a conference on Islam, British Prime Minister Tony Blair promoted “the still, small voice of reason and moderation” that speaks out in opposition to extremism. A new government study paints a picture of Islamic studies departments at British universities as out of touch.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

read more…

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

With a new church and a new leader, the religious community best known for its 1993 standoff with federal agents has found a new confrontation. A trans-Texas highway project could slice right through the Davidians’ compound — and the members see it as another test.

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Blurring the Church-State Line: Falwell’s Flaw
David Kuo, the former deputy director of the office of faith-based community initiatives in the Bush administration, says that the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s most enduring and most troubling legacy is that he almost single-handedly blurred the line between Christianity and conservative politics — to the detriment of both. Kuo is the author of Tempting Faith.

David Kuo, the former deputy director of the office of faith-based community initiatives in the Bush administration, says that the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s most enduring and most troubling legacy is that he almost single-handedly blurred the line between Christianity and conservative politics — to the detriment of both. Kuo is the author of Tempting Faith.

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Source: www.npr.org

Romney’s Run Has Mormons Wary of Scrutiny
In this wide valley where the twin spires of the Mormon temple dominate the landscape and some neighborhoods have a Mormon chapel every few blocks, Mitt Romney’s bid for president is both a proud sign of progress and a cause of trepidation.
Source: pewforum.org

Mormons in the Spotlight
Thirty percent of Americans surveyed by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in February said they would be less likely to back a Mormon for president, while 46 percent in a Gallup poll said they had an unfavorable opinion of Mormons.
Source: pewforum.org

Fundamental Mormons Seek Recognition for Polygamy
Polygamy, once hidden in the shadows of Utah and Arizona, is breaking into the open as fundamentalist Mormons push to decriminalize it on religious grounds, while at the same time stamping out abuses such as forced marriages of underage brides.
Source: pewforum.org

Op-Ed: Do Positions on Evolution Really Matter in 2008 Race?
One-quarter of Americans think evolution, a scientific theory on the origins of life, and creationism, the biblical description of how life began, are both likely explanations.
Source: pewforum.org

A Pious Nation?
Though the United States is considered a deeply religious country, a glance at America today reveals a society divided by wealth and poverty, tainted by violence and often oblivious to the common good. A country of believers? Perhaps. But saying is one thing, doing quite another.
Source: pewforum.org

When it Comes to Faith, Partisan Lines are Blurring
Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

Commentator David Kuo observes how Republicans and Democrats seem to have switched sides when it comes to talking about religion. Democratic candidates can’t seem to stop talking about Jesus, while the Republicans barely mention faith at all.

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Source: www.npr.org

McCain Called Out on Religion
In his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, Arizona Sen. John McCain is reaching out to conservative Christians, and many of them want to know how much McCain reaches out to God.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: holy relics, religious artifacts, religious products, metaphysics

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The Rev. Jerry Falwell’s death highlighted both a power and a political shift within the Evangelical Christian community. Debbie Elliott gets a glimpse at some of the new evangelical leaders and their broader political agendas from Barbara Bradley Hagerty.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell’s death highlighted both a power and a political shift within the Evangelical Christian community. Debbie Elliott gets a glimpse at some of the new evangelical leaders and their broader political agendas from Barbara Bradley Hagerty.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

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In a final sermon this past Sunday, the Rev. Jerry Falwell told churchgoers that he was at peace with death. His passing prompts a reflection on the conservative leader’s life and career, in his own words.

In a final sermon this past Sunday, the Rev. Jerry Falwell told churchgoers that he was at peace with death. His passing prompts a reflection on the conservative leader’s life and career, in his own words.

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Three former presidents honor mega-preacher Billy Graham at the dedication of his library. Days later the three top Democratic contenders for the White House openly talk about faith in a televised forum. read more…

Against the backdrop of civil war, Abraham Lincoln stirred Americans by appealing to their “better angels”. Now some of those angels appear in an unprecedented study about Muslims in the US, and they may show us how to prevent civil war in Europe. read more…

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who rose from a small town to the national stage, left a major impact on conservative politics. Republican candidates are paying homage to the Baptist preacher who became a potent political force.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who rose from a small town to the national stage, left a major impact on conservative politics. Republican candidates are paying homage to the Baptist preacher who became a potent political force.

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New studies show various ways to make ordinary cells act like embryonic stem cells. read more…

America is becoming more secular; Europe is becoming more religious. Both trends could mean trouble. read more…

A show of sympathy for suicide bombers among some young, American Muslims has raised new concerns about homegrown extremism, but also is highlighting calls to engage the nation’s growing Muslim population. read more…

Tags: hebrew, religious artifacts, religious products, Islam

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