A Broch--Yiddish Swear WordA Broch--Yiddish Swear WordJewish thinking on a Christian world. Insights on Christianity and current events from a Jewish perspective. Articles
Jesus Disneyland
2007-10-11 12:55:00 Okay, we accuse Jews of making money off of everything… hmmmm: BUENOS AIRES– What would Jesus do? At a theme park in Buenos Aires, he rises to the heavens on the hour, every hour, as the rousing chords of Handel’s Messiah blare out of speakers suspended from plaster palm trees. Welcome to Tierra Santa — Spanish for the ... More About: News , Religion , Christianity , Entertainment
Dalai Lama: Religion can bring hope if faiths work together
2007-10-11 12:21:00 The Associated Press reports: ITHACA, N.Y. - Religion carries the hope of peace in the world, but it is up to individuals of different faiths working together to make that hope reality, the Dalai Lama said Wednesday during a special interfaith service for local congregations. Religions are becoming more polarized, you see this mentality coming from the ... More About: News , Christianity , Work , Judaism
Romney doesn?t understand fascination with his beliefs
2007-10-11 12:02:00 From yesterday’s Salt Lake Tribune: WASHINGTON - Snagging the cover of a well-read magazine is a big bump for any presidential candidate, but when Mitt Romney found his chiseled face on News week’s front page, he was less than thrilled. Romney took issue with the headline, “A Mormon’s Journey,” and the theme of the story covering nearly ... More About: Politics , Religion , Christianity , Republican
I?m back?. part two?.
2007-10-11 11:38:00 Working the overnight shift kills your spirit. Working in news kills your spirit. People have been emailing me day in and day out since I left asking me to come back. I’m touched and I’m in the middle of a large lifestyle change. I’ve made up my mind to get out of the news game. I ... More About: Personal , Back , Part
Vatican threatens to shun Holocaust memorial
2007-04-23 13:05:00 We have a runner up for my schmuck award. JERUSALEM - The Vatican ambassador to Israel threatened Thursday to boycott a Holocaust memorial ceremony next week over a museum?s portrayal of Pope Pius XII?s conduct during the Nazis? killing of Jews in World War II. The beauty of history is that as time passes we learn more about ... More About: News , Politics , Religion , Christianity
What a schmuck
2007-04-23 09:22:00 Today I am introducing a new category to my blog, the Schmuck Award. The inaugural recipient, Frank Pastore from TownHall.Com. Mr. Pastore is pissed off that Christians didn’t seize the opportunity at the memorial service on the Virginia Tech campus to convert people. What Mr. King (the Christian pastor that spoke at the event) said should be studied in ... More About: News , Personal , Religion , Christianity , Islam
VT shootings vs Don Imus: No outrage vs too much outrage
2007-04-18 11:12:00 Everyone and anyone is talking about what happened at Virginia Tech. We even observed a moment of silence yesterday at Temple before my class began. The Rabbi told us about the professor who was Jewish that used his body as a human shield to save his students. Every news channel has 24/7 coverage– including the one I work for. Yes, it’s sad, it’s a disgrace… now, where’s the outrage over the gun laws in America? This is what’s wrong with our society and what really gets me riled up. We are so back ass backwards in America. We’re more concerned about the words an old curmudgeon uttered than the fact a disturbed young man was able to waltz into a gun shop, buy two guns and then kill 31 people. We’re more angered that the words “nappy haired hos” were said in a joke than the fact this killer wasn’t able to get the mental health treatment he needed so desperately. What’s the saying? “Sticks and ston... More About: Don Imus , Imus , Rage , Shooting , Much
Damn good point MSNBC: Borat ?I want to shoot Jews? vs ?Nappy haired hos?
2007-04-13 14:42:00 I really am appreciating the amount of effort MSNBC is putting into keeping the discussion of race and minorities alive in America. And David Gregory makes a damn good point, one of the best damn points about this whole mess so far. David Gregory just a few minutes ago asked Tom Brokaw what’s the difference between ... More About: Borat , Jews , Hair , Want , Good
Al Sharpton: Racist Anti-Semite (and so is Jesse Jackson)
2007-04-13 11:26:00 I’m going to say it: Al Sharp ton is a hypocritical racist. From the Wall Street Journal: But at Freddy’s, Mr. Sharpton was even more malevolent. He turned a landlord-tenant dispute between the Jewish owner of Freddy’s and a black subtenant into a theater of hatred. Picketers from Mr. Sharpton’s National Action Network, sometimes joined by “the Rev.” ... More About: Jesse Jackson , Jesse , Harp
I?m back thanks to Don Imus
2007-04-13 11:11:00 I’ve taken a long sabbatical, perhaps too long. I needed the time to readjust my life and focus more on me. Passover reminded me what is most important in my life, my family and my beliefs. I almost gave up my kvetching post but I’ve received several emails from strangers encouraging me to continue. So yes, I’m ... More About: Don Imus , Imus , Back , Thanks , To Do
Discovery Channel: We found Jesus? burial site, burried with his child
2007-02-26 20:45:01 The only thing I could say is holy crap, this debunks Christianity. James Cameron on the Today show, 99 percent chance that this is the real thing. The Discovery TV Channel has released new details of the “Lost Tomb of Jesus ” documentary that is to be officially launched at a New York press conference on Monday, including the claim that Jesus was buried in a Jerusalem tomb alongside Mary Magdalene and, possibly, their son Judah. The film also suggests that the so-called “James, Brother of Jesus” ossuary, which surfaced in 2002 in the collection of Israeli antiquities collector Oded Golan, may also have come from the tomb. The “James” ossuary made world headlines, but has been branded a forgery by the Israel Antiquities Authority though it still has many defenders.According to the website of the Discovery Channel , for whom the “Lost Tomb of Jesus” documentary was produced, Israeli-born filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici and his colleagues have... More About: Site , With
Faith-based bill introduced in Oklahoma
2007-02-22 14:40:01 Lawmakers in Oklahoma have introduced a bill that would persuade state prisons to use faith-based groups to reduce repeat offenders. The bill is called the Transformational Justice Act and it will offer state corrections officials bonuses for improving their relapse numbers. The measure would also establish incentives for partnerships between prison officials and faith-based and community groups. Further incentives are included for establishing relationships with faith-based organizations. A House subcommittee approved the bill. I’m all for the rehabilitation of prisoners but faith is not the answer. Iowa is already using faith-based organizations in their prisons, the measure is being reviewed in the courts. Alex Luchenister, attorney for Americans United for Separation of Church and State says: ?Catholic inmates felt entrapped,? Luchenitser said. ?Some instructors told them their Catholic beliefs were wrong. One volunteer even said a future pope would be the antichrist. Whe... More About: Faith , Intro , Bill , Base
Director of Human Genome Project on battle between faith and science
2007-02-22 14:40:01 Dr. Francis S. Collins, director of the Human Genome Project , spoke to students at Purdue University the other day. The topic on tap, the relationship between faith and science. Speaking from a prepared lecture, “The Language of God: A Believer Looks at the Human Genome,” Collins talked about how religion should not be in conflict with science. Collins notes an increasing escalation between science and faith: ”This recent battle is unfortunate and destructive,” he said. “We cooked it up; it’s too bad we’ve come to this conclusion.” You see the billboards all the time across the south saying that evolution has no place in religion. You hear evangelical Christians screaming from the pulpit that science is tool of the devil. “How could (science) threaten God if he designed the principles and set them into motion?” Collins said. Collins argued that people are limiting themselves with their current beliefs in faith and scienc... More About: Science , Faith , Direct
Hollywood set to honor faith-based movies
2007-02-21 20:38:01 Hold on to that movie ticket, the next film you may see released on the big screen could be a part of a new genre called “gospel cinema.” Gospel Cinema? Backstage.com reports industry insiders are looking into faith-based movies after the success of urban films such as “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” “Holly wood does not understand the people who live between New York and California,” says casting director Reuben Cannon. “Now that I live in the South, religion is probably the biggest activity here. The Bible Belt is not just a name. It is real. Hollywood just hasn’t catered to the Christian faith-based market because it hasn’t been necessary.” Films such as “The Passion of the Christ” and “Narnia” grossed in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Seeing that Fox Films created a new label FoxFaith . Nothing major has come out yet, just direct-to-video releases. Recently movie insiders are reported to be g... More About: Movies , Movie
Edwards on Israel: Country not a threat to peace
2007-02-21 20:38:01 Hot from the wires. I really don’t know who to believe– Variety or the politician. EDWARDS-ISRAEL Edwards : Israel NOT a threat to world peace WASHINGTON (AP) - John Edwards’ presidential campaign wants tomake it clear that he doesn’t consider Israel a threat to worldpeace. A spokesman for the 2008 Democratic candidate issued a statementyesterday denying such a report on Variety.com. Columnist Peter Bart reports that Edwards told a Hollywoodfund-raiser last month that the possibility that Israel would bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities is perhaps the greatest short-term threatto world peace. Edwards’ spokesman Jonathan Prince says the article iserroneous. He says Edwards says one of the greatest short-termthreats to world peace is Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. Bart says Variety stands by its report. The host of thefund-raiser, Adam Venit of the Endeavor talent agency, didn’t immediately respond to mes... More About: Peace , Country , War
Government says church can?t practice religion
2007-02-21 20:38:01 Interesting story out of Seattle today. A local church was told by the government that it was operating illegally and that it needed to shut down. I brought this point up yesterday, God may be above the law but church’s aren’t. St. Jude’s Church did not apply for the necessary permits to operate and now the parish faces what could add up to $37,000 in fines. The fines stem from the problem that the church decided that it didn’t need the permits and it had a religious obligation to the area to open. The key thing here is that the church set up a tent city– they were not operating out of a building. I don’t know about you, but the permit process seems completely legit to me– I don’t want to wake up one morning and find a circus tent next door. (more…) More About: Religion , Government , Men , Practice
After six years, opposition gaining on George W. Bush?s Faith Based Initiat
2007-02-21 08:37:01 Media Transparency reports that Pres. Bush ’s faith-based initiative is taking some flak, nothing new, I’ve blogged about this before. 2/14/2007 Americans United for Separation of Church and State is suing the state of Iowa for using state funds for government sponsored proselytizing. The kicker, they?re using the funds in prisons. Despite some legal battles currently playing out in the courts, Bush’s program seems to be running quietly under the radar. The National Journal reports: “Under the public radar, federal, state, and local governments are funding, training, and even helping to create religious social service organizations.” I see it right here in my small city of 300,000. The local school system is farming out their at-risk students to an after-school program put on by a local Baptist church. (more…) More About: Faith , George W Bush , George W , George
Church officials ?disciplined? for not disclosing Haggards? sexuality in ?S
2007-02-21 08:37:01 In an almost “Star Wars-like” fashion, Ted Haggard’s former church held a “day of hope” inspired by their former leader’s struggle with the “dark side.” Sunday’s day of hope was also intended to bring co-workers back to the “light side.” I hear it already, “Ted, I am your father.” “Concerning Ted and his family, we have done extensive fact-finding into his lifelong battle with a ‘dark side’ which he said in his confession letter has been a struggle for years,” Pastor Larry Stockstill, part of the church’s board of overseers, told the 14,000-member congregation. Turns out several employees knew of Haggard’s sexuality “issues.” “We have verified the reality of that struggle through numerous individuals who reported to us firsthand knowledge of everything from sordid conversation to overt suggestions to improper activities to improper relationships. These ... More About: Church , Discipline , Sexuality , Sing , Sexual
?MTV-like? tactics used by church to promote hate
2007-02-19 20:35:01 I blogged earlier today on how a world church leader is blaming MTV for ruining today’s teens. How about religious leaders using “MTV-like” tactics to brainwash young people? From yesterday’s Christian Post: SEATTLE (AP) - Minutes before the pastor walks to the pulpit, loud indie rock blasts from speakers to a crowd of mostly 20-somethings. The band on stage wears black, and the lead singer, with his scruffy five o’clock shadow and hair slicked down in rock-star style, croons about Emmanuel and rejoicing. Alright religion is adapting– that’s a good thing. But take a closer look and you’ll see nothing has changed. The leader of this church says he preaches that the Bible is the literal truth. That means heaven and hell, no sex before marriage and homosexuality is a sin among other things. They also preach that women aren’t allowed in the clergy and must submit to their husbands. In fact this same preacher blames Ted Haggard’... More About: Church , Promote , Tactics , Hate , Prom
Congressman says evolution is a myth spread by Jews
2007-02-19 20:35:01 Have you heard? Evolution was spread by Jews in order to bring Christians to the devil. Well that’s what Rep. Ben Bridges (R-GA) believes anyways. In a memo sent to lawmakers in California and Texas: “Indisputable evidence - long hidden but now available to everyone - demonstrates conclusively that so-called ’secular evolution science’ is the Big Bang, 15-billion-year, alternate ‘creation scenario’ of the Pharisee Religion,” the memo said. “This scenario is derived concept-for-concept from Rabbinic writings in the mystic ‘holy book’ Kabbala dating back at least two millennia.” Now I wasn’t aware that Darwin was able to time travel– I guess that’s another strike against him because that’d make him a witch or something. And you tell me that Christians are the most discriminated group of people in the United States? Give me a break. This is an elected official in Congress – he represents ... More About: Read , Congressman
Church leader: ?That damn MTV?
2007-02-19 20:35:01 Oh that damn MTV–We all hear it muttered.. that damn MTV. Now the head of the World of Council of Church es is shouting it. Dr. Samuel Kobia told a group of youth leaders in India that the Church is heading towards losing a whole generation of new leaders to MTV culture. Yes, MTV is the spawn of the devil. Or maybe religion is. Kobia speaks about a competition between the God and popular western culture. Of course the competition is all man made– religion almost always fails to adapt and is quick to slam the new. It’s not MTV that’s shaping the identity of teens like Kobia claims, MTV is a reflection of teens today. If MTV stops dishing out pop culture someone else will do it. I don’t understand the conflict between God and pop culture. They call it the entertainment industry for a reason– it entertains. Religion is something personal. (more…) More About: Hat , That , Damn , Lead
Congressman gets death threat in name of God
2007-02-19 20:35:01 North Carolina Republican Congress man Howard Coble last week voted in favor of the resolution against the troop surge in Iraq. And now someone wants him dead. To TRAITOR Coble All traitors to America come to ugly ends either by the hand of God or by the hand of man. This statement reflects perfectly the sentiment in the right-wing religious community. It’s sad how the concept of God is used by those who disagree with people. It’s the same thing that I hear from non-Jewish religious people– “you’re going to hell.” It’s upsetting, it’s disturbing and it’s scary to know that there are people out there who believe in a God that strikes people down dead. Why not debate, why not take action– why are they so focused on killing those who believe differently? Again, the religious right is so scared of Muslim extremists taking control of the United States they fail to see how their tactics are a mirror image. More About: Name , Death , Gets
Real evolution: not talk-radio evolution
2007-02-14 20:31:02 Edward Humes, author of “Monkey Girl: Evolution , Education, Religion and the Battle for America’s Soul,” writes in the LA Times that there are two versions of evolution in America today. The first version is the talk-radio version. The talk-radio version had a packed town hall up in arms at the “Why Evolution Is Stupid” lecture. In this version of the theory, scientists supposedly believe that all life is accidental, a random crash of molecules that magically produced flowers, horses and humans ? a scenario as unlikely as a tornado in a junkyard assembling a 747. Humans come from monkeys in this theory, just popping into existence one day. The evidence against Darwin is overwhelming, the purveyors of talk-radio evolution rail, yet scientists embrace his ideas because they want to promote atheism. The second version is the real theory of evolution. Real evolutionary theory explains how life forms change across generations by passing on helpful traits to ... More About: Radio , Talk Radio , Talk
Here we go again: God, Darwin Clash in Kansas
2007-02-14 14:30:02 Four times in eight years, that’s how many times the Kansas Board of Education took up the issue of evolution and how it should be taught. Roll up your sleeves because here we go again. The board now has a moderate majority and last night they met to overturn science standards seen as critical of evolution. The board voted 6-4 to replace the old text with mainstream science that eliminates criticisms of evolutionary theory. The new standards will take effect immediately. The old standard was put in place by a conservative majority back in 2005. They changed the education policy citing evolution’s incompatibility with religious doctrine. More About: God , Darwin , Again , Here
Government sponsored religious indoctrination
2007-02-14 14:30:02 I’m going to take some flak here, I just feel it. Americans United for Separation of Church and State is suing the state of Iowa for using state funds for government sponsored proselytizing. The kicker, they’re using the funds in prisons. An attorney for the state argues the program is a success because it modifies inmate behavior. The thing is, there are other alternatives to using religion. Therapy, education, work, psychitry, science — all are good alternatives to fix behavioral problems. The problem with the religious program is that it immerses inmates in evangelical Christianity on the tax-payer’s dime. But the worst thing is inmates who completed the 18-month program received special treatment. While inmates weren’t required to participate in the program, those who did won material benefits like better prison housing, jobs and parole options, and were punished if they opted ou. (more…) More About: Government , Men , Sponsored , Nation , Ligi
Clear Channel blocks anti-gay billboard
2007-02-14 14:30:02 A plan by the conservative Christian organization Focus on the Family to rent a billboard in Phoenix was rejected by Clear Channel Outdoor. The proposed billboard was to read “I questioned homosexuality: Change is Possible, Discover How.” No matter how you feel on this topic you have to realize that science says a person’s sexual orientation is not a choice. From the American Psychological Association: Is Sexual Orientation a Choice? No, human beings can not choose to be either gay or straight. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed. Can Therapy Change Sexual Orientation? No. Even though most homosexuals live successful, happy lives, some homosexual or bisexual people may seek to change their sexual orientation through therapy, sometimes pres... More About: Board , Bloc
Real evolution: not talk-radio evolution
2007-02-14 02:30:01 Edward Humes, author of “Monkey Girl: Evolution , Education, Religion and the Battle for America’s Soul,” writes in the LA Times that there are two versions of evolution in America today. The first version is the talk-radio version. The talk-radio version had a packed town hall up in arms at the “Why Evolution Is Stupid” lecture. In this version of the theory, scientists supposedly believe that all life is accidental, a random crash of molecules that magically produced flowers, horses and humans ? a scenario as unlikely as a tornado in a junkyard assembling a 747. Humans come from monkeys in this theory, just popping into existence one day. The evidence against Darwin is overwhelming, the purveyors of talk-radio evolution rail, yet scientists embrace his ideas because they want to promote atheism. The second version is the real theory of evolution. Real evolutionary theory explains how life forms change across generations by passing on helpful traits to ... More About: Radio , Talk Radio , Talk
Brainwashed teens ready for spiritual war
2007-02-14 02:30:01 It’s sad to see the efforts of our youth being used for all the wrong reasons. It’s such a waste, with the same amount of effort and prodding we can put these kids to work in our soup kitchens, nursing homes… use them to save the environment instead of saving souls. From the Christian Post: Recently, Caite and her youth group from The Vine, in Spring Hill, Florida, went to the local mall to visit Victoria?s Secret. They entered the store one at a time and pleaded with the manager to take down the posters because they have been destroying a generation. One at a time, the manager kicked them out and the next teen entered the store. How is Victoria’s Secret destroying a generation? Victoria’s Secret empowers women, allows them to look good and feel good about their bodies. I forget, for some bras and underwear equals sex. (more…) More About: Teens , Spiritual , Rain , War , Read
Frank Rich on Imus: America craving diversions
2007-02-14 02:30:01 New York Times columnist Fran k Rich on Imus in the Morning today came up with an interesting theory. He believes the reason why America ns are so fascinated right now with stories like Anna Nicole Smith’s death and the diaper wearing astronaut is because we are so fed up with Iraq that we’re craving something else. As a news producer this got me thinking. I worked at ABC News for a small amount of time during the whole Natalee Holloway craziness. I worked the war in Iraq beat and I was astonished at the amount of money and resources the network dedicated to the missing teen. But of course the resources didn’t come until market studies showed the higher ups that Americans craved the coverage. And now we see it with Anna Nicole Smith. (more…) More About: Rank , Frank Rich
Conservative Christians move in to take over local politics
More articles from this author:2007-02-12 14:28:02 Call it an unusual tactic, several upstate South Carolina pastors say they are very concerned about more conservative Christian s moving into the area to take over local politics. The movement is called Christian Exodus and the founder says they have moved 15 families in from various parts of the country and another dozen are planning to relocate. One area pastor sums this tactic up nicely: “I think it’s pretty tragic and pretty frightening stuff,” said Tom Ritchie, pastor at Young Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. “If the people of Anderson allow it to happen, we probably get what we deserve.” Christian Exodus says they’re not trying to create a theocracy — but they will run its own candidates for election and there are plans to set up a low-power FM radio station. (more…) More About: Politics , Conservative , Take , Christians 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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