September 24 – September 30

Here are your top 5 interesting, must-know news articles from the past week. Enjoy!

"Much like the secular news, Christian news can be full of very noteworthy articles. This week, take a glimpse into what’s going on in the church, across the nation, and in entertainment. How much do we really know of our own faith and everything related? And consider this, health care for spiritual healing."

5.

// Seattle church invites Muslims to dinner

Michael Ly, an associate pastor of Soma Church near Seattle is reaching out to Muslims and imams affiliated with the controversial Council on American-Islamic Relations to share their religious beliefs.  There is criticism against the project by Crosstalk radio host Ingrid Schlueter who believes the effort is irresponsible and dishonest.  Ly, however, believes that reaching out to Muslims with friendship is what Jesus would do while Schlueter says it undermines the Christian faith. Original article.

4.

// 'Secretariat' plays odds with uplifting, winning message

Riding on the coattails of success from the movie Blindside, Disney will release yet another feel-good movie featuring a Triple Crown racing horse. The movie, titled “Secretariat,” will feature a gospel song and a Bible quote, providing a particular appeal, especially among church groups. The movie will open to wide release on October 8. Original article.

3.

// Survey: American Knowledge of Religion 'Poor'

Based off of a nationwide poll conducted earlier this year, researches from the pewForum on Religion and Public Life found that Athiests, Agnostics, Jews, and Mormons were better able to provide basic knowledge of their faith and related text than Protestants and Catholics could. In addition, the results noted that half of Protestants and Catholics were unable to identify key figures or points within their religion. Original article.

2.

// Christian Scientists push for health insurance that covers spiritual care

While all Americans will soon be provided health care, Christian Scientists are lobbying the government for health care that will cover spiritual care. Spiritual care is a means of healing without medicine or procedures, but rather through prayer and mentorship. There are over a thousand Christian Science practitioners and dozens of facilities to provide this nonmedical care. Patients are still charged by the visit, as well as by the hour or day (varying by facility). Original article.

1.

// Ga. megachurch pastor pledges to fight accusations

Bishop Eddie Long, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, said he will fight allegations that he lured men into sexual relationships. Four men have filed lawsuits in the past week, alleging that Bishop Long gave them gifts and took them on trips to seduce them.  Bishop Long said, "I've been accused; I'm under attack. I want you to know, as I said earlier, I am not a perfect man but this thing I'm going to fight." Original article.

Special thanks to contributing writer, Grace Kwon.

Have suggestions of what you want to read about or would like to share some stories that you came across? E-mail Veronica at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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