Liberal Churches' tolerance is a myth.

Anglican Church Finds “No Room at the Inn” in Baltimore

Church of the Resurrection, an Anglican start-up church in Baltimore, Md., has found that there may be “no room at the inn” for them this Christmas season. In November, the congregation entered a “gentleman’s agreement” with Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church to rent worship space for a two-month “trial period” beginning on Christmas Eve. On December 22, the Rev. Eliot Winks, rector of Resurrection, and Patrick Cunningham, a lay leader in the church, were informed that the congregation could only use the facility for three weeks. In addition, they learned that bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland had pressured their Presbyterian counterpart, Executive Presbyter the Rev. Peter Nord, to deny use of the church. Nord instructed the Brown leadership to cancel the agreement.

Click on the title to read more.

As my husband said, that is just wrong.

---Katie

Hellooooo, Zeta!

Imagine this!

From the National Hurricane Center:

At 1 PM AST...1700z...the center of Tropical Storm Zeta was located
near latitude 25.0 north... longitude 36.9 west or about 1070
miles...1720 km... southwest of the Azores.


Zeta is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph ...13 km/hr. A turn
to the west-northwest is expected during the next 24 hours.


Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph... 85 km/hr...with higher
gusts. Although some strengthening is possible later today...a
weakening trend is expected to begin tomorrow.

Wow.

---Katie

Yes, the reaction to Christianity is different.

They have a jeans logo that is openly anti-Christian in Sweden. Do you ever wonder why people don't do that sort of things to other large religious groups? Perhaps it is because Christianity is the only real threat to the secular agenda because it is true. While the attackers profess not to believe in any "organized religion," they know in their hearts who the true God is and they are threatened by him. Of course, they might not attack Islam because they would like to keep their heads!

Here is an excerpt from the article (click on the title for the rest!):

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Cheap Monday jeans are a hot commodity among young Swedes thanks to their trendy tight fit and low price, even if a few buyers are turned off by the logo: a skull with a cross turned upside down on its forehead.

Logo designer Bjorn Atldax says he's not just trying for an antiestablishment vibe.

"It is an active statement against Christianity," Atldax told The Associated Press. "I'm not a Satanist myself, but I have a great dislike for organized religion."

The label's makers say it's more of a joke, but Atldax insists his graphic designs have a purpose beyond selling denim: to make young people question Christianity, a "force of evil" that he blames for sparking wars throughout history.

---Katie

Ever wonder about your IQ?

If you have ever wondered what your IQ might be and you have not been tested or don't know what your score is, click on the title for an interesting site. It correlates IQ with SAT or GRE scores. I have an idea of what my IQ is from testing years ago, and the SAT correlation was 10 -15 points off for me, but it was interesting to look at.

Yes, I agree that IQ is just a number, and that there are many things that play into how successful a person is, particularly motivation and work ethic. The site is fun, however, particularly for those, like me, who find personality and intelligence fascinating to study.

---Katie

Merry Christmas, America!

Merry Christmas, America!

click here to see it reeeeeally large!

This cartoon/graphic is free for any noncommercial use:
emails, blogs, forums, newsletters, flyers, whatever!

In Defense of the Commercialization of Christmas

I like this article by Gene Edward Veith:

In defense of the commercialization of Christmas

I love everything about Christmas, including its commercialization. First of all, it is very appropriate for non-Christians and secularists to observe this holiday. "At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow. . .and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). This will happen at Judgment, but it happens too in a lesser way at Christmastime. The practically-universal holiday and its observances are signs of Christ's Lordship, even among those who reject Him. (This is why eliminating the "name" of Christ imbedded in the word "Christmas" really is important for non-believers, though their efforts are ultimately futile.) All of their celebrating, gift-giving, family times, and warm and fuzzy feelings are tributes to Jesus, whether they like it or not. And such honor is fitting for the One through whom all things were made and the redeemer of the world.

But hasn't Christmas become too materialistic? Shouldn't we make it more spiritual? NO. This is the last of our worries today, when the hyper-spiritualism of the Gnostics has permeated our culture and our religious life. The Incarnation, which we celebrate at Christmas, is precisely about the MATERIAL realm. In Christ, God has become FLESH. He is not an inner feeling, much less a vacuous deity without form or substance, as our Gnostic culture prefers. He has become material. And we are too, so that our bodies (contra the Feminists) and what we do in our bodies (contra the Gnostic immoralists) are very important. In our current moral and theological climate, we desperately need to recapture the Biblical mindsets concerning the material realm, including the Creation, the Body, the Incarnation, the Sacraments, the Resurrection of the Body.

But Christmas is not just a family holiday, as so many people are making it. No, it isn't. But in a curiously neglected prophecy--indeed in the last verse of the Old Testament, transitioning into the New--we learn that a sign of Christ's advent, referring apparently to John the Baptist, is the coming of a prophet who "will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6). So in our divorce-plagued culture, a time when this happens does indeed honor and point to Christ.

But isn't there too much emphasis on presents? NO. A gift is a sign of the Gospel. Jesus is a gift. Salvation is a gift. The Word and the Sacraments convey God's gifts of grace. In this selfish, me-centered world, giving gifts and (perhaps more importantly) receiving gifts can create a mindset necessary in understanding the Christian message.

So Christians should be glad to see the secular world all decked out and celebrating the birth of Christ. Christ is not just for Christians. He is for the whole world, even for those who do not know Him and who are honoring Him against their intention and against their will. And it is a proof of His lordship that practically the whole world sets aside a day to be happy and giving in His name.

---Katie

Local option now a reality in the ELCA

Funny. I thought we voted no.

Bishop Payne OK's Same Sex Blessings

---

At the New England Synod Bishop's Convocation held in Nashua, N.H. on November 7-9, 2005, Bishop Margaret Payne in her bishop's address announced to those in attendance that she interprets Resolution 2 of the three resolutions regarding sexuality adopted in Orlando at the ELCA 2005 Church-wide Assembly to allow for the blessings of unions of same gender couples in committed relationships. These may take place in the churches [that is, the church buildings] provided that pastors, couples, congregations, etc. understand that there is not an official rite of the Church for such blessings. The bishop requested, however, that pastors who intend to perform such blessings should first:

1. inform Bishop Payne
2. discuss the matter with congregation councils
3. not allow same-gender union blessings to become media events.

Bishop Payne said that at present she did not feel called to "ecclesiastical disobedience," but she believes that Resolution 3 deprives the New England Synod and the ELCA of good and faithful pastors who are otherwise qualified to serve the Church. She also stated that she sees no convincing theological arguments for excluding gay and lesbian persons in life-long committed relationships from serving as pastors.
Furthermore, Bishop Payne said that she would respect those pastors, who for reasons of conscience, could not accept or perform same-gender union blessings.
Although Bishop Payne felt she needed to resign from the ELCA Sexuality Task Force, she believes her role on the Task Force was a call from God. She stated that she intends to spend more time among the people and congregations of the New England Synod, and that she will stand for re-election as bishop, "but that's up to the Holy Spirit," she said.

--The Rev. Jack R. Whritenour, Trinity Lutheran Church, Shelton, CT

Thanks to Pastor Rob for the tip!

---Katie

Ice Storm

OK, so Florida is not so bad....

We just took our yearly trip to SC and TN to visit family. When we left on Thursday, I was not aware that an ice storm was brewing in the western Carolinas and north Georgia. My parents experienced many of those while living in Gainesville, GA, and I was happy when they moved here to FL and I did not have to worry about them in that weather.

We arrived at my husband's parents' house to find that they had no power and, because it was so wet, their septic system was backing up - no toliet flushing thank you very much! I had just started taking medication for a UTI, so the bathroom and I were constant companions. We spent the first night in the dark at their house - trying to find a place to eat was fun. We arrived at two places just as they ran out of food. The third, Bojangles, was prepared! They must have sold a lot of chicken that night, because a significant portion of the town had no power for cooking.

Thankfully, my husband's sister had power on Friday and we all moved over there. We all even had beds! It was actually kind of fun. The whole situation reminded me of our hurricanes last year, except for being cold instead of hot.

We went to the Biltmore House in Asheville on Saturday and then on to Knoxville to see the rest of the family. We had such a good time! We got to take all the kids to the Narnia movie - well worth seeing, in my opinion!

Now we are home...appreciating the much milder FL weather. I do not miss ice storms in the least!

---Katie

More on the situation in Australia

The multiculturalists are not telling the whole story in Australia. Suprise, surprise. Click on the title for the whole article.


There is no doubt that Australia’s worsening civil disorder, in which Muslims and indigenous Aussies have been fighting pitched battles now for days, has been caused in part by white racists. However, the widespread spin that has been placed on this disorder, that it has been caused by white racists and that what it reveals is that, under its veneer of multiculturalism, Australia is a fundamentally racist society positively heaving with people with despicable views who have been itching to have a pop at blameless Lebanese Muslims, is very wide of the mark. For it appears that the current unrest was sparked by Lebanese Muslim attacks on two indigenous lifeguards, and that this was only the tip of an iceberg of aggression by this minority which — thanks to the censorship imposed by multiculturalism — has gone all but unreported.


It is a good thing that we still have the right to carry a firearm to protect ourselves in most of the US. I wonder what the chances are that we will need to protect ourselves soon from thugs like the ones described in this article. Can you imagine having to take armored vehicles into a section of your city just to make a few arrests? This is scary.


----Katie

Well, but He IS the reason for the season....

I haven't commented on all the arguing about saying Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays, but I could not resist this one. Click on the title for the link.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Everyone celebrates religion and holidays in their own individual ways, but currently there are questions about whether the two should be more connected. One of the latest places involved in the controversy is a McDonald's restaurant in Raleigh.The sign at McDonald's on the corner of Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest Road reads: "Merry Christmas, Jesus is the Reason for the Season." It is a holiday message that Amanda Alpert thinks comes on a little too strongly.

"It offends me because it specifically talks about Jesus, Merry Christmas. It doesn't give credit to anyone else," Alpert said. Alpert called the McDonald's corporate office in Atlanta and requested that the sign be changed to the politically correct Happy Holidays. The response was the owner has the right to do what she wants with the sign.

"I care because I'm Jewish, and the reason for the season is upsetting to me," Alpert said.


You have to wonder who else she wants to give credit to....

---Katie

Hmmm

"There's no question that Saddam Hussein is a threat... Yes, he has chemical and biological weapons. He's had those for a long time. But the United States right now is on a very much different defensive posture than we were before September 11th of 2001... He is, as far as we know, actively pursuing nuclear capabilities, though he doesn't have nuclear warheads yet. If he were to acquire nuclear weapons, I think our friends in the region would face greatly increased risks as would we." - Wesley Clark on September 26, 2002

Click on the title for more enlightening quotes.

---Katie

No Christmas Carols for Winter Park Seniors (Not to mention PA)

Another blurb from Free Republic, originally from Liberty Counsel:

Winter Park, FL – The Housing Resource Development Corporation has informed its senior citizens that they may not sing Christmas carols. Residents have also been told that they may not have outside religious groups or churches sing Christmas carols in the facility. Representing one of the residents, Liberty Counsel sent a demand letter stating that the housing authority is violating the Federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq, which prohibits religious discrimination. Prohibiting residents from singing Christmas carols will subject the facility to legal action. Violations are punishable by monetary damages, along with attorney’s fees and costs.

Mechanicsburg, PA – Bethany Towers provides housing to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Residents have been informed that they may not have any religious decorations in the main lobby or in the day rooms on each floor, where they congregate and meet, and may not have any religious symbols on the exterior portion of their own rooms. Throughout the year, residents decorate the exterior of their entry doors with cards and stuffed animals, but this year they have been told that they may not have religious Christmas decorations. Liberty Counsel has requested an immediate reversal of the decision.

Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: “Some of these elderly citizens and persons with disabilities will celebrate their final Christmas in these housing facilities. It is unthinkable that these housing authorities would rob the elderly and the dependent residents of their joy in celebrating Christmas. It is hard to imagine what these officials are thinking when they tell senior citizens that they may not celebrate Christmas, and then in the same breath, seek to justify their discrimination on the basis of inclusion. Forbidding these senior and dependent residents from celebrating Christmas is the most exclusionary act imaginable.”

FYI:
Housing Resource Development Corporation
700 N Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL
(407) 740-8108

Bethany Towers
335 Wesley Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-7698
http://www.wesleyservices.com/btower/
e-mail: info@wesleyservices.com.

Anyone want to go sing?

---Katie

Keep an eye on what is happening in Australia

Here are a couple of excerpts from articles posted on Free Republic:

CATHOLIC Archbishop George Pell has warned gangs of Middle Eastern descent not to target Christmas celebrations, after families were abused and gunshots fired into cars at a primary school's carols night in western Sydney on Monday.

Cardinal Pell said the attack in the multicultural suburb of Auburn, where Lebanese Muslims are believed to have turned on Lebanese Christians, was "apparently motivated by religious intolerance". He said: "I am deeply concerned about the targeting of Christmas celebrations at schools for students as young as five years old.

"The attack was apparently motivated by religious intolerance. This has no place in Australia today."

Police confirmed last night that they had been called to the St Joseph the Worker Primary School on Monday evening at about 9.30pm after a priest and parents heard gunshots outside the school, predominantly used by Lebanese Catholics.

Earlier in the evening, about 400 parents and children were singing carols when a group of youths of Middle Eastern appearance verbally abused them.

Neither police nor school staff could find any damage, but yesterday two school staff members discovered bullet holes in their cars, with spent cartridges found nearby.

"The cars have been seized along with a number of cartridges found at the scene and these will be forensically examined," a police spokeswoman said last night.

After two days of clashes between the Lebanese and Anglo communities in hotspots along Sydney's beaches, this was the first case of an attack on religious - rather than ethnic - grounds.

A church in Macquarie Fields, also in Sydney's west, was damaged in the early hours of yesterday morning, suffering minor fire damage after what police believe was an incendiary device was thrown through the front door. Cardinal Pell said the actions of the gang towards the Auburn school community - which was "predominantly Lebanese, with Filipinos, Chinese and Anglo families also represented" - was "as unacceptable as the violence perpetrated by Anglo elements on Sunday at Cronulla".

The incident forced the cancellation of a carols service at the Holy Spirit Primary School in Lakemba last night.

Cardinal Pell asked the Government to ensure the safety of those wishing to attend Christmas services. (from theaustralian)

----

TENSIONS between young white gangs and youths of mainly Middle Eastern origin erupted on one of Australia’s most popular beaches yesterday in what police condemned as a racially motivated rally driven by a mob mentality.

Thousands of people, many chanting racial slurs, were engaged in running battles on Cronulla Beach in Sydney’s southern suburbs.

At least 13 people were hurt, including five police, and 12 were arrested during the clashes, which followed a week of mounting anger over an attack on two lifeguards who were beaten up by a gang of Lebanese youths.

Furious locals, many wielding empty beer bottles and waving Australian flags, shouted anti-Middle Eastern slogans as they marched across the sand, on which was written “100 per cent Aussie pride”.

One white teenager had the words “We grew up here, you flew here” painted across his back. As the crowd moved along the beach and foreshore, one man on the back of a truck shouted: “No more Lebs [Lebanese]”, a chant picked up by the group around him. Others carried Australian flags and dressed in Australian sports shirts.

Up to 150 police officers were drafted in to cope with the 5,000-strong crowd, many of whom roamed the beach and side streets in vigilante fashion.

Two girls of Middle Eastern appearance were pushed to the ground and pelted with bottles as police tried to rescue them.

By mid-afternoon word spread that a Lebanese gang was arriving at the nearby railway station. Some members of the mob jumped on a train where they looked for anybody of vaguely Middle Eastern appearance. They found two men whom they began to beat before police intervened with batons and formed a human chain around the station.

In a separate incident, two paramedics were injured as they tried to rescue a group of Lebanese youths who had sought sanctuary in the Cronulla Surf Lifesaving club.

The mob smashed windows and kicked at doors, while others stomped on police vehicles and parked cars. Officers fought back with pepper spray and batons, bringing a semblance of calm to the area by late afternoon.

Last night, violence flared in at least six Sydney suburbs in retaliation for the Cronulla clashes. In nearby Brighton-le-Sands, an Australian flag was reported to have been taken off a building and burnt.

The violent clashes followed weeks of rising racial tension in the beachside suburb, which is popular with thousands of Middle Eastern families from Sydney’s mainly ethnic outer areas at the weekend. Locals have accused some of them, particularly visiting Lebanese youths, of being disrespectful to white women and other beachgoers.

Following the attacks on the volunteer lifeguards, a mobile telephone text campaign started, backed up by frenzied discussions on weblogs, calling on Cronulla locals to rally to protect their beach.

In response, a text campaign urged youths from western Sydney to be at Cronulla on Sunday to protect their friends. All week police and politicians had been calling for calm. (from The Times)

----
It's hard to know what to say here. I think abusing innocent people whatever their race is wrong, obviously. Another article on this beach situation said the Lebanese youths were calling white women "whores" because of how they were dressed (bathing suits, I assume) and then roughing up their male companions when they protested. How do we get people to "live and let live?" What do we do about people who are not willing to do that? Could this happen here in the US?

---Katie

Target: Google

Remember the Clinton administration's hounding of Microsoft? Looks like the Bush administration has its eye on Google. This article is from the Ludwig von Mises Institute. Click on the title for the whole article.

Target: Google

by William Anderson

[Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005] [To receive the Daily Article in your inbox, go to email services, and tell others too!]

It was only a decade ago that the Clinton Administration had decided that Microsoft was an Enemy of the People and tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to litigate the company into oblivion. While the principals in that set of lawsuits have gone on to other things, the "anti-monopoly" propaganda machines are turning their sights elsewhere. It seems that Google, the powerful and innovative Internet search engine, now enjoys the title of "Most Hated Company."

Now, if this were an article criticizing the 6.7 million "Hate Google" links that have sprung up (yes, you can use Google to find anti-Google sites ), it would be quite short. Those people who don't like Google can use Alta Vista, Yahoo, or some other search engine, and that should be the end of it. And if they wish to spend a good part of their day blasting Google on blogs or in emails, that is their business.

Google is no longer just a search engine of course. It offers premium email, instant messageing with voice, online books and media, maps and directions, web-use analytics, advertising programs, among a hundred other fast-changing, super-innovative ideas. For years now, it has been on the cutting edge, and the company shows no sign of slowing down. The competition seems constantly on the defensive. Many people believe that if the Windows OS is ever taken down a peg or two, it will be because of some Google innovation.

Its success is driven entirely by the consumer's evaluation of its quality. Google innovates but it is the market that renders the verdict.

When it comes to the law, however, I fear that we are not at the end, but rather the beginning, and the people at Google should be worried. If Microsoft's error was not being politically astute when the Clinton Administration took aim at the software company, then perhaps Google's big "mistake" is being aligned closely with the political party that happens to be out of power.

According to CNN, 98 percent of political contributions from Google employees went to candidates who were Democrats, and Google's search policies are decidedly left-wing. (For example, Google refused to run an advertisement for Candice E. Jackson's book Their Lives, which is critical of Bill Clinton's behavior toward women.)

In the libertarian view of things, Google has (and should have) the right to run those things they wish to run and extend its right of refusal to whatever it chooses. The politics of Google, its CEO, and its employees are irrelevant in the larger scheme of things and are private matters. However, politicians are not the sort of people to permit individuals to live and work as their conscience dictates, and I would not be surprised if the Bush Administration decides to use antitrust law (a term that in my view is an oxymoron) to punish the company.

Granted, the suit would have no legal or economic merit (although one can say that about any antitrust case), but searching 90-year-old grandmothers in wheelchairs who are trying to board planes has no merit, either, yet the government does it.

The vindictiveness against Google stems from the fact that people choose to use that particular search engine more than they do other searchers. Other people don't like the way that Google ranks websites, which means that a site that someone may think is the Most Important Website in the World is buried deep among the many other sites on the same subject.

But the biggest current complaint against Google is that it is just "too big." We hear things like "Google controls 80 percent of the market" for search engines, yet that statement is nonsense. Google does not "control" anything on the Internet. People have to choose to avail themselves of Google's services. No one is forced to use the Internet at all and, thus, can avoid Google altogether if that is their choice.

If the problem is that Google is just too big, then why not take a look at the size of our government? I think we could use a little anti-trust protection from a large and overbearing bureaucracy.

---Katie

Sorry I have not been posting

My computer is on the fritz. The pin where I plug in the charger came loose, for the second time. In the process of repairing it, the tech damaged something else and now not all the keys on the keyboard work. One of the items that needs to be replaced is backordered. So now I am stuck getting my work done on the old desktop, which I have to share. I am depressed. I will try to get back to posting even if I have to sit at this stupid desk....

So, the computer company wants to charge me for parts, but not labor....if they worked before the tech got ahold of it, why should I have to buy replacement parts? I'm letting my husband, the hardware guy work that out with them.

---Katie

Did anybody see this?

Apparently a large black X appeared on Vice President Cheney's face on CNN as he delivered a speech in Washington on Monday. Click on the title for the story (from Drudge by way of Free Republic.) Pictures are in the comments section.

---Katie

Shellfish is back!

Shellfish is a blog that did a great job of covering ELCA issues leading up to the Churchwide Assembly. It was supposed to end after the convention, but has come back in response to the action of the Metro NY Synod. Here is an excerpt of shrimp's latest post:

".....When this was reported back to me, my immediate response was to say
that there is a single defining issue of our time as Church and this synod
official is on the wrong side of that issue. Let'’s be fair, the whole
stinking synod is on the wrong side of this issue. Oh sometimes we
almost vote to be faithful, but we never pull it off. No matter how
ridiculous the resolution might be, if the homosexual advocates back it, it
passes. Due to a whole constellation of events, there is only one issue
that the ELCA in this decade must be faithful in regard to: whether the
clear word of Scripture and tradition applies to the behavior of
homosexuals and lesbians, or whether we suspend the clear word of Scripture and tradition for them and them alone (others to follow) because they are
"victims”." Because this issue involves our obedience to the moral
teachings of Scripture and Tradition, it must not be let go of. It must stick
in our craw if we are to remain part of the one holy catholic and apostolic church."



Go on over for a visit to read the rest. Click on the title!

---Katie

A quote from the "German Shepherd"

Pope Benedict XVI writes:

"Today in broad circles, even among believers, an image has prevailed of a Jesus who demands nothing, never scolds, who accepts everyone and everything, who no longer does anything but affirm us: the perfect opposite of the Church, to the extent that she still dares to make demands and regulations. F. Schulz recently found something similar in an analysis of the new prayers of the Evangelical Lutheran worship services. He encountered there a twofold 'dechristologizing' tendency: 'First the practice of naming the Person of Christ recedes or disappears. . . , then there is a shift in emphasis that consists in the fact that Christ is no longer addressed in the respectful terms reserved for royalty but that his solidarity with mankind is stressed instead.' The presence of the figure of Jesus itself is becoming diminished. . .,transformed from the "Lord" (a word that is avoided) into a man who is nothing more than the advocate of all men. The Jesus of the Gospels is quite different, demanding, bold. The Jesus who makes everything okay for everyone is a phantom, a dream, not a real figure. The Jesus of the Gospels is certainly not convenient for us. But it is precisely in this way that he answers the deepest question of our existence, which--whether we want to or not--keeps us on the lookout for God, for a gratification that is limitless, for the infinate. We must again set out on the way to this real Jesus."

It is so nice to hear some solid doctrine.

---Katie

Pagans want to ban The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

From World Magazine (Click on the title):

Ban the culture

It's the only way to protect schoolchildren from Christian lit | by Gene Edward Veith

Many public schools already use The Chronicles of Narnia in their reading curriculum. But after Florida governor Jeb Bush started promoting The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in a statewide reading contest called "Just Read, Florida," the critics are wanting to ban that book.

C.S. Lewis' classic, set to premiere as a major motion picture Dec. 9, has a clear Christian message, culminating in the Christ-figure, Aslan the Lion, giving himself to the devil figure, the White Witch, to die in the place of the rotten little kid, Edmund. Then Aslan rises from the dead, which brings salvation to Narnia.

Such a clear gospel message, according to some civil libertarians, has no place in the public schools. Barry Lynn, director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, says, "This whole contest is just totally inappropriate because of the themes of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It is simply a retelling of the story of Christ."

Ironically, those comments came out a week after Banned Books Week, celebrating books people have tried to censor. (According to the Banned Books Resource Guide from the American Library Association, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is on the list. So is the Bible.)

And Mr. Lynn earlier denounced an Alabama school board for choosing not to use certain textbooks because of their anti-Christian bias, considering that to be "censorship," which at that time for those books, he opposed: "We are very much concerned that this will unleash a tidal wave of new censorship efforts by a variety of religious groups seeking to impose their sectarian viewpoints on all of the students in America's public schools."

If it should be unlawful to have students read books that have a Christian theme, the problem is even worse than civil libertarians realize. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is not the only book with a Christ figure who gives his life to save others.

We'll also need to ban Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, Herman Melville's Billy Budd, and William Faulkner's Light in August.

And we can't stop there. Nearly everything written before the 18th century has a strong Christian content. Shakespeare's comedies have some bawdy stuff that we might permit, but their plots tend to involve some sin, discord, and a death sentence resolved only with some sort of death, resurrection, and forgiveness. In the tragedies, Hamlet worries about hell, Macbeth yearns to be cleansed of guilt, and Lear—evoking the Christian Right conspiracy—resolves to be "God's spy."

In the second tier of the greatest English authors, we have Milton, with his epic poem on Adam, Eve, and the Fall (explicitly biblical and creationist); Spenser, with his combination of fantasy and Christian allegory (that influenced the banned Lewis); and Chaucer, whose Canterbury Tales include some dirty ones we could use, but what if students read the tales of the Pardoner, the Franklin, or the Parson?

We'll need to ban metaphysical poetry, in which John Donne, George Herbert, and the others write explicitly about their relationship with Christ. Even post-Enlightenment, we've got problems. Jonathan Swift was a minister, whose Gulliver's Travels ridicules human depravity. Hawthorne too writes about original sin, a Christian belief that might interfere with children's self-esteem.

We could do as the colleges are doing, change the canon of books considered great. But when we replace the white males with women writers, it gets even worse! Anne Bradstreet, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Christina Rossetti, and Flannery O'Connor are even more explicitly Christian. So are many of the classic black authors, such as Phillis Wheatley and Frederick Douglass.

Erasing Christianity from the culture that it shaped will leave nothing left. We had better ban all literature, along with our whole contaminated culture.

Oh, never mind. We are already doing that.

---Katie

WFTV Orlando "Outs" CCW Permit Holders

Ok, I admit it. I am a gun nut. I like to shoot and I am a responsible gun owner. I took the time to get a permit so I can carry legally. I am trained and I am excruciatingly careful. I guess that is not enough for WFTV Orlando. They want to make sure my neighbors know that I am one of those eeeevil gun carrying wackos...

Here is the article I posted on FreeRepublic:

I am sorry I don't have the original article, but it has been removed from the WFTV web site. They did a big expose this week on the proliferation of concealed carry permit holders in Central Florida. On their web site they had links to excel files containing lists of permit holders by county including names, addresses, birth dates and permit numbers. Of course, that is all a matter of public record, but they made it easy to access and, from what I have been told by those who heard their promos on the TV and radio, they told people to go to their web site to find out which of their neighbors might be carrying. Here is the e-mail I sent to the station:

I would like to know for what purpose your station put links to the CCW permit lists on your website. Were you interested in letting criminals know where they could go to steal guns?

I hope you will be as quick to expose criminals' names and addresses as you are to "out" those law-abiding citizens who just want to be able to protect themselves legally.

And here is the reply I received:

Ms. Aberaussie, thank you for taking the time to share your opinion with us. We take your concerns very seriously, and we understand that you strongly disagree with the station's decision to publish state records identifying concealed weapon permit holders in Central Florida.

While we very much respect your viewpoint, we believe that our story regarding concealed weapon permits, as well as the identities of those who have elected to obtain those permits, is newsworthy and of legitimate concern to the public. The Florida legislature has deemed that the identity of permit holders, including their names, addresses, dates of birth and permit numbers, is public information. While the legislature has determined that law abiding citizens have the right to carry a concealed weapon, it also has determined that their fellow citizens have a right to know who has been granted such a permit.

However, to the extent that you have any continuing concerns about the publication on the station's website of the state's list of permit holders, you should be reassured by the fact that this information is no longer available on the website as a result of the station's normal process of removing dated materials. We hope this will ease any concerns you may have.

Again, we thank you for taking the time to contact us. Please know that we hear you, and we understand your concerns. Hopefully, we can move forward from here with mutual respect and a better understanding of each other's viewpoint on this matter.

Naughtin, Linda (CBI-Orlando TV) [Linda.Naughtin@wftv.com]

Now, I have trouble believing that they removed the links as part of their regular updating process. I checked the site several times during the day on Tuesday, and about mid-afternoon the links to the lists disappeared, but the article was still there. I do know that one person I know who was calling WFTV and Tallahassee regarding the article and the links was told that both the station and the Department of Licensing were flooded with calls. So I did reply to Ms. Naughtin's e-mail suggesting that not only did they have shockingly bad judgment, they also had a tenuous hold on the truth. ;-)

---Katie

Pray for the Conservative Lutherans

I found this article over on Pietist:

Conservative Lutherans Prepare Large-Scale 'Coalition for Reform'

Conservative Lutherans Prepare Large-Scale 'Coalition for Reform'

Friday, Nov. 4, 2005

WASHINGTON – Conservatives in the nation'’s largest Lutheran denomination may set aside minor doctrinal differences and form a coalition for large-scale reform within a church they say has lost sound theological understanding.

The Word Alone Network, a grouping of more than 200 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations and 70 regional chapters, will be meeting with other orthodox fellowships next week to "“come to an understanding on working together for the common good."

“We'’re going to see if we'’re able to work together to change the denomination and turn it around,"” said Jaynan Clark Egland, president of Word Alone.

The "“Coalition for Reform,"” as it is unofficially called, will be meeting in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from Nov. 6-8, and will draw representatives from organizations such as Solid Rock Lutherans and Lutherans Reform!, a regional group based in Pennsylvania.

This will not be the first time confessing Lutherans would be working together for a common goal. Solid Rock Lutherans, for example, was specifically created by various groups and individuals who sought to prevent changes to the current standards on sexuality and ordination in the ELCA; the church prohibits the ordination of active homosexuals and forbids the blessing of same-sex marriages.

However, it may mark the first time the groups agree on adopting an official statement of creed and faith.

"This will be a prototype breaching across different groups on the basis of a common confession of the Word Alone Network,"” Egland said. "These are the main points of orthodox Lutheran Christian belief."”

In the past century, liberal and moderate leaders have piloted America'’s historic mainline denominations, leading everything from mission agencies to theological seminaries. Pockets of conservative believers have always existed within these churches, but it wasn'’t until about 30 years ago that official renewal groups began taking form.

Conservative Coup d'etat

In some instances, such as the "“conservative resurgence"” of the Southern Baptist Convention 25 years ago, these confessing Christians succeeded in launching a coup d'etat that overthrew liberal leadership in nearly all branches of ministry.

Still, others have not been as successful.

"“It'’s not possible to generalize all mainline churches,"” explained Mark Tooley, a director at the Institute for Religion and Democracy and vocal critic of liberalism. "“If you look at the Episcopal Church, for example, conservatives obviously lost and they are now trying to formulate a new communion."

However, Tooley said there is one thing that can be generalized: "“liberalism within mainline churches has been declining in influence and authority for the last 40 years."”

This may be true at least in Tooley'’s denomination, the United Methodist Church (UMC). The top court of the UMC, – which trails the Southern Baptists as the second largest US-based denomination, just last week handed down a series of verdicts related to homosexuality and the rights of gays and lesbians in the church.

The Council members sided with conservatives in all these cases, including a case involving a Virginia pastor who was forced to take a leave of absence for refusing membership to a homosexual man. The court reinstated the pastor, Ed Johnson, on the basis that pastors do have the right to choose who can be a member of the local church.

Down the Wrong Road?

According to Jim Winkler, the General Secretary of the UMC General Board of Church and Society, this ruling sends the denomination "down the wrong road."”

"“We will be on the road down to the take-over of our denomination similar to that of the Southern Baptist Convention 30 years ago,"” said Winkler, whose group advocates for the full inclusion of gays and lesbians into the UMC.

Tooley does not believe such a sudden "“take-over"” will occur in his church. However, he said, "“In another 20 years or so, it may be realized."”

Overcoming Internal Differences

As for the ELCA, renewal groups still have some bumps to work out before seeing significant changes. According to Egland, there are still many disagreements among conservatives over the understanding of ecclesiology (the make-up of the church), the role of bishops, and the importance of ecumenical relations.

"These are all differences that existed within Lutheranism for quite some time,"” said Egland. "“We have our disagreements, but itÂ’s a matter of coming to understand that we actually have more in common with each other than those differences."”

The main commonalities are a high regard for the Bible and a desire to maintain Scriptural authority -- points, they agree, that are currently missing in the ELCA leadership.

"“There is a line that connects all the problems the church has," said Egland. "“Once you start going lukewarm and selling out on Jesus, it changes everything."”

Such changes range from "“the way you worship"” to the "way you understand marriage and homosexuality,"” she said. "“It even affects the way you make your decisions on a day-to-day basis."

Ultimately, Egland said, the goal of the proposed "Coalition for Reform"” is to change the church from its leadership and bring it "“back to its roots.”

"“Do I think it'’s possible?"” she asked. "“Yes, I'’m hopeful.

"“I think if we can just decide to join in what we have in common instead of nipping over our differences, we can get the ELCA back on track to being faithful."”


Pauline J. Chang
pauline@christianpost.com

---Katie

Ceasefire in the ELCA is over.

Well, Goodsoil is back. Click on the title to see what they recommend for changing the ELCA.

Couldn't even wait for the next Churchwide Assembly.

---Katie

No tolerance for ex-gays?

I guess ex-gays don't deserve to be heard. Click on the title for the entire article.

Ex-Gay Conference Meets with Massive Protest

by Stuart Shepard, managing editor

Homosexual activists and anti-war protesters join forces against a Boston Love Won Out event, completely mischaracterizing the message being presented inside.

More than 1,000 gay activists and protesters jammed the street in front of the historic Tremont Temple Baptist Church on Saturday, shouting "Get the f--- out of Boston!" during Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference.

Why do we want to deny people the message that they don't have to remain in the "lifestyle" if they don't want to? That there is hope if they want to change? Isn't that what Christianity is about - hope?

---Katie

More on Metro NY Synod II

Looks like Metro NY passed the resolutions. I have only read about it on the ALPB forum and the details are not there. I'll post information as I find it. This could throw the ELCA into a constitutional crisis.

---Katie

More on Metro NY Synod

Here is a letter Pastor Rob, who often comments on this blog, wrote:

Dear Bishop Bouman,

Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have just received word that your synod will have a special assembly to discuss matters pertaining to the ordination of practicing gay/lesbian clergy. My prayer is that this assembly will not decide to bless what Scripture clearly rejects.

I am aware that you and I are on opposite sides of the fence. I agree that there will come a time when orthodox Christians and revisionists will have to part company, as many are now doing vis-a-vis LCMC and other church affiliations. Yet there is more at stake here than simply a parting of the ways if the synod you serve decides to move in the direction of ordaining practicing gay/lesbian clergy.

First, consider that blessing gay and lesbian clergy who practice homosexual sex will be a defacto recognition of same-sex unions and the blessing thereof, which Recommendation number 2 prohibits. You will be going against Scripture, and therefore making the case that Scripture ought not to be the final authority over matters of faith and life. This would be a violation of the Lutheran Confessions, as well as 2,000 years of Christian teaching on sexuality. Your synod would put itself outside the pale of Christianity, and would be apostasizing itself. As bishop, you are called to work in such a way that this does not happen. I urge you now to take up that calling and help put a stop to this slide towards a different faith than the one handed down by the saints.

This leads me to the second point, an issue that I realize is not at all palatible, but nonetheless necessary for us to discuss. We need to consider that any move towards blessing same sex unions and allowing for the ordanation of practicing gay/lesbian clergy would mean placing a stumbling block before our brothers and sisters in Christ and leading them to damnation. Remember the word of Christ, "If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a mill stone tied around their necks and be thrown into the sea." If the Synod acts to overturn the measures adopted at the National Convention, it will be leading others to their eternal doom.

Brother, please consider these things. I realize that you will not agree with much or all of what I have written. Yet you must know that the ramafications of your syonds activity will have wide ranging repercussions that go far beyond the splitting of the church. What your synod does or does not do will have eternal consequences upon the souls of all people, no matter what their sexual preference.

You and your people are in my prayers. The Lord guide your conversation, and bring you to a conclusion that is pleasing to the Christ and will bring true redemption to the lives of those to whom we witness.

Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Robert Buechler, Pastor

Trinity-Bergen/Faith Lutheran Parish

Starkweather, ND

This was printed with permission...thankfully we do have orthodox pastors in the ELCA still.

---Katie

Check this out.

I got this in my e-mail today. Shocking. I went to the site to remove my information.

It is unbelievable that with so much concern about identity theft that this website would exist.

Be sure to read the info on the Drivers License

Check your drivers license for yourself. You can see anyone's Driver's License on the Internet, including your own! I just searched for mine and there it was...picture and all! Thanks Homeland Security! Privacy, where is our right to it?

To find your personal driver's license, just enter your name, City and state.

After your license comes on the screen, click the box marked
"Please Remove".

This will remove it from public viewing, but not from law enforcement.

http://www.license.shorturl.com

---Katie

Wilma damage

Click on the title for the Miami Herald site where you will find an excellent photo essay showing damage from Hurricane Wilma.

---Katie

We Survived Wilma

Thankfully, we only had a wet, dark and windy day. The most excitement we had here was when we heard a crash outside (the dogs went nuts) and discovered a dead branch had fallen from one of the large oaks out back and nicked the edge of our covered patio. No damage, just noise. We have not redone the patio since the three hurricanes last year, so it would have been no great loss anyway. It leaks like a sieve during heavy rain - it was old to begin with and the hurricanes did it in.

Now the weather is beautiful and cool. The windows are open, AC is off for the first time since May. All is well with the world. (At least here; I hear things are not so good south of us. Keep them in your prayers and send money....)

---Katie

And the Beat Goes On...

Unfortunately this is just not going away. Look what the Metro New York Synod is calling for a special meeting to discuss:

SA2005.5.5.

2005-C To Support, Encourage, and provide equitable candidacy and disciplines processes for Gay and Lesbian Members of the Metropolitan New York Synod

Click on the title to get to the web site.

Thanks to Pastor Rob for the tip.

---Katie

When is a life not worthy of life?

I am working on a paper for an ethics class. I am looking at "life at the margins of life" - people who are close to death, people who are just born, but severely disabled, infants in utero who have been screened and found to have a potentially serious defect...then I found this article over at worldmagblog.com:

The Abortion Debate No One Wants to Have
Prenatal testing is making your right to abort a disabled child more like "your duty" to abort a disabled child.

By Patricia E. Bauer
Tuesday, October 18, 2005; A25

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- If it's unacceptable for William Bennett to link abortion even conversationally with a whole class of people (and, of course, it is), why then do we as a society view abortion as justified and unremarkable in the case of another class of people: children with disabilities?

I have struggled with this question almost since our daughter Margaret was born, since she opened her big blue eyes and we got our first inkling that there was a full-fledged person behind them.

Whenever I am out with Margaret, I'm conscious that she represents a group whose ranks are shrinking because of the wide availability of prenatal testing and abortion. I don't know how many pregnancies are terminated because of prenatal diagnoses of Down syndrome, but some studies estimate 80 to 90 percent.

Imagine. As Margaret bounces through life, especially out here in the land of the perfect body, I see the way people look at her: curious, surprised, sometimes wary, occasionally disapproving or alarmed. I know that most women of childbearing age that we may encounter have judged her and her cohort, and have found their lives to be not worth living.

Click on the title to read the rest.

How many of us would abort a child if we knew that it was going to be a serious burden for the rest of his or her life? What about those parents who talk about the joy that a disabled child has brought to the entire family? Will those people who allow their defective children to be born and to live (yes, some parents let their defective newborns die of intentional medical neglect in the hospital) be shunned for bringing a less than perfect child into the world?

I find this issue extremely peturbing.

---Katie

Ghost Pictures

If you like ghostly things, click on the title and check out the top ten best ghost pictures. Cool. If you are easily spooked, just skip this one.

---Katie

A Good Reason to Turn the Light on for Those Nocturnal Bathroom Trips

I have to say this is the sort of thing that gives me the creeps. I have always been paranoid about snakes or rats coming in through the toilet. I guess it can really happen. This is from the Times in London.

WHEN residents in a block of flats saw a 10ft boa constrictor slithering from their lavatory bowls, their claims were treated with scepticism. They resorted to placing bricks on lavatory lids after the snake put in several surprise appearances. Now the flat-owners have been vindicated: one brave resident trapped the giant reptile during a night-time confrontation in his bathroom. He managed to coax the snake, named Keith, into a bin, ending a two-month reign of terror at the flats in West Didsbury, Manchester.

Keith had been living in the flat's’ sewage pipes and is thought to have been abandoned by his owner, evicted for owing £5,500 in rent. The possibility that the snake was left on purpose in revenge for the eviction has not been ruled out.

Although the snake was spotted several times, no one had had the courage to try to catch it. Some treated the “sightings” with suspicion.

Firecrews were called when a bleary-eyed resident went to the lavatory in the middle of the night — and came face-to-face with the snake. They used fibre-optic equipment to check the drains and plumbing but found no trace of the reptile.

However, another resident was confronted by the snake when he found it on his bathroom floor on Saturday evening. The 19-year-old man put a bin on its side and the snake crawled inside. He then placed a lid on the bin and called the RSPCA.

David Fitzgerald, who owns the flats, said: "“I think he was quite surprised to see the snake there looking back at him. He raced down to the garden and got a concrete block, which he used to cover the toilet seat."

Mr Fitzgerald confirmed that a former resident, who was forced out in August for rent arrears, had owned a 12-year-old snake. An RSPCA spokesman said that it was not uncommon for smaller snakes to be found in household sewage pipes, but the discovery of a 10ft boa constrictor was "“quite out of the ordinary”."

Shudder.

---Katie

Wow! Wilma breaks the record!

Click on the title for a cool graphic.

Wilma now holds the record for the lowest barometric pressure ever! Also, I think, for the fastest strenghthening from a tropical storm to a cat. 5. And she is expected to hit....Florida! Wheee!

Yes, my freezer is full of ice cream I bought on sale, so if the power goes out, come on over!

---Katie

Don't expect the gun grabbers to tell the truth...

Interesting editorial in our local paper regarding the Brady campaign in Florida:

It's Open Season on Truth

It's tourist season. Can we shoot them?

This is what the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence would have you believe. The Brady Campaign has very publicly promoted its efforts to warn innocent tourists that their lives are in danger if they choose to vacation in the Sunshine State. This propaganda campaign was sparked by Florida's passage of a self-defense act, which took effect Oct. 1.

It goes without saying that the Brady Campaign opposes any law that expands an individual's right to use a handgun, even for a legitimate purpose. However, in this case, when it was unable to defeat legislation by political means, it decided to attack Florida's tourist industry. Make no mistake, despite the Brady Campaign's assertion that its goal is simply to alert travelers, this campaign is clearly designed to punish Florida for passing the new law, by scaring off tourists who are vital to the state's economy.

The Brady Campaign plans to place advertisements in travel sections of several newspapers throughout the United States and abroad, announcing that Florida's "Shoot First Law" has taken effect. "Thinking about a Florida vacation?" the advertisement asks. "A new law in the Sunshine State authorizes nervous or frightened residents to use deadly force."

Is this true? Well, maybe, if the "innocent tourist" decides to attack a Floridian with sufficient force to create a reasonable belief that the use of equal force in self-defense is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. If the Brady Campaign's advertisements keep this type of "innocent tourist" away from Florida, then I applaud the effort.

But this is not the purpose. The purpose is to cause fear. The Brady Campaign does not publicize the fact that the law only allows the use of force by a person who is first "attacked."

------

I remember a number a years ago when it was open season on tourists in Florida. The "bad guys" knew that tourists were not likely to be armed and were, therefore, defenseless. Which is, by the way, how the gun control folks would like to keep us. Now, with our concealed carry laws, which permit not only Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon for protection, tourists can protect themselves as well, as long as they have a permit from their state which is reciprocal with our state. What the Brady Bunch won't tell you is that our crime rate went down significantly when our concealed carry law was passed, as it has in every state where laws have been passed to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon to protect themselves. Of course, that is truth that must be supressed.

The next law to be considered that will protect our right to keep and bear arms is one which will prevent employers from forbidding their employees having a weapon locked in their cars on company property. Many employees cannot carry a weapon for protection on the way to and from work or transport a weapon in their vehicle to take to the range after work because it is against company rules to have any weapon on company property even if it is properly secured in a locked vehicle. Companies think this will keep some nut from coming into the business and shooting up the place. What they forget, like most gun control advocates, is that criminals don't care about the laws or rules. Of course, the media is giving us headlines like "Law Would Allow Guns at Work!" Like folks are going to be strapping on their Saturday night specials and strutting about the office....

sigh

---Katie

Should we go to the ELCA youth gathering?

Frankly, I love San Antonio. I would love to go. But I have reservations. Here is a letter from a pastor who has similar reservations:

Todd, Heidi, and Bill,

Thank you for the recent invitation to attend the Pastor'’s Academy as part of the national youth gathering in 2006. It is a gracious offer. Including time with Roland Martinson, complimentary registration for myself and my wife, and housing at a reduced rate suggests a deep commitment to growing a youth presence in our church. But your invitation puts me in a dilemma. Though I am highly supportive of family and youth ministry (my D.Min. is in the area of family systems), I look toward ELCA sponsored youth events with some concern and wariness.

A little about St. John Lutheran in Columbia, MD: This past spring we had 81 kids in confirmation. We routinely have 250 or so children in programs on Sunday morning. As you can imagine, they represent a wide spectrum in family health: some traditional nuclear families, blended families, a growing number of single parent households, and grandparents raising their grandchildren, mostly in response to their own substance addicted children, etc. We are working toward a number of initiatives to help build healthier families. We provide leadership to synod wide youth gatherings and programs. Our Family and Youth Pastor is currently working toward a D.Min. through Fuller Seminary in the area of creating healthy youth and is part of a county wide "“Search Institute"” partnership that is seeking to work with a wide variety of institutions and agencies. We do not approach this ministry in a trivial manner.

At the same time, I continue to read with dismay of the strong pro-gay and lesbian advocacy on the part of our ELCA youth ministry leaders. There's really no other way of saying it, but regardless of events and "“the vote"” this past summer in Orlando, given what I have read, I am not willing to place our growing and prevailing congregation and their families at risk by having them attend an ELCA youth event. I simply cannot trust what they will be taught and what they will experience. Perhaps when I hear our denomination take a strong and supportive stance toward creating emotionally and spiritually healthy traditional families, I can encourage our participation. Alas, we did not just spend 2.3 million on that effort, but in exploration of something very different.

It sounds like you are expecting a great crowd of kids and adults. More power to you and to them. As in all the ministries I lead, I cannot lead were I am not willing to go. I wish it were possible for me to, in good conscience, send our youth to San Antonio. I cannot.

Peace,

Dr. Brian Hughes
Lead Pastor
St. John Lutheran Church
Columbia, MD

I encourage you to add the link above to your bookmarks. There is lots of interesting discussion going on over at the ALPB Forum.

---Katie

We have used up all the hurricane names for the year. Does that mean we can't have any more?

This one is predicted to hit Florida. Yipee.

Go away Wilma!

---Katie

Do Boys Need a Dad?

I think so...but as a single mom friend of mine says, "No dad is better than a bad dad." I know several boys being raised by single moms who have dads that would be extremely destructive if they were in the picture (crackheads, etc.). But is it a good idea for women to make a conscious choice to produce children knowing that a dad will never be in the picture? To have sons who talk about their "seed daddies?" Ick. This cannot be good.

Click on the title to read Rev. Albert Mohler's review of the book, Raising Boys Without Men.

Here is an excerpt:

So, how does Drexler explain the fact that boys without fathers want a dad? "It's only natural to long for what you don't have," she claims.

But Drexler doesn't end with this dismissive (if utterly unconvincing) assertion. She goes on to argue that boys raised by moms alone are likely to develop a superior masculinity to that of boys with fathers. "Sons have a hard time accepting those characteristics in their fathers that cannot be changed, and even into adult life spend enormous amounts of energy wishing, hoping, fantasizing, and trying to transform their fathers into the loving models they never were and most likely can't be," she insists. Once again, Drexler's logic crosses into absurdity. She focuses on the virtues of highly motivated "maverick moms" and on the liabilities of dead-beat dads and simply chooses not to acknowledge the obvious benefit boys receive by the presence of loving, masculine, supportive, normal fathers.

------

So, I guess we could just keep men around as sperm donors because we certainly don't need them to help raise the children. Of course, what does that mean for these boys of "maverick moms" when they reach adulthood? Will they be accepting of the theory that they are not needed to help raise the next generation?

And with cloning becoming a real possibility in the very near future, might we not need sperm at all? Perhaps we can keep men in zoos or something. (That was sarcasm in case you are one of the sarcastically-impaired.)

Double sheesh.

---Katie

Our bishop congratulates Abbas

From A Conservative Lutheran:

Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA and president of the Lutheran World Federation, recently met with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority (see the ELCA news service article at http://www.elca.org/news/releases.asp?a=3203 for a reporting of the meeting). At that meeting, “Hanson congratulated Abbas on the withdrawal [Israelis from Gaza] and noted that ‘much has changed and much remains.’”

And, of course, as you have read a little about in this blog, the Palestinians then proceeded to sack Gaza.

Click on the title.

---Katie

A Conservative Lutheran

This is a blog you might want to bookmark. Gary Schnitkey is documenting the left wing political action of the ELCA. I plan to read it every day!

---Katie

Things I Have Learned From My Children

I know this has been around awhile, but it is my all time favorite forward. A friend sent it to me this week, so I thought I would share:

Things I've Learned From My Children

1. A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they ignite.

3. A 3-year olds voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 room.

5. You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6. The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh," it's already too late.

8. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9. A six-year old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.

10. Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old.

11. Playdoh and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12. Super glue is forever.

13. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still can't walk on water.

14. Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15. VCRs do not eject PB&J sandwiches, even though TV commercials show they do.

16. Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17. Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18. You probably don't want to know what that smell is.

19. Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not like ovens.

20. The fire department in Austin,TX has a 5-minute response time.

21. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22. It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24. The mind of a 6-year old is wonderful. First grade...true story:

25. 60% of men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

---Katie

Wear red on Friday!

Support our troops by wearing red on Fridays! The "silent majority" is going to show support for our troops by wearing red every Friday...will you join in?

---Katie

Could it be about saying "no?"

Would you provide alcohol for your kids and their friends if it meant keeping them off the streets and out of bars? Susan Reimer thinks that she might consider making just such a "pact with the devil" if it meant keeping her daughter safe. What about just saying no - and stop enabling a lifestyle that sees drinking as a necessary part of life? But no:


Anheuser-Busch has begun a public service campaign this fall titled, "Prevent, don't provide."

It is aimed at parents who provide their underage children with alcohol or allow them to drink in their homes. According to the beer maker, two-thirds of teens get their alcohol from their parents or other adults, including derelict characters willing to take their $5.

I understand why such a campaign is important, but do you understand how parents like me might make pacts with the devil? How it stops being about legal or illegal and starts being about something far more frightening?

I was never one of those parents who served beer to underage kids or who let them have parties in my house. But do you understand how I might have been? How I might happily have traded a six-pack for a set of car keys and the guarantee that everyone would be sleeping it off in my basement?

Do you understand how I might want to be the den mother on a spring-break trip to good, old, boring Florida? Do you understand that sometimes it isn't about legal? It is about living.


I am not anti-drinking; in fact, I think our draconian laws regarding alcohol are detrimental to our children's attitudes toward drinking. I think parents ought to make the decision as to whether their children are allowed to drink a glass of wine at the dinner table - it really is not any of the government's business how we choose to teach our kids about alcohol, as long as we are not harming the rest of society by unleashing little drunkards on said society. Which, by the way, is the current situation despite the laws. I would never, however, consider providing alcohol to kids still under the supervision of their parents. I can't imagine how I would react if someone did that with my kid...well, maybe I can. I was so angry when I read this column, I imagined things like lawsuits and prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law. Why can't we parents support each other in teaching our kids to be moral and temperate instead of caving in to the culture? I guess Susan provides her daughter with a prescription for the pill and clean needles.

Sheesh.

Click on the title.

---Katie

You, too, can be a Democrat!

Sorry to say it, but I stole this off of Free Republic:
(with apologies to my Democrat friends who really do know how to think!)

How I Became a Thinking Man

Written by Carlos Lopez
Saturday, July 17, 2004

It started out innocently enough...

I began to think at parties now and then--to loosen up. Inevitably, though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker. I began to think alone--to relax, I told myself.

But I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time.

That was when things began to sour at home.

One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my mate about the meaning of life, but she just spent that night at her mother's.

I began to think on the job.

I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't stop myself. I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Thoreau and Kafka. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, "What is it exactly we are doing here?"

One day the boss called me in.

He said, "Listen, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job."

This gave me a lot to think about.

I came home early after my conversation with the boss. "Honey," I confessed, "I've been thinking..."

"I know you've been thinking," she said, "and I want a divorce!"

"But Honey, surely it's not that serious."

"It is serious," she said, lower lip aquiver. "You think as much as college professors, and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking, we won't have any money!"

"That's a faulty syllogism," I said impatiently. She exploded in tears of rage and frustration, but I was in no mood to deal with the emotional drama.

"I'm going to the library," I snarled as I stomped out the door.

I headed for the library, in the mood for some Nietzsche. I roared into the parking lot with NPR on the radio and ran up to the big glass doors... They didn't open. The library was closed.

To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night.

As I sank to the ground, clawing at the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a poster caught my eye. ''Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?'' it asked. You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinker's Anonymous poster. Which is why am what I am today: a recovering thinker.

Now I never miss a TA meeting.

At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was "Porky's." Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting.

I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed... easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking.
I think the road to recovery is nearly complete for me.

Today, I registered to vote Democrat!

YOU, TOO, CAN BE A DEMOCRAT

---Katie

For those of you who miss the days of the Clinton White House...

Here is something you might want to consider. Click on the title for a lovely addition to your decor.

Wasn't there some silver missing after the Clintons left the White House?

This is just one of those things that make you say, hmmm....

(As my parents used to say, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. The Clintons are truely classless.)

---Katie

What of the church?

A mailing from Word Alone:
(Please note the bold text in the article. I think that says it all for me. ---Katie)

What of the church?

by Pastor Randy Freund

When speaking of the church, Article VII of the Augsburg Confession puts it succinctly: "This is the assembly of all believers among whom theGospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments areadministered according to the Gospel."

This seems simple enough. In fact, I have heard some argue that this is so simple and clear that we should stop "quibbling" about theology and get on with the mission of the church. I will start with the last part of that statement, with which I am in full agreement. It has much to do with my own interest in forming an association of confessing churches as proposed by several renewal groups within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I have served as head of a task force looking into starting such an association within the ELCA.

Though I am clearly not interested in a new "institution," I think Alvin Rogness was asking the right questions about the unique calling of the church years ago. "Is there any institution that can take the place of the church? If it fails, who will pick up its mission for the world? From the time of Christ, the church has been commissioned to tell the story of God. Its mission is to bring [man] into responsible and grateful fellowship with God. Its task is to put [man] under the command of God and to nestle [him] in the care of God. Neither government nor labor unions nor any other institution in society is dedicated to this task. If the church does not do it, it will not be done."

Getting on with the mission of the church is, of course, our most basic and urgent calling. Who will tell the story of Jesus if we don't? So then what of theology and "quibbling?"

Theology and the mission of Christ's Gospel are inherently linked.

In the very simple statement of Article VII, which is quoted above, two words stand out. One is "Gospel" and the other is "purity." Here is where the task of theology is more than mere "quibbling" among learned theologians. Both within WordAlone and in renewal movements not associated with WordAlone, we have heard the warnings of "another" or a "different" gospel. Given Paul's warning in Galatians 1, this is a serious charge. But whenever the justification of the ungodly gets replaced with the affirmation of the unrepentant, one is dealing with another or a different gospel. Sorting this out is the important work of
theology.

The second word (purity) doesn't make theology's task any easier. Comedy and tragedy come together when we sinners start to imagine that any of us can concoct a pure church. As Luther put it: "Farewell to those who want an entirely pure and purified church. This is plainly wanting no church at all." So what does it mean for the Gospel to be "preached in its purity?" To a great extent, again, we rely on the important task oftheology.

All of which affirms an invitation to come the fall WordAlone theological conference where we will take up theology's task as it relates to the church. What can you expect if you come to the
theological conference and stay for a meeting to form the association, Nov. 6-8 at Brooklyn Park Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Park, Minn.?

The speakers will be engaging and challenging—Dr. Dennis Bielfeldt, Dr. Mary Jane Haemig and Dr. Cynthia Jurisson—and will draw us into deeper reflection around the question: "What does 'church' mean to Lutherans?"

Bielfeldt is a professor of philosophy and religion at South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D. Haemig is an associate professor of church history and director of the Thrivent Reformation Research Program at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Jurisson was a professor of church history at Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, most recently.

If your church has joined the association of confessing churches or is thinking about it, their talks and the meeting's workshops and seminars will be especially informing and inspiring.

And after the main theological presentations on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 6-7, the first meeting of the members of the churches of the emerging association will begin.

We will envision together what association of confessing churches can look like and do. There will be a vote to form a steering committee to continue the work begun there in Brooklyn Park. The task force formed by WordAlone last spring to look into an association has recommended for voting status, "Anyone who represents a church that has joined the association or expects his or her church to come into the association may vote" during the association's plenary sessions. All participants will have voice.

The association meeting also provides WordAlone members the opportunity to meet people who may have not attended WordAlone events before, but who are very interested in learning more about and becoming involved in renewal and mission through an association of confessing churches.

Hope to see you at Brooklyn Park Lutheran Church!

(Anybody interested in going? ---Katie)

The OK suicide bomber

Since the Mainstream Media sees nothing interesting in this story, the bloggers are having to keep up with it. Gateway Pundit is doing a good job. Click on the title and keep your powder dry.

---Katie

Suicide Bomber tried to buy Ammonium Nitrate

I guess he was getting ready to take up farming - not!

In case you don't remember, AN was a major component of the bomb that was used in Oklahoma City.

I am the only one noticing the deafening silence from the mainstream media? We have our first suicide bombing in the US and - nothing!

Click on the title!

---Katie

You can rest easy...

...knowing your tax dollars are well spent. Or, well, spent, anyway.

An Alaska Airlines 737 received a creative new paint job, compliments of - you! $500,000 of compliment. I knew you would be proud! Click on the title!

---Katie

Uh Oh

It looks like we have our first official suicide bombing in the United States. Notice the singular lack of coverage on our mainstream media outlets. Click on the title for the article.

---Katie

It's that old slippery slope thing....

This is just for those that say homosexual "marriage" will not lead to other strange relational permutations:

First Trio "Married" in The Netherlands

From the desk of Paul Belien on Tue, 2005-09-27 00:08

The Netherlands and Belgium were the first countries to give full marriage rights to homosexuals. In the United States some politicians propose "“civil unions" that give homosexual couples the full benefits and responsibilities of marriage. These civil unions differ from marriage only in name.

Meanwhile in the Netherlands polygamy has been legalised in all but name. Last Friday the first civil was registered. Victor de Bruijn (46) from Roosendaal "“married"” both Bianca (31) and Mirjam (35) in a ceremony before a notary who duly registered their civil union.

"“I love both Bianca and Mirjam, so I am marrying them both,"” Victor said. He had previously been married to Bianca. Two and a half years ago they met Mirjam Geven through an internet chatbox. Eight weeks later Mirjam deserted her husband and came to live with Victor and Bianca. After Mirjam'’s divorce the threesome decided to marry.

Victor: "A marriage between three persons is not possible in the Netherlands, but a civil union is. We went to the notary in our marriage costume and exchanged rings. We consider this to be just an ordinary marriage."”

Asked by journalists to tell the secret of their peculiar relationship, Victor explained that there is no jealousy between them. "“But this is because Mirjam and Bianca are bisexual. I think that with two heterosexual women it would be more difficult." Victor stressed, however, that he is "“a one hundred per cent heterosexual"” and that a fourth person will not be allowed into e "“marriage."” They want to take their marriage obligations seriously: "“to be honest and open with each other and not philander."”

Who does that guy look like?

And what if the girls want a little variety? What is this about not allowing a fourth person in the relationship? Oh, that's right. They are bisexual; they have variety. A second man is not needed. Sheesh.

World. Hell. Handbasket.

---Katie

Why did so many police officers in NO not show up for duty during Katrina?

Perhaps because they did not exist. A story that is breaking today says that as many as 85% of the 250 cops who "went missing" during Katrina do not actually exist. Up to 700 cops may just be names on the roll in NO. I wonder if salaries were being paid to someone...

Katrina is going to be the equivalent of looking under a rock when it comes to the amount of corruption that is going to surface during the recovery.

Click on the title for what little info I have been able to find. I'll update later.

---Katie

But they're so cute!

The politically correct in the UK want people to stop cooing over babies.

A hospital has banned visitors from "cooing" over newborn babies to protect their dignity and parents' right to confidentiality.

People have been told they should resist the temptation to touch or be too familiar with the new arrivals. They are also being warned to respect patient confidentiality by not talking to staff or parents about babies.

Cards have been issued to visitors at Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax, West Yorks, bearing the words "Respect My Baby" on the front. On the back are the lines written as though from the baby: "I am small and precious so treat me with privacy and respect. My parents ask you to treat my personal space with consideration. I deserve to be left undisturbed and protected against unwanted public view."

The measures were introduced as a result of a Government booklet, Essence of Care, that explains extra protection for patients

But the hospital's interpretation has prompted criticism from mothers.

Lynsey Pearson, 26, from Halifax, who gave birth to her first child, Hannah, four weeks ago, said: "This ludicrous idea is taking confidentiality to the extreme. If people did not ask me about my baby I would be offended. I am so proud of Hannah and I want to show her off. I imagine all new mums feel that way."

Debbie Lawson, the neo-natal manager at the special care baby unit, said: "We know people have good intentions but we need to respect the child.

"Cooing should be a thing of the past because these are little people with the same rights as you or me."

Some folks have way too much time on their hands!

(A funny aside, when I did spell check, the system wanted to change the name of the hospital to "Coldhearted" - ha!)

---Katie

Is anyone surprised (Why does the ELCA support the Palestinians Part III)

So, Israel pulls out of Gaza, hoping to secure peace...the Palestinians are now lobbing rockets from Gaza at Israeli cities - and we think the Pali's are the poor, oppressed good guys???? I hope Israel crushes them.

Click on the title for the story.

---Katie

I'm conservative...

...no kidding!

I took the political test at OK Cupid and discovered that I am socially and economically conservative, with a rather strong leaning to live and let live.

"You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness."

I really did not need to take a test to know this. It was fun, though, and gave me something to do other than housework.

Click on the title if you want to play.

---Katie

New Orleans is flooding again.

This is just too sad.

---Katie

Fundamentalism redefined?

Here is a quote from the new pope:

"Having a clear faith, based on the creed of the church, is often labeled today as a fundamentalism," he said Monday. "Whereas relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and 'swept along by every wind of teaching,' looks like the only attitude acceptable to today's standards."

Hmmm.

---Katie

Hurricane Alpha?

Can you believe that we have had so many named storms this year that we might run out of names? When that happens, we go to the Greek alphabet. Click on the title to read more about it.

---Katie

Bill Clinton for First Lady?

Here is a backhanded campaign for Hillary for president. Click on the title. I take no responsibility for what you might find there.

---Katie

The MSM must hate this!

The mainstream media must hate it that people they interviewed don't blame Bush for the problems with Katrina:

To ABC's Surprise, Katrina Victims Praise Bush and Blame Nagin

ABC News producers probably didn't hear what they expected when they sent Dean Reynolds to the Houston Astrodome's parking lot to get reaction to President Bush's speech from black evacuees from New Orleans. Instead of denouncing Bush and blaming him for their plight, they praised Bush and blamed local officials. Reynolds asked Connie London: "Did you harbor any anger toward the President because of the slow federal response?" She rejected the premise: "No, none whatsoever, because I feel like our city and our state government should have been there before the federal government was called in."” She pointed out: "“They had RTA buses, Greyhound buses, school buses, that was just sitting there going under water when they could have been evacuating people."

Not one of the six people interviewed on camera had a bad word for Bush -- despite Reynolds' best efforts. Reynolds goaded: "Was there anything that you found hard to believe that he said, that you thought, well, that's nice rhetoric, but, you know, the proof is in the pudding?" Brenda Marshall answered, "No, I didn't," prompting Reynolds to marvel to anchor Ted Koppel: "Very little skepticism here."

Click on the title for the entire article at NewsBusters.

---Katie