http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/christian/ en-us Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:53:07 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416246/posts Calif parents of US missionary believed detained in North Korea join vigil for safe return ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press Writer 1:51 AM PST, December 28, 2009 SAN MARCOS, Calif. (AP) — An American missionary believed to be detained when he stepped into North Korea on Christmas didn't inform his parents of his plans but they had a hunch he would visit the communist nation. "We had a sense," Pyong Park, the missionary's father, told The Associated Press late Sunday. "We told him to continue what you're doing in South Korea." About 100 people held candles Sunday night at Palomar Korean... LAT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416246/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:53:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2415411/posts In 1965, the Pulitzer Prize's three-member music jury voted unanimously to award Duke Ellington a special citation for his prodigious contributions to American music, an award unceremoniously rejected by the Pulitzer's 14-member advisory board. The 66-year-old Ellington handled the snub and resulting controversy with customary aplomb. "Fate is being kind to me," the Maestro said. "Fate doesn't want me to be famous too young." In truth, Ellington had his eye on loftier concerns. On Sept. 16 of that year, the Duke Ellington Orchestra premiered "A Concert of Sacred Music" at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, the first of three Sacred Music... The Seattle Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2415411/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:33:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415259/posts Islamists claim killing of Russian priest (AFP) – 7 hours ago MOSCOW — An Islamist militant group based in Russia's North Caucases has claimed the killing last month of an Orthodox priest who was an outspoken critic of Islam. "One of our brothers who has never been to the Caucases took up the oath of (former independent Chechen president Doku Umarov) and expressed his desire to execute the damned Sysoyev," said a statement on the Kavkazcenter.com website. Daniil Sysoyev, 35, was killed on November 20 when masked gunman walked into Saint Thomas's church in southern Moscow and shot him four... AFP via Google http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415259/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:05:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415229/posts U.S. rights activist crosses into North Korea - reports Jon Herskovitz, Reuters December 26, 2009, 4:00 pm Send SEOUL (Reuters) - A U.S. human rights activist trying to raise global attention about the suffering of the North Korean people has crossed into the reclusive state, other activists and South Korean media said on Saturday. There has been no comment from North Korea, which usually arrests foreign border crossers on site, or from U.S. officials. Activists told Reuters that Robert Park, 28, had crossed into North Korea from China on Friday, while South Korea's Yonhap news agency and the Kukmin Ilbo... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415229/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 10:09:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2414873/posts The phenomenon of abduction, rape and forced Islamization of Christian girls in Egypt was shown for the first time on the Christian TV channel "Life TV", which broadcasts from outside Egypt and has nearly 60 million Arab-speaking viewers in Egypt and around the world. ... Ingy Adel, now 16, was abducted at the age of 12 on her way to school by being anaesthetized and bundled into a car. "I was taken into a room by a man called Sultan, who tied my hands behind my back and raped me," said Ingy. Four men followed Sultan in raping her, "I... Assyrian International News Agency http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2414873/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:32:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2414681/posts And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Gospel of Mathew Chapter 27 verse 46) Gentle Reader, It is this fourth word from our dying Saviour that causes me to begin to cry and weep as I see our dear Lord the sinless perfect Son of God who came from the very Throne room of the Most High God TheCypressTimes.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2414681/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:30:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2414503/posts The Senate vote on final passage of health reform almost scuttled their plans, but it looks like the First Family will still make it to Hawaii for Christmas. They've had a whirlwind holiday season so far, starting with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, through hosting more than 50,000 people for 27 parties and open houses, and ending with a visit by the First Lady, Malia and Sasha, and the family's dog Bo, to deliver cookies to the Children's National Medical Center. The Obamas have also started their own holiday traditions in their new home, adding a Christmas wishing... Time http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2414503/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:56:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413541/posts Today - December 22, 2009 a hearing was held in Franklin Country Juvenile Court in Columbus, Ohio concerning Rifqa Bary. People began arriving around 8:30 AM for the docket that began at 9:00 AM. I glanced at the list of cases and Rifqa's was listed as the second one, so I thought that was good news. Little did I know at the time that the order of the list has nothing to do with the order of the cases - her case ended up being the last one for the day. I also noticed the nature of her case listed... Me http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413541/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:01:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412993/posts Believers in human-caused global climate change have been placed under an uncomfortable spotlight recently. That is thanks to the Climategate scandal, centering on e-mails hacked from the influential Climate Research Unit (CRU) at England’s University of East Anglia. The e-mails show scientists from various academic institutions hard at work suppressing dissent from other scientists who have doubts on global warming, massaging research data to fit preconceived ideas, and seeking to manipulate the gold standard “peer review” process to keep skeptical views from being heard. Does this sound familiar at all? To me, as a prominent skeptic of modern Darwinian theory,... Human Events http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412993/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:53:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412793/posts INTERNATIONAL "PAKISTANI MUSLIMS GUN DOWN CHRISTIAN FRIEND They order him to convert to Islam or die, after accusing him of murder." By Jawad Mazhar SNIPPET: "MUREEDKAY, Pakistan – A group of Muslims shot their Christian friend dead this month on the outskirts of this town after saying they would spare his life only if he recanted his faith, according to the young man’s father. The friends of Patras Masih, who died from gunshot wounds on Dec. 3 in Karol village, Punjab Province, issued the ultimatum to him after accusing him of the murder of their friend Anees Mahammad. An autopsy... (COMPASS DIRECT NEWS) via CHRISTIAN NEWS TODAY.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412793/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:10:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412570/posts AnalysisMany balk at this element of the Nativity story, but historical and astronomical evidence tends to corroborate it. By Michael J. MillerDuring a 2007 BBC radio interview, the archbishop of Canterbury deconstructed elements of the Nativity story. “Stars simply don’t behave like that,” Rowan Williams said. Asked about the existence of three wise men, he replied, “It works quite well as legend.”But years ago Father Walter Brandmüller, president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences, published an essay applying the historical-critical method to the question of the Nativity story. (The essay is reprinted without cumbersome footnotes in Light and Shadows: Church... Catholic World Report http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412570/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:31:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412316/posts A photo of a Nativity Scene the Catholic League erected in New YorkÂ’s Central Park in December 2009. (Photo courtesy of Catholic League) (CNSNews.com) – The New York City-based Catholic League has erected a life-size Nativity scene at the heart of New York’s Central Park, hoping the display will remind Christians in other cities that such displays are legal.   Placed at the corner of 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, the Nativity stands prominently in front of the world’s largest menorah – the eight-armed candelabra used to mark the eight days of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.   First... cns http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412316/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:26:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2412307/posts From bankruptcy to pre-nups, I've drilled deep into our analytics for 2009. Here's your top ten favorite (most viewed) posts of the year: 1. Bankruptcy for Christians Facing Financial Meltdown?2. Google Gives Glimpse of Legal Struggles Christians Face3. Good News on the Law: Can President Obama Change the Supreme Court?4. The Litigation Trap and the Christian Conciliation Alternative: Christianity 9 to 55. Good News on the Law: You Can Be a Christian at Work6. The Madoff Scandal and Three Essential Questions on Wealth7. Christian Lawyer: Not an Oxymoron8. Mortgage morality meltdown: Law prof says go ahead, stiff the bank!9. The... Is There a Lawyer in the Church? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2412307/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:13:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412124/posts My son stood larger than life, the sun dancing on his hair, his eyes sparkling as he laughed with his teammates in all the bravado only teammates can share. Grinning from ear to ear, ahead in a major semi-pro football game, my son was radiant with the joy of it, and I thanked God for days such as this. I once had the RIGHT to kill him. For a second I imagined him not there. That thought shot through my body like ice and anger at women like Nancy Pelosi welled up inside. What kind of monster would fight to... RenewAmerica http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412124/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:20:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411892/posts A Christian teacher fears she may never work again after she was sacked for offering to pray for a sick pupil. Olive Jones, 54, said she had been made to feel like a criminal, and claimed that Christians were being persecuted due to 'political correctness'. Mrs Jones, who taught children not well enough to attend school, said that after she raised the topic of prayer during a visit to a 12-year-old's house, the girl's mother lodged a complaint. Just hours later, said Mrs Jones, her boss told her she would no longer be working for Oak Hill Short Stay School... Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411892/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:13:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2411735/posts Their families? Left to fend for themselves. So tomorrow more pastors jailed by Chinese atheists will string fine wire for Christmas light insertions into hard plastic containers. A workday: 16-20 hours. Then the items will be marketed global for believers to have Christmas lights for one more December. It goes on and on and on. Allvoices http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2411735/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:47:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2411612/posts A devout Christian teacher has lost her job after discussing her faith with a mother and her sick child and offering to pray for them. Olive Jones, a 54-year-old mother of two, who taught maths to children too ill to attend school, was dismissed following a complaint from the girl’s mother. She was visiting the home of the child when she spoke about her belief in miracles and asked whether she could say a prayer, but when the mother indicated they were not believers she did not go ahead. Mrs Jones was then called in by her managers who, she... Daily Mail online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2411612/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:09:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411353/posts Dear friends, Thank you all so much for your emails and facebook messages. If you have sent me an email or facebook message recently and I haven’t responded to you, please know that every one of your emails of support and encouragement are read and are greatly appreciated. Due to the busy season right now, I have not been able to respond immediately, but I soon will. Please know that all your responses are read and are personally appreciated. Thank you for staying engaged. I wanted to take a minute to let you know about a couple of important things... Jamal Jivanjee http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411353/posts#comment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:16:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410567/posts Christian leaders representing a wide spectrum of sects were assured Monday morning by the commander of the IDF's Civil Administration Bethlehem Coordination and Liaison Office that Christian pilgrims would have free access to the birthplace of Jesus during the Christmas holiday. Priests, archbishops and friars representing Latin Catholic, Coptic, Greek Orthodox, Franciscan, Lutheran, Anglican, Syrian Orthodox, Ethiopian and Armenian Christian sects met with Lt.-Col. Eyad Sirhan, the Druse commander responsible for orchestrating pilgrimages by a diverse collection of Christian faithful. Some wore the black and white collar of the priest, others wore robes and traditional hats. Conversation was conducted in... J Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410567/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:23:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410379/posts Even as you read this, persecuted Christians from around the world are gathering names and addresses from their local communities. These names are then submitted to Bibles Unbound where members have the opportunity to mail New Testaments in the appropriate language directly to the field. This unique program gives you the ability to stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters and help create a witness for Jesus Christ in hostile lands right from your own home. We invite you to read about current ministry operations to the right and consider joining today. For a donation of only $30.00 per month... Bibles Unbound http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2410379/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:47:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410337/posts I had never heard of KAIROS until I read Colby Cosh's analysis of their partisan politics. That led me to some further reading, and I discovered that KAIROS had issued a denunciation of Alberta's oilsands, and then they went on their fact-finding trip to Fort McMurray. One might have thought it would have been in the reverse order. A quick visit to KAIROS's website shows that their most important goal now is not actually anything to do with religion, let alone with Christianity. It's about getting back to the taxpayer trough. I say let them raise their own money through... ezralevant.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410337/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:53:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410244/posts Note: 1 video and photos included. Home » News » Politics "After Covering Up Symbol for Jesus at Georgetown, White House Had Obama Speak in Front of Symbols for AMA, AARP and Human Rights Campaign" Thursday, December 17, 2009 By Nicholas Ballasy and Edwin Mora SNIPPET: "(CNSNews.com) – When President Barack Obama spoke at Gaston Hall at Georgetown University on April 14, the university complied with a White House request to cover up all signs and symbols on the wall of the stage behind where the president spoke. These included the monogram “IHS”-- a symbol for the name of Jesus--which... CNS NEWS.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410244/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:57:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2409968/posts When it comes to a Christmastime movie, a perennial favorite of most everyone is It’s a Wonderful Life. Jimmy Stewart made no secret it was his favorite film and favorite role as George Bailey. The poignant slice of Americana is on the Vatican’s film list and No. 5 on the Register’s 100 best films list. No matter how many times we watch it, the story remains fresh and remarkably uplifting. And with strong spiritual implications whose foundations were laid before filming began. Before Stewart became George Bailey, his guardian angel surely watched over him during harrowing combat missions in World... NC Register http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2409968/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:32:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409857/posts A student says a Dallas public community-college teacher compared crosses to swastikas while explaining a school ban on religious items made in ceramics classes. World Net Daily http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409857/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:49:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409719/posts The archbishop of Kirkuk says security measures will be strengthened during Christmas for fear of new attacks. Two attacks are carried out in Mosul yesterday; two churches are hit, one baby girl is dead and 40 people are wounded. Source tells AsiaNews that the Christian community is “destined to die” in the city. Kirkuk (AsiaNews) – A policy of “ethnic and religious cleansing” is underway in Mosul; in fact, it has worsened as Christmas approaches, Mgr Louis Sako told AsiaNews. For the archbishop of Kirkuk, this means that “security measures must be strengthened or the holiday season”. Meanwhile, tensions and... AsiaNews http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409719/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:50:44 GMT