The Daily Graphic: Is America Losing Its Religion?

Very interesting story and interactive graphic in USA Today this morning.  It looks at how Americans identify their religious identities between 1990 and 2008.  Below is a screen grab of a state by state shot from the interactive graphic showing the change in the percentage of Americans saying they are affiliated with “no religion.”  Click the link above or the graphic and go check out all the features and interactivity.

God’s Economy

Been light posting – holidays stuff, traveling, etc.  I’m in BFE right now and found an internet at a McDonald’s, enjoying a tasty double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and have to share the following.

I was impressed, moved by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent op-ed in London’s Daily Telegraph. It was sort of misunderstood by some of the press coverage I read about it.  Perhaps misunderstood isn’t the right word, it was mis-represented.  The point of his message was that unswerving loyalty to a system – whether it be economic, political, social – a system that pits one group of people against another – is bound to have bad, perhaps disastrous consequences.

In part, Dr. Rowan Williams wrote:

What Barth saw beginning to take its grip on Germany in 1931 was a system of “principle” that worked quite consistently once you accepted that quite a lot of people that you might have thought mattered as human beings actually didn’t. As the nightmare decade unfolded, the implications of this became clearer and clearer. And what he was warning against was the temptation of unconditional loyalty to a system, a programme, a “cause” which was essentially about “me and people like me”. It’s about the danger of my agenda, our needs, the programme of this particular group, its safety and prosperity.

And Christmas is supremely the story of a God who is not interested in telling us about principles. First comes the action – God beginning to live a human life. Then comes the appeal: do you love and trust what you see in this human life, the life of Jesus? Then the implication: everyone is capable of saying yes to this appeal, so no one is dispensable. You don’t and can’t know where the boundary will lie between people who belong and people who don’t belong.

And what did we see in the human life of Jesus?  From what is written in the Gospels, we know he lived, preached and taught among the least of us.  His philosophy, his teaching, his actions were inclusionary.  They were about reaching out to the marginal and drawing them in.

The media focused on the fact that Dr. Williams, in his op-ed, chose to make his points – both theological and political on the experience of Karl Barth and the nightmare of Nazism.  Distilled down, for me at any rate, his point is that we are in the midst of dealing with the unintended harsh, hurtful consequences of a system – of principles.  That being the capitalist, un-regulated free market.  I don’t believe Williams was suggesting that jack-booted thugs will take over any time soon, but I do believe that he was saying our “going all in” with the current economic system and ignoring the marginalized, the least among us will eventually damage us all more than it has already.

A Christmas Eve service I attended brought it all home: God’s Economy.  Pastor Al at a Lutheran Church in Bexley or Whitehall pointed out how bad the economy is.  He reminded us, on Christmas Eve, that there was another economy that didn’t apply downward pressure on the poor, the hungry, the generally needy.  God’s Economy is about the least among us first.

A little late for a Christmas message, I know, but just wanted to throw some of this out there.  Basic Christian theology, from two different perspectives, both wrapped in intellect and argument yet simple at the core.

Text: Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury | Christmas Message | from The Daily Telegraph

Editors Note: First published in the Daily Telegraph (U.K.) December 21, 2008

Unconditional Loyalty to a System Not Worth the Human Cost

Forty years ago this month, one of the greatest religious thinkers of the 20th century died. In his long career in Switzerland and Germany, he had published millions of words, played a crucial role in inter-church discussions across Europe, denounced nuclear weaponry – and, before the war, done most of the work in drafting for the German churches a statement of open defiance against the Third Reich. Some of his most powerful lectures were delivered in the bombed-out ruins of the theological department in Bonn when the war had ended and he was able to return to Germany after being driven out by Hitler.

Read more

Another Stupid Email Debunked – Thank You Snopes – ‘Prayer for Our Nation’ Is BS

One of my pet peeves is the use of email to send chain political messages, sappy inspirational pictures or dumb jokes. 

If you are a friend, family, co-worker or just curious, I don’t mind hearing from you.  But, what I want to hear is what you think, not what someone told you to think and especially not what someone else passed on to you as what some famous person told a church or a class of graduating high school seniors.  I find that most of the time, the stuff that gets passed around the church prayer chains or the fantasy football league email list is unsourced BS.

Since Thanksgiving is almost upon us, Billy Graham’s Prayer for Our Nation is back and has found its way into my wife’s email.  One problem with this prayer is that it’s more political statement than thoughtful beseeching of blessing or guidance from God.  The other problem is that Billy Graham didn’t have anything to do with it.  It’s not his thought or work.  To the people who continue to perpetuate this lie, I refer you to Exodus 20, especically the false witness part.

For the whole scoop on what has become known as Billy Graham’s Prayer for our Nation check this out.

Ohio Newsbreak – End of the Week

Strickland, Stivers, Kilroy, Keno, Provisional Ballots, Unemployment, and more …

• Bill readied to prevent ‘Joe the Plumber’ snoops - Dayton Daily News
• Election results pointing to new religious coalition - Toledo Blade
• Strickland prods Congress for help - Toledo Blade
• Next casino effort will be multi-city - The Plain Dealer
• Brunner orders statewide election audit - Associated Press
• Chunk of Strickland’s Year Spent on Elections – Columbus Dispatch
• 27,000 ballots on hold - Columbus Dispatch
• Stivers leading Kilroy by less than 400 votes (Friday) - Associated Press

• Provisional ballot use increasing - Columbus Dispatch
• Lottery vendor not disclosed at Keno hearing - Associated Press
• Unemployment fund likely broke by end of year - Columbus Dispatch
• Cafaro to lead Ohio Senate Dems - The Plain Dealer
• Batchelder will lead Ohio House Republicans - Columbus Dispatch
• More workers accused of politicking on state time - Columbus Dispatch
• No state records show database checks before ‘Joe’ - Columbus Dispatch

Ohio Sunday Papers & Election News Updates – November 2 – PM

Columbus Dispatch 

Obama maintains lead in last Dispatch Poll

Dispatch Poll methodology

Click for Full Graphic

• Candidates can’t seem to stay out of Ohio
• Election Day lines should move faster
• Voter Guide: Nation Awaits Ohio’s Choice
• Obama draws 60,000 to Statehouse on Sunday
• Biden blasts McCain for name calling
• Op-Ed, Jonathan Riskind: Traditional GOP Ground Not Looking as Stable
• Op-Ed, Joe Hallett: Checks on ‘Joe the Plumber’ Out of Bounds

The Plain Dealer

• Obama and The Boss after Browns Game; Palin draws fewer in Canton
• Palin to Ohio: Do You Share Our Commitment?
• Endorsing faith – Not politcians
• Ohio’s out-of-state absentee voters could affect election
• Op-Ed, Connie Schultz: Intimidation can’t silence the voice of the people
• Op-Ed, Thomas Suddes: Ohioans mustn’t fall for payday lenders stealth campaign

Dayton Daily News

• Ohio still the political heartland
• Obama adviser visits rural areas
• McCain makes two day trip to Ohio
• Obama stirs crowd of 60k in Columbus

This is an American Mother

Sunday Papers – Dispatch Poll: McCain Ahead (barely), Tubbs-Jones, Paying fines with Pennies, Voting Machines, Frank Russo, First Solar, Biden Pick, GM Lordstown, Economy, New Poll, Al Qaeda

Ohio News

• So far, voters in Ohio like McCain a bit more (Dispatch Poll) – Columbus Dispatch
• Obama needs to use this week to unite his party – Columbus Dispatch
• Op-Ed, Jonathan Riskind: Loss of Tubbs-Jones felt on both sides of aisle – Columbus Dispatch
• Man tries to pay fine with pennies – Columbus Dispatch
• Editorial: Dropped, then caught – Columbus Dispatch
• Communities rethink benefits of drilling for gas – Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Russo’s son closes business – Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Op-Ed, Thomas Suddes: Strickland works while legislators sleep – Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Editorial: Strickland must lead sustained campaign against sick leave initiative – Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Patients suffer as care, coverage limits collide – Toledo Blade
• Editorial: Sunny news for a change – Toledo Blade
• Local Ds and Rs like Biden for different reasons – Dayton Daily News
• New stars for Ohio Dems at convention – Dayton Daily News
• Local delegates see convention as time to unite – Dayton Daily News
• Editorial: Only Obama can make the case for Obama – Dayton Daily News
• Local Dems cheer Biden – Cincinnati Enquirer
• Editorial: News is good at GM Lordstown – Warren Tribune Chronicle
• Editorial: Ohio plays crucial role in GM Lordstown – Youngstown Vindicator

National/World

• In Obama’s choice a ‘very personal decision’ – New York Times
• Obama’s pick adds foreign policy expertise – New York Times
• A senate stalwart who bounced back – New York Times
• U.S. and global economies slip in unison – New York Times
• A teacher on front line as faith and science clash – New York Times
• A courteous call and a quick strike from McCain – New York Times
• Fear keeps Iraqis out of their Baghdad homes – New York Times
• At conference on risks to earth, few are optimistic – New York Times
• Poll: Support for each candidate holds steady – Washington Post
• Obama calls pick a statesman and fighter – Washington Post
• Al Qaeda masters terrorism on the cheap – Washington Post

Full Transcript: Saddleback Presidential Forum, Sen. Barack Obama, John McCain; Moderated by Rick Warren

Saddleback Presidential Candidates Forum

Aired August 16, 2008 – 20:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(Transcript from CNN, Anchor John King’s opening cut)

PASTOR RICK WARREN, SADDLEBACK CHURCH: Welcome to the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. I guess you got my invitation. We’re here in Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Tonight, we’re going to use the interview format with these two candidates. We believe in the separation of church and state, but we do not believe in the separation of faith and politics, because faith is just a world view, and everybody has some kind of world view. It’s important to know what they are. Read more

Sunday a.m. – Phelps, Saddleback

Phelps makes Olypmic history

• Op-Ed, Bill Plaschke: With 8^th Gold Phelps Speechless – LA Times
• Phelps’ journey ends in perfection – New York Times

Saddleback Showdown

• Obama, McCain discuss faith – LA Times

• Obama, McCain faith forum – The Caucus, NYT

Republican Perversions of Christianity

The silly season is starting early for the Rapture Wing of the Republican Party. The use and abuse of the Christian faith for the advancement of political candidates or the cosmic zapping of public discourse has begun.

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-MN, gets the C&C Twisted Theology Award for today. In responding to the legitimate public policy debate over energy policy, global warming and the environment, Bachmann told OneNewsNow that the planet didn’t need to be saved because Jesus already did it! Bachmann referred to a statement made by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, in which she voiced support for an energy policy that helps “save the planet.”

“[Pelosi] is committed to her global warming fanaticism to the point where she has said that she’s just trying to save the planet,” Bachmann said. “We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet — we didn’t need Nancy Pelosi to do that.”

Problem. Bachmann I assume is referring to one Jesus Christ. Read more

Tuesday Mid Morning – Politics and Faith Podcast, Iraq, Peak Oil, Obama, Bush at G8, McCain on the Economy, Fed

• Go here to listen to the Columbus Dispatch’s Joe Hallet discuss politics and faith with the Dispatch’s Faith & Values reporters – Columbus Dispatch
• Democratic platform to have public input – Associated Press (Dayton Daily News)
• Editorial: Soft words don’t hide impact of economic downturn – Dayton Daily News
• Shell CEO makes presentation of two future energy scenarios – Ethical Corporation
• G8 Pledges to cut emissions by half by 2050 – Washington Post
• Maliki Suggests U.S. Troop Timetable – Washington Post
• Shares of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Plummet – Washington Post
• Editorial: Mr. Obama on Iraq – Washington Post
• Adding up the cost of Obama’s agenda – Los Angeles Times
• McCain pledges broad based tax cuts – Baltimore Sun
• Fed to clamp down on exotic and subprime loans – Washington Post
• McCain plan for budget: fiscal hawks vs. tax foes – New York Times
• New Jersey’s painful lesson – New York Times
• Blagojevich gets heated with reporters – Chicago Sun-Times

Wednesday – Morning Read

• Obama Reaches Out to Faith Community – Associated Press in the Dispatch

Part of the program appears to be continued government funding of faith-based human service initiatives.  Although there are credible church based social service providers (Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Social Services, etc.) once the government opens up the coffers, how do you keep out groups like We Care America?

These folks were ridden out of Ohio on a rail in 2007.  Dayton Daily News’ Laura Bischoff uncovered questionable spending and political ties to this group who had control of $22 million in state administered human services funding.  One of her stories is here. 

• Jack Welch said to read this on global warming on Morning Joe today – Wall Street Journal

It’s undeniable that humans are affecting the climate and atmosphere here on Mother Earth.  If someone proved to me today that global warming is not the the problem Al Gore believes it is, I would still recycle, use my push mower, etc.  The global warming debate is one stop along humanity’s environmental awareness continuum.  I think folks like Jack Welch are too caught up in the fact growing consumption means more profit potential.  Concern about global warming, peak oil, environmental degradation could also prove to start new economic engines.  I’m rambling …

• Energy Experts Puzzled Over Oil Prices – Newsweek

From the story, quotes by International Energy Agency head Nobuko Tanaka:

“We are clearly in the third oil price shock,” declared Tanaka, comparing the effects to periods of soaring prices in the 1970s and 1980s.

But he suggested there is less of a likelihood of a quick fix this time.

“Those price peaks forced consumers into saving oil” and oil companies to look for new wells, said Tanaka, but now “the biggest energy savings have been made (and) … the easy oil outside (of) a few countries has been found.”

Monday – Morning Read

• Thomas Friedman and nation building here – NYT

“My fellow Americans: We are a country in debt and in decline — not terminal, not irreversible, but in decline. Our political system seems incapable of producing long-range answers to big problems or big opportunities. We are the ones who need a better-functioning democracy — more than the Iraqis and Afghans. We are the ones in need of nation-building. It is our political system that is not working.” – Friedman

• Questions about Ohio Republicans’ plan to eliminate state’s income tax – Dispatch editorial

“(Rep. John) Adams claims that where he comes from, “you don’t replace a tax with another tax.” But his constituents probably know that the state legislature, unlike Congress, is required by law to balance the budget. If the income tax disappears, that process will become a nightmare.” – Columbus Dispatch

• YES for political endorsements from the pulpit – Columbus Dispatch op-ed
• NO on political endorsements from the pulpit — Columbus Dispatch op-ed
• Huge Saudi Oil Field? — Cleveland Plain Dealer (AP)

OPEC members are predicting $170 in the next six months.  The Saudis are not transparent regarding their reserves – who knows if this field is myth or reality.  – Pelikan

• Prepping the battlefield in Iran? — The New Yorker, Seymour Hersh